This year my husband and I are celebrating our birthdays with a fiesta-themed party at a local Mexican restaurant.  Fortunately the room is full of Mexican decor, so I’m just focussing on the table and thank-you gifts for my guests.  Whenever I begin planning an event or party, I like to create little mood boards with images or products that I’ve come across. I thought I would share some of the ideas that have inspired my birthday party preparations this year.

Papel Picado

The theme of the invitation and decor is based on papel picado, a traditional Mexican hand-cut tissue paper banner which is used as decoration during Cinco de Mayo, San Antonio Fiesta Week, birthday parties and other celebrations.  You can also buy these banners in plastic now, which you can separate and use as as placemats or keep them intact to be used time and time again.

Lace & doily luminaries

Image left: Unfortunately the blog no longer exists but check out GREEN OWL CRAFTS for easy instructions on how to make the dainty doily luminaries.  Image right: Lace covered glass can be found via HERE.

These jar luminaries will look fabulous on the table.  I have a stack of old jars in the kitchen cupboard that I’m going to decorate especially.  I love the lace-covered jar.  It’s perfect for my fiesta party.  So, I think I’ll be off to visit my local op-shops for vintage doilies and lace over the next couple of weekends.

Paper flowers

Image left: a different take on paper flowers with a real fiesta look, don’t you think.  Easy instructions found via HERE.  Image right: beautiful handmade paper flowers with easy instructions found via HERE.

Paper flowers are a regularly seen at Mexican celebrations and I’ve found a few great websites with easy instructions.  I’m going to make these and place them down the centre of the tables alongside my jar luminaries (above).  You could also string each paper flower along and make a garland.

Ruby Victoria Coasters

Narelle from Ruby Victoria very kindly created these gorgeous coasters (above) for my fiesta party.  Aren’t the colours amazing?   These fabulous coasters will  be placed alongside my papel picado placemats.  (I’m separating a papel picardo banner and using each flag as a placemat).  I can’t wait to see them on the table.  If you have a moment you should visit Narelle’s store at Made It.  She has a beautiful collection of letterpress and linocut stationery prints.

.Till we meet again…adios amigos!