Party time

Summer has officially arrived at our home.  This is not indicated by the sunshine, hours of daylight or any other marker people use.  May 28th is Sahara's birthday, the first big party of the season and when the pool opens.

Have I mentioned I like to plan events?  I tend to start thinking about Sahara's party in February when it is still raining and cold outside. In the past we have done a Garden party, Circus, Zoo (complete with animal trainers and animals), Vintage Spring and Bug party.  This year Sahara wanted a Mexican theme. I was happy to oblige as visions of zesty food, colorful decorations and general good times danced in my head.  Decorations included bright banners  (papel picado) hung overhead.  Lots of sombreros and  mexican blankets. We hung tissue balls in pink, orange, green, and purple in all the trees.  Huge bright latex balloons floated in the air next to the pool.

The Menu was alot of fun to put together.  As there were many people attending the party; 40 adults and 24 kids, I had to keep it simple and easy to assemble.

MENU:
Seared Citrus margarita
Sahara juice (a concoction made by a bartender who was enamoured by Sahara many years ago.  It is orange juice, peach juice, mango juice, grenadine, 7-up)
Coronas w lime
Wine o plenty

Tortilla chips w 3 salsas
Guacamole
Refried Bean dip

Fish tacos with spicy coleslaw and lime chili mayo drizzle
Pulled pork tacos with pickled rhubarb and fresh cilantro
Pork, chicken and veggie tamales (thank you El Camal)
Chicken and caramelized vegetable quesadilla
Corn, black bean, quinoa salad with lime cumin vinaigrette
Grilled asparagus with shaved parmesan

Churros (thank you Ed and Neil from Espana)
Chocolate fountain
Skewered strawberry, kiwi and pineapple


I did not get the chance to take a single picture of any of the food when it came out as I was feeding 60 starving people who had been swimming all day.  Thank you Dad for the custom made taco stands and the coolest wooden slab upon which most of the food was served.

The favours (goody bags) were in theme, but slightly unconventional.  We filled paper luminario bags with maracas, finger mustache tattoos and sombrero suckers.  Each child received a hand stencilled terracotta pot with their own echevaria cactus plant.

(All photos taken by me on shaky Iphone)

The party was a huge success.  Sahara had a great time.  Everyone left late, tired and happy.
The next time I make fish tacos I will take pictures and include the recipe. I plan on doing this very soon.  Enjoy your summer!