Backyard Fiesta!

We set up our backyard fiesta under our pergola, and my girls pitched in to help…along with my sister’s dogs who we were doggie sitting.  😉

DIY Papal Picada

Since we were under the pergola, I thought it would be fun to use some pretty papal picada -the beautiful Mexican paper banners.  I made my own out of tissue paper, using scissors and few different hole punches.  They’re really easy to make, and add so much to the decor.  It was a little breezy for our party, but even blowing around a little they sure were gorgeous.

We used a little twine to string them up over the table.

On the table, I used some orange fabric as a runner, and then layered on a few cutting boards for all the yummy food.

At the place settings we used these cute donkey pinatas, filled with candy they’re a “sweet” take-home gift for guests.

Centrepieces

On the table, we used some really inexpensive centrepieces.  I used old tin cans spray painted gold as the containers, and filled them with some flowers from my garden and bright orange, red, and pink carnations.  They were bright and fun and perfect for a fiesta.

I also used some Old El Paso tin cans -from the delicious re-fried beans and green chilies we used for our taco bar.  I planted them with some cactus, and they added a real Mexican touch!

Fiesta Drinks

Off to the side we set up a little drink cart.  I made strawberry lemonade, by just adding some strawberry puree to lemonade -yum!

My fun little plastic donkeys had to make an appearance.  They’re just from the dollar store, but such a fun touch for a fiesta.

And since it was a hot sunny night, some water in pretty bottles.

Backyard Fiesta Menu

Now on to the menu!  I wanted a casual feel, and guests to be able to help themselves, and eat and talk and eat and talk the night away.  So, I set up the taco bar down the centre of the table.  It was so delicious, that we really did sit and eat and talk, and eat and talk and eat again.

From the grill, we had some grilled peppers and mushrooms, along with grilled chicken and steak.  We used a little taco seasoning for a dry rub on the meat, and it was simple and so, so good.

I also added lots of fresh veggies, like tomato, avocado, shredded lettuce, limes, and cilantro.

I made some guacamole, and we had some chips too.

We also had some rice, and re-fried beans, along with bowls of sour cream, salsa, caso cheese dip, and my homemade baked beans.  It was the perfect backyard menu, and fun being outside together grilling.

Backyard Fiesta Dessert

I set up a fun ice cream sundae bar, with delicious Mexican inspired toppings.

The bowls made amazing ice cream bowls, especially after we fried them and coated them in cinnamon sugar!  They were crunchy and sweet and the perfect way to enjoy ice cream with grilled pineapple.

Along with the cinnamon sugar tortilla bowls and grilled pineapple, we had a few other yummy additions: coconut and vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut, caramel sauce, and sprinkles.

It was a great way to finish off our fiesta.

With an amazing Backyard Fiesta like this one, life really is a party!

You might also like our Valentine’s Day Fiesta here.

Also check out our Mexican Fiesta Dinner Party here.

You might also like our Backyard Pizza Party here.