Relax, the secret to throwing a no-fuss holiday party is simple: Stick to a theme. Here’s how
article by Laura Dye Lang
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Quick and easy holiday party plan
The theme: Desert-Mex fiesta
Why: Bright colors, easy food everyone loves, and a surprising alternative to eggnog.
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The setup: Creative color scheme + dramatic decor
Red and fuchsia are a bold new take on a holiday party color combo. A little of each goes a long way.
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Pops of color
Set out masses of flower market-fresh carnations (right; about $7 per bunch).
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Festive flags
Hang flirty papel picado (perforated-paper banners pictured; from $13 each; mexevents.com).
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Cranberry Margaritas
Save yourself from mixing drinks through your whole party by sticking to one cocktail for everyone.
Plan for three to four drinks per person for a two- to three-hour party, and offer pitchers of chilled water garnished with fresh citrus slices, basil, or mint, as an alternative.
Put out a few dips and nibbles to go with your main dish. For this fiesta, guests will love guacamole, salsas, jicama strips with lime and cayenne, spicy toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and jalapeño-stuffed olives.
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Take-home treat
Match activity and favors with your theme. Give santo candles (below; $2.95 each; mexgrocer.com).
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Icebreaker
Get in a festive state of mind by cracking open some piñatas from Rainbow Custom Made (above; from $40; 415/642-8606).
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Filled with cheer
Stuff piñatas full of nostalgic candy (The Candy Store, 415/921-8000) to shower your guests with sweets.
Cool cocktail Lager-style beers (try Session from Full Sail Brewing Co., in Hood River, Oregon) or extra pale ales (try Steelhead from Mad River Brewing Co., in Humboldt County, CA)
Color scheme + decor idea Blue and yellow + drumsticks (Craspedia globosa) in tea tins
Fun activity Follow tree-trimming with a mah-jongg marathon
Great dish + simple sides Cheese plate (set out a handful of cheeses in a range of styles and milk choices). Sunset loves Pondhopper semisoft goat cheese ($26 for 16 oz.; tumalofarms.com), Edam-style Tulare Cannonball ($14 for 14 oz.; bravofarms.com), and Crater Lake Blue ($25 for 16 oz.; roguecreamery.com). Add breads, crackers, fruit, and a variety of chocolates
Cool cocktail Sparkling wine. Try a classic brut style―a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, such as Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2004 (Green Valley of Russian River Valley; $33)
Color scheme + decor idea Red and brown + tissue-paper flowers (fan-fold tissue paper and secure with pipe cleaner “stems”)
Fun activity Compare notes during cheese and chocolate tastings
Thoughtful favor Decorative notebooks for guests to record their favorite flavors