Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays, and not just because you get to eat guacamole and drink margaritas — although that doesn’t hurt. Lots of people think Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day, like our July 4, but it’s actually the celebration of a David-and-Goliath-style battle where a small Mexican army defeated the huge, then-superpower of France. The French planned to attack the U.S. from the Mexican border, so if this battle had gone another way, our own country would look very different. So set a table with bright colors, whip up some salsa and mole sauce, and bring out the margaritas. Because Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of freedom, culture and food — and it’s also a really great party!


I love the traditional red and green colors in this tablescape, and the blue accents really make them pop on this tablescape from InStyle Magazine. The candelabra adds unexpected drama to a backyard fiesta.


You can also try another color scheme, just keep it fun with lots of bright colors.


Colorful bandanas and a few sombreros thrown over chairs creates instant ambiance in this backyard.


A more contemporary and reserved tablescape can still be a lot of fun.


Cactus plants as party favors — inexpensive and oh-so-adorable.


I love the festive look of this simple centerpiece.


Yum, churros!


Coconut lime sugar cookies? Yes, please!


A gorgeous tostado with mole sauce ... I get hungry just looking at it.


I'm coveting a molcajete for making guacamole the right way. Maybe Cinco de Mayo will be my excuse to finally get one!