This post is brought to you in collaboration with El Monterey, all opinions are my own.

Around here, we usually don't need an excuse to party, but when we have a reason, it is even more fun. When I was asked to test out some of the new El Monterey Taquito flavors and throw a Cinco de Mayo themed fiesta, I didn't hesitate to say yes. We love El Monterey taquitos, and we love partying even more. The boys really get into helping to decorate and pick out unique food ideas. Our party turned out great, and I wanted to share my Cinco de Mayo party ideas with you all.

Cinco de Mayo Party Food

The menu for your Cinco de Mayo party doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, El Monterey makes it pretty darn simple. El Monterey has been providing great tasting Mexican favorites in the frozen food section for years now. Their taquitos are so addictive, and now they are better than ever with three great new flavors including Taco Seasoned Beef and Cheese, Southwest Chicken and Fiery Hot Shell Shockers. Our family enjoys all of these. The Fiery Hot Shell Shockers are a bit too spicy for my taste, but others in the family like my oldest really love them. You can find El Monterey products in the frozen food section of your grocery store.


In addition to the three different varieties of El Monterey Taquitos, we had a nacho bar. This is the first time I have put one of these together, and it was incredibly easy. You just throw a bag of chips in a bowl, and then lay the toppings out for everyone to add on their own. Ours had taco meat, Rotel cheese sauce, sour cream, salsa, lettuce and tomatoes.


No party is complete without dessert though, so we made these adorable little sombrero cookies. Take a sugar cookie, add some frosting, embellish with sprinkles, and top with a gumdrop. Aren't they cute?


To drink, I made a non-alcoholic faux Sangria, with one bottle of 7-Up and one bottle of Cranberry flavored Ginger Ale with fresh orange and pineapple slices added for decoration.

Cinco de Mayo Party Decorations

Putting together a quick fiesta? Creating a party environment doesn't have to take all day. A plain white tablecloth is easily dressed up with some shredded strips of tissue paper from the Dollar Tree. Cut a piece of tissue paper into fourths lengthwise, fold each fourth in half lengthwise, and then cut thin strips in the tissue paper, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a fringed strip of paper that can be taped and layered to your tablecloth.



Next, we hung some streamers from the ceiling to the table. You can create a design like we did, or just drape them any which way. Fun accents like the margarita glasses that we picked up at the Dollar Tree or paper straws easily spice up the decor and add in splashes of fun!

Are you planning on throwing a Cinco de Mayo party for friends or family? If so, consider using the new flavors of El Monterey taquitos to quickly set the table with delicious party food! You can get more information on their new products including promotions and nutritional information on the El Monterey website.

Win It!

Want to try out delicious El Monterey products for yourself? Enter to win a prize pack of 8 El Monterey product coupons using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends May 5, 2014, and is open to US residents 18+ only.

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