Any ideas for hosting a birthday party?

Question

Here's what I've got... I want to throw a party for my husband at our hourse (usually it just involves everyone going out for drinks and it's become very boring). I was thinking about doing a margarita themed party with fajitas and ice cream cake, but other than that, I've got nothing. I'm looking at around 20 - 30 guests to be there. I have hosted parties before, but usually about 10 people. Can anyone give me any ideas as to how I might prepare food quickly, a good homemade margarita recipe (or a good brand of store bought) I've got the cake covered. Any other good mixed drinks that would keep the "spirit" of the party, just in case someone doesn't like/want margaritas? Also, what would you recommend for appetizers other than chips and salsa. What about a fun drinking game or other party game that could be played? And simple, fun decoration ideas too! Any and all ideas are welcome and greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your help!

Answer 1

My first suggestion would be to make it a Mexican themed party. Perhaps spring break in Mexico.

It seems like you are a fun group of people so I would go over the top. Decorate whatever area you are going to be in like a cantina. String up white christmas lights and hang liquor and beer logos (these can be copied and pasted from most sites and enlarged at Kinko's or a place like that).

This is the recipe I use for Margarita's. I love it because it can be made in advance. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Margaritas-to-Die-For/Detail.aspx
For other drink options definitely have some Corona. And make Sangria. I generally make a white peach sangria, again because it can be made in advance, although there are a lot of recipes out there.
4 bottles of dry white wine (don't get anything too expensive)
1 c. peach schnapps
1/4 c. sugar
2 bags of frozen peaches slices

Mix everything but except 1 bag of the peaches and pop it in the fridge overnight. The next day remove the thawed peaches. Dice up the remaining bag of frozen peaches and use them as ice cubes in your sangria.

Make sure you buy some sombreros. And depending on your budget rent a donkey. Both are great photo ops. And depending on how many spirits you consume they could be quite humerous.

As for appetizers, consider making a fruit salsa as well as a traditional one. Also you can try Mexican bits. Again I always make this in advance.

1 package flour tortillas
1 package taco seasoning (I generally season it myself, but I don't have a specific recipe for this. I simply taste it the whole time)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 can of refried beans
1 large bag of taco flavored cheese (the bags have about 4 cups of cheese in them)
1 can of mexican corn (I use this, but if it's not available to you regular corn is fine)
1 large jar of salsa

Cook the ground beef as directed on the taco seasoning package. Then layer the rest of the ingredients like you would a lasagna in a lasagna pan. I layer it tortilla, refried beans, meat, corn, cheese then salsa. Generally you get about three layers. Make sure you finish with the salsa. Bake it covered for about 30 - 35 minutes. Take it out of the oven and cover with the rest of the cheese. Put it back in the oven for 5 minutes. Let it cool and cut into bite sized sqares. Poke a toothpick in each sqaure. Reheat them in the microwave for about 45 seconds per plate.

As for activites I like a slip and slide. That's just me though. But for traditional Mexican fare you should have a pinata. Instead of filling it with candy fill it with mini bottles of tequila. Just make sure the bottles are plastic. This serves as a game and a favor for your guests. My favorite game of all time is pictionary - so you could do Mexican themed pictionary. Play it in teams. If the team answers correctly the other team has to take a drink, or they get to take a drink depending on you.

Hope it's a great party.

Answer 2

How about some black bean soup??? easy to make just open some cans of black beans and hot rod it up with some cumin and sauteed onions..a little garlic powder...serve with fresh chopped sweet onions and a dollop of sour cream. Soft tacos might be easier than fajitas. Add Velveeta into the salsa to serve warm with chips. As far as the party game how about upside down Margaritas? This is where the candidate sits on a chair puts their head back and one of the servers squeezes a lemon into their mouth, followed by tequila, and any ONE of the following, Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier then finish off with a squirt of lime juice. The receiver then shakes it in their mouth and viola` an upside down margarita.....they tend to sneak up on you so....... Decorations.......have balloons they are quick and easy and change a room in a party place quickly. Buy the helium tank but don't use all of it. Start the party with either dispensing helium from the tank(blowing up a new balloon)or inhaling one of the already inflated balloons. Ask someone to tell a joke in that voice. Have a happy birthday contest.....two groups......first group inhales the balloons and sings happy birthday in helium voices. Then the second group....then the voting..... if you get that far between the helium and the upside down margaritas..........good luck........ have fun............. IMPORTANT: have designated drivers.......Hey don't forget the video camera