Setting the Stage for Cinco de Mayo Parties
Dessert is an important part of your menu planning. As you plan for your Cinco de Mayo party, spend as much care choosing your desserts as you do your appetizers and main dishes. Dessert will leave a lasting impression of your party in the minds of your guests, so do not skimp on the food or the ambience.
Choosing Desserts
Luckily, many desserts can be made the day before your party. If you want to make something truly memorable such as a Tres Leches cake, it definitely needs the time to set before you serve it. Choose a couple different desserts. A nice complement to the creamy, cool Tres Leches cake is a dessert combining chocolate and chilies. It may sound unusual, but these two flavors create a flavor sensation.
While everyone is drooling over these rich, decadent delights, be sure you also offer something light and fruity for those who do not wish to overdo it. A light creamy flan or a fruity tart may be just the ticket to end their evening.
Appearance
Besides providing delicious food, you need to present them in an attractive way. Bright colors are one of the signatures of Mexico. They do not bother with pale pastels or dreary earth tones. Dress your table in a bright tablecloth. You can use one of the colors of the Mexican flag if you wish, or choose another bright color that sets off your dishes. Napkins can be set out in white, green and red; the colors of the flag.
If you do not have any tropical plants, see if you can borrow a few leaves from a friend who does. Tree philodendrons and palm leaves are particularly exotic looking. Lay the leaves on top of the tablecloth and set your platters right on top of them, letting the fronds peep out from beneath them. Make sure your platters are bright colors. Yellow, blue, orange, green, and red are perfect.
For your centerpiece, try using exotic fruit and peppers. Use foliage to set them off perfectly. Flowers are beautiful, but they can steal the show. Put your desserts on bright colored dishes. Since Tres Leches is pale in color, use a dark plate to really set it off. Accent it with some edible flowers that are either fresh or candied. Setting chocolate desserts on colorful plates will make it look even richer than before.
Setting the Mood
What you should see is color. Since Cinco de Mayo parties are a great excuse to honor Mexican culture, use those cultural preferences and use color to the max. This will create an ambience that will permeate your entire party. The presentation you create using color on your table and with your food will add to the overall effect. Even the most humble dish will look sumptuous.
Of course, once you have your home decorated and the food prepared, do not forget to dress up. The Mexican people enjoy dressing for the occasion, so why should you be any different? Choose a vivid outfit that will make you feel wonderful when you wear it.
All that is left is for your guests to arrive. The food is ready. The mood is set. All you need to do is smile and welcome your guests.
Mexican dessert recipes can truly make a lasting impression. Take a look at fried ice cream. Have you ever tried it? It is cold and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. What could be better? Try some. Your kids will think it is the best dessert ever.