Cinco de Mayo: Formula for a Fiesta

By Marni Elyse Katz
May 2, 2011

cinco de mayo

clockwise from top left: Heroes and Legends (Flickr); Sombrero (Flickr); Margarita (Flickr)

With the Superbowl and March Madness a dim memory, the Cinco de Mayo celebration, which commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862, provides relief to revelers who feel royal weddings and southern horse races are simply not their cup of tea. On eBay auctions, where online sales of items with the term "Cinco de Mayo" are up 64 percent in a recent two week period (4/16-4/29) vs. the prior period, you can find every type of accoutrement including Cinco de Mayo outfits and party supplies, to put together a Mexican fete; just add a peasant skirt and slice of lime.

Roll over items for details

Inflatable Cinco De Mayo Party Ring Toss Game

(buy it now price, $11)

Chili Pepper Light Set

(buy it now price, $8.50)

Foil Sombrero Balloon

(buy it now price, $5.99)

Luncheon Napkins with Caliente Fiesta Motif

(buy it now price, $1.49)

Mariachi Apron

(buy it now price, $26)

Dessert Plate Del Sol Motif

(buy it now price, $1.29)

Mexican Mariachi Sombrero Hats

(buy it now price, $49.99)

Rainbow Donkey Pinata

(buy it now price, $20.55)

Serape/Mexican Blanket

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Set of 4 Cactus Stem Margarita Glasses

(buy it now price, $39.50)

Mexican Wood Maracas

(buy it now price, $7.99)

1. Inflatable Cinco De Mayo Party Ring Toss Game: You think you’ve got good aim. Have another Cinco de Mayo margarita, then see how it goes.

2. Chili Pepper Light Set: Try a Cinco de Mayo party on the patio. Chili pepper twinklers amidst tree branches are more festive than fairy lights.

3. Set of 4 Cactus Stem Margarita Glasses: You can use these durable plastic Margarita glasses to serve fresh margaritas on the patio throughout the summer.

4. Foil Sombrero Balloon: Mark your mailbox with a foil Cinco de Mayo party sombrero so nobody drives past, turning up late. Then again, that leaves more tequila shots for you.

5. Mariachi Apron: If you’re a DIY kinda hostess (that is, no caterer), let us suggest this kitschy but rather cheerful apron. The colors are such that stains will hardly show.

6. Luncheon Napkins with Caliente Fiesta Motif: Dispense with the fancy shmancy linens in favor of colorful, and much easier to clean up, paper napkins.

7. Dessert Plate Del Sol Motif: These sturdy paper plates are so colorful you can set out simple Cinco de Mayo food and still the spread will shine.

8. Mexican Mariachi Sombrero Hats: Who needs a wedding? Or a horse race for that matter. A Cinco de Mayo celebration is an equally hat-worthy event.

9. Serape/Mexican Blanket: A serape makes a great tablecloth. Or get a few and put them out in the garden for a Cinco de Mayo picnic party.

10. Rainbow Donkey Pinata: Cinco de Mayo Pinata whacking is a whole different game when you've had a few. The candy is still delish, though.

11. Mexican Wood Maracas: A five-string guitar may be out of our league, but we shake a mean maraca.

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