These Last-Minute Party Essentials (And Spicy Cocktail Recipes) Are Fiesta-Approved

By Ariane Moore May 3, 2019 1:30 pm EST

Kim Seybert

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If you're anything like us, you don't really need an excuse to throw a party. Good times, great friends, amazing food and drinks ... what's not to love? Besides, summer is chock-full of reasons to celebrate: the warm weather for starters, but also special occasions such as graduation, Mother's Day, Father's Day, May the 4th Be With You, and Cinco de Mayo to name a few. And since we're such big fans of all things related to entertaining, we thought we'd help you out with a list of fiesta-inspired party essentials — we even included a few of our favorite spicy cocktail recipes ... you can thank us later.

Step One: Plan a picture-perfect soiree.

1. W&P Design ¡Buenos Nachos! by Gina Hamadey, $25

W&P Design

Whether it's Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, or a random Thursday, this love letter to one of our all-time favorite finger foods is full of tasty recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your craving. Plus it will make an interesting coffee table book, too.

2. Duralex Picardie Tumblers (set of six), $36

Williams Sonoma

Add a festive pop of color to your fiesta with some vibrant tumblers. Made in France — from durable, pressed borosilicate glass — this set of drinkware can withstand even the clumsiest of partygoers. (Raises own hand)

3. Grandin Road Potted Cactus, starting at $99

Grandin Road

Every party calls for a hint of greenery. So snag a few of these realistic looking faux cacti to turn your pad into a dreamy desert oasis.

4. Pottery Barn Del Sol Melamine Dinner Plate (set of four), $29

melamine dinner plate set with intricate patterns

Pottery Barn

Inspired by hand-painted ceramics — only less fragile and way less expensive — this set of melamine plates is almost as good as the real deal. And bonus: The bold colors and intricate patterns pretty much guarantee that your food photography will be Instagram gold.

5. Hawkins New York Simple Linen Napkins, $18

Hawkins New York

Available in 16 colors, these Belgian linen napkins are a surefire way to brighten things up. You can mix and match or stick to one hue, plus they're large enough to catch all of the salsa drips and guacamole drops. Phew, what a relief ... worst nightmare narrowly escaped!

6. West Elm Molcajete, $36

molcajete set with mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock

West Elm

Display this mortar and pestle set made from volcanic rock, and everyone will assume you spent the day crushing avocados to make your award-winning guacamole. No one needs to know that you actually bought it from Whole Foods.

7. W&P Design The Nacho Grater, $25

pyramid shaped cheese grater in gold finish

W&P Design

Tacos, burritos, nachos ... it doesn't matter which Mexican cuisine you prefer, everyone knows that they're all better with cheese. And sure you could save yourself a little time and energy by buying cotija that's already shredded, but then you wouldn't get to use this gold-plated, pyramid-shaped grater.

7. CB2 Acapulco Egg Outdoor Chair, $249

CB2

While salsa dancing the night away probably seemed like a good idea when you planned your party, you (and your guests) will be happy you invested in some extra seating so everyone could rest their weary feet. Handwoven in black PVC cord, this traditional egg-shaped silhouette will be a welcome respite from the dance floor.

8. Homesick Mexico Candle, $29.95

Homesick Candles

Dinner party set by candlelight? Yes, please! Especially when said soy candles give off an intoxicating aroma with notes of spicy jalapeño and warm corn tortillas. Yum!

9. Threshold Natural Acacia Dip Bowls (set of four), $12.99

Target

Taco 'bout a party! With this reasonably priced set of four acacia wood dipping bowls you can set up a dream salsa bar with everyone's all-time faves, from pico de gallo to tomatillo to habanero.

10. Kim Seybert Otomi Cocktail Napkins (set of six), $63

Kim Seybert

Cold, refreshing cocktails are a party must-have, but that doesn't mean that your wood furniture has to suffer the consequences. Break out these colorful, embroidered cocktail napkins — which were inspired by Mexican tapestries — to save the day (and your tabletop).

11. Texas Tamala A La Carte Sampler (48 count), $59.95

World Market

Now if you really want to one-up your neighbor's annual shindig and ensure that your bash will be the talk of the town (or at least the block), let us introduce you to this gourmet 48-count tamale sampler. Complete with beef, pork, chicken, and bean tamales, there is something delicious for every palate, and all you have to do is heat them up.

12. June Home Supply Mexican Wool Blanket, $75

June Home Supply

The perfect ending to a night of dancing, drinking, and eating ... is curling up in front of a warm, crackling fire with one of these cozy wool blankets. Heaven!

Step Two: Craft a few mouthwatering cocktails.

Every memorable party has a signature cocktail (or six). From bloody marys to skinny margaritas, turn up the heat with one of these refreshingly spicy beverages. No matter which one you choose, our six options will surely wet your whistle.

Blood Orange Jalapeno Mock-Margarita by Oleander and Palm