Cinco de Mayo – the fifth of May – is celebrated all over the world. While this day technically commemorates the victory of Mexico over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, we think of it as a great reason to enjoy getting together with all your favorite amigos. So let’s celebrate the Mexican culture with a Cinco de Mayo party – Pier 1 style!

• Rule numero uno: Whether you hold the party indoors or out beside the pool, be sure to decorate with bold, bright colors. The colors of Mexico’s flag are red, green and white, but add splashes of orange, purple and yellow too. Now is not the time to hold back! Have the kids make tissue paper flowers and string brightly colored streamers everywhere. Toss a little sparkling confetti on the table for color. Strategically place our Green Glass Hurricanes and Clear Glass Votives on the dining table and about the room for a shimmering look. And who doesn’t love a piñata?
• Rule numero dos: Break out your most colorful dishes! Pier 1’s Essential Colours dinnerware in yellow, red, green and blue can be mixed and matched with most of our patterned dinnerware. Both our swirling Italian Summer and brightly hued Villa del Sol dinnerware looks muy bueno paired with pieces from our Colours collection, too.
• Rule numero tres: Margaritas, sangria and cerveza are must-haves! Serve these tasty drinks in Pier 1’s beautifully handcrafted Cobalt Rim Drinkware – imported direct from Mexico. Margarita glasses, tumblers, wine glasses and even serving pitchers are created from recycled glass and finished with wide rims of cobalt blue. So not only are you serving up style, you’re helping the environment. Now there’s a reason to say “olé!”
• Rule numero cuatro: Bring on the food! Line your Pier 1 baskets and trays with colorful cloth napkins and fill with tortilla chips or fresh-cut veggies. Place colorful serving bowls filled with salsas, queso and guacamole nearby. And whether you make the meal yourself or have it catered, you can’t go wrong with traditional favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, rice and beans. Keep the serving bowls full and the plates stacked high. Don’t forget the sopapillas and honey!
• Rule numero cinco: You need music! Latin, Mexican folk and mariachi music are all great, but throw a little Tex in with your Mex by playing some Texas Tornados, a little Brave Combo, a touch of Old ‘97’s and some Los Lonely Boys too. Add a little salsa for some extra shimmy and shake, or create a more relaxed vibe with some classical guitar.
• Rule numero seis: Relax. Have fun. Raise your glass and toast those 4,000 brave Mexican soldiers and their victory! Have a taco.