With Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day falling on the same day this year, party planning for the weekend is on our mind! Having people into your home and dealing with the pressure of being the perfect host can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we got you!
We have a couple easy tips to make sure your party goes off without a hitch and you don’t get stuck in the kitchen. Let’s make sure you can actually socialize with your guests and enjoy your party!
1. Organize Your Party Ideas
Imagine all the aspects of your party, the shopping, set up, and the event. Write yourself a little timeline with all the specifics you can think of, it well help narrow down the details!
2. Pre Planning
Make sure your space is organized and clean of any clutter! Pull out those extra chairs from storage and set them up. If you have an extra table you think would be good to put some food or drinks on, pull that out too!
Use table cloths (we prefer cloth, but paper works too)! They will help protect your tabletops, and will totally make you look fancy.
The night before, set your table, put out all your serving platters, and make sure all your glassware is clean!
3. Simplify
Narrow down your choices when it comes to menu and décor. Simple is always elegant! Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much that will cost you time and money.
4. Electronic Invites
Paperless post is a great site that is free and has so many cute templates to design your invite! Send it a few weeks early to monitor responses. You can easily track RSVP’s, and you can even schedule an automatic reminder email.
5. Music is a Must
Spotify has some great party playlists, you can stay on theme if you like, or go with a crowd-pleasing throwback playlist!
6. Enjoy Yourself
Remember to relax! Hosts often get wrapped in in the details and end up a little stressed. Once your party starts, let go of the details and have some fun!
If you need us this Saturday, we'll be busy making one of these two delicious cocktails:
For Cinco de Mayo
Classic Skinny Margherita
-Salt & lime wedge to rim the glass
-1.5 oz of Casamigos Blanco Tequila (our fav!)
-3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
-1.5 tbsp fresh orange juice (about 1/2 an orange)
-1 tsp agave nectar
-Ice
Rim glass with salt, put ice in glass, shake tequila, juices and agave in a shaker, pour over ice and enjoy!
For The Kentucky Derby
Classic Mint Julep
-10 mint leaves
-1.5 tsp white sugar
-Seltzer water
-Crushed ice
-2.5 oz Kentucky Bourbon
Muddle mint leaves and sugar in your glass, add splash of seltzer, fill glass 3/4 with crushed ice, add bourbon and another splash of seltzer. Garnish with a mint leaf and they're off!