{Real Parties} Dinner Club Fiesta!

I recently started a dinner club with some of my closest friends in the neighborhood, so I decided to kick off the group with a Mexican Fiesta at Casa Bennett (my house)! I'm hesitant to even share these pictures since I am NOT blessed in the photography department + I snapped these so fast as one guest was literally ringing the doorbell! But oh well! Here is a peek into a very fun night had by all at our first dinner club.......

I threw the decor together at the last minute by visiting two stores and using what I already had. Pier One, which I hardly ever remember to visit, was a GEM for this party!

{Sources} New

Green placemats + cobalt drink glasses + cobalt rimmed glasses + colorful ikat acrylic tray + chip baskets - Pier One Imports

Tin vases + paper flowers + serape linen - Casa Ramirez {in the Heights in Houston}

{Sources} Had on Hand

Pink monogrammed napkins - World Market

Pink votives - Crate & Barrel

Pink straws - High Fashion Home

Monogrammed acrylic pitcher - personal gift purchased at Out of the Box in Houston

Pottery Barn, I Just Can't Quit You

So, I completely stole that line from my friend, Hayley's, blog. But it couldn't be more true! I always say I'm finished with Pottery Barn, but each time a new catalog lands in my mailbox, I ultimately always want like 10 things. Anyone else feel this way??

Of course I am loving their new party planning features! I just came across their Mojito & Taco Party and I love the new take on the backyard fiesta.

Visit potterybarn.com to read on about how to throw this chic mojito and taco party. The website includes tips, recipes, a playlist and even a invitation which you can download.

{Recipes} A Few of My Fiesta Faves!

Cinco de Mayo is a reason for me to visit one of my many favorite Mexican restaurants and splurge! But if you do not want to face the crowds at the Mexican eateries, here are a few of my favorite Fiesta staples!

Fresh Salsa

* 1 small can diced green chiles, drained

* 1 small can chopped black olives, drained (I like to dice mine)

* 5-6 green onions, chopped

* 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped (seeds and juices)

* 3 tbs olive oil

* 1 1/2 tsp tarragon vinegar

* 1 tsp salt (I typically add a bit more)

Mix all together and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Mexican Cocktail

This is so simple to throw together and is great for a group

* 6, 12 oz bottles of Corona

* 1, 12 oz can of frozen limemade concentrate

* 1/2 a lime

In a large pitcher, combine the frozen limemade and beer. Allow the foam to settle, then squeeze the lime into the pitcher and stir.

Tres Leche

This recipe entails a little more effort, but I promise it is worth it!

Cake

* 6 eggs

* 2 cups sugar

* 2 cups flour

* 2 tsp baking powder

* 1 tsp vanilla

* 1/2 cup milk

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Pour into a greased 13x9 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

Syrup

* 2 cans evaporated milk

* 2 cans condensed milk

* 2 cans regular whole milk (use cans from condensed milk)

* 3 egg yolks (keep the egg whites for the icing)

Mix everything together in a bowl while cake is baking. When the cake is ready, cut cake in approximately 1 inch squares and pour the syrup all over. Let the cake absorb the syrup for a few minutes before you ice.

Icing

* 1 cup light karo syrup

* 1 cup sugar

* 3 egg whites

Place syrup and sugar in a small pot and bring to a gentle boil. Beat egg whites until they are sponge like and start pouring hot syrup into the mixing bowl, but do this slowly. Put a tiny drop of vinegar in the mix to kill the egg smell. When the icing is ready, spread over the cake and refrigerate.

Images: salsa (pioneer woman), drink (food network), tres leche (sylvia's)

Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! If there is one type of food that we love here in Texas, it's Mexican Food! Will you be doing anything special to celebrate?? We do not have any set plans, but I'll be sure to visit one of my favorite Mexican restaurants for a margarita or make a yummy meal at home with friends.

Decorating for a Mexican Fiesta is so easy! All you need are bright accents, simple flowers (sunflowers are a good choice) and delicious food! I have been dying to rent the Armando's taco truck for a block party. Armando's is a swanky Mexican bistro here in Houston. They now offer a taco truck which will park in front of your house and your friends can order right from the window. How fun is that?! To further set the mood, hire a mariachi band or a Spanish guitarist!

I have a delicious fresh salsa recipe to share with you soon along with the recipes for my favorite Sangria and margarita! Stay tuned...

Images

invitation, mason jars, entry way lantern decor, sunflower boot centerpiece (St. Louis Entertains), bell pepper votives and aqua tablescape (Keely Thorne Events), white tablescape, swanky couch, pitcher vase, kids table (D Jones Photography), fans and sombrero napkin rings (Caplan Miller Events), mariachi band, lanterns, pinata (allison events), taco truck (Armando's)