3 tips for the perfect party! 1

Double the fun with authentic beverages

Serve bottled beverages from Mexico, like Corona beer or fruity Jarritos sodas ($1 each, Target and Walmart stores) to refresh guests while adding a decorative element. Another idea: Pour the beverages into glasses and use the empty bottles as bud vases for individual blooms.

2Spice things up

No Cinco de Mayo party is complete without Tajín Clasico seasoning ($ 4 for 5 oz., Amazon.com)! The blend of chili pepper, lime and salt adds subtle heat to everything from chicken dishes to mango wedges. To spice up cocktails, sprinkle the seasoning in a shallow dish, wet the glass rim with lime juice, and dip it in the seasoning before mixing up a margarita or paloma.

3Treat them to a traditional dessert

At Cinco de Mayo festivals across the country, you’re likely to find carts selling ice pops called paletas. To make your own: In a blender, combine 2 cups of frozen mango chunks, 1 cup of half-and-half and 7 oz. of sweetened condensed milk. Purée until smooth, then pour into ice-pop molds. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.