Any time is a great time to host a Mexican fiesta. This type of dinner party or get together is a wonderful way to show off your Mexican cooking skills. As far as menu choices, the possibilities are almost endless.

Mexican fiestas are typically very casual and colorful occasions. This goes for the atmosphere, food and decoration, alike. Mexican food options include everything from tamales and tacos to burritos to guacamole to salsa to refried beans to carne asada to quesadillas to margaritas to deep fried ice cream to Mexican wedding cookies to much more!

There are many dishes that can be made and frozen, ahead of time... even as far as several weeks in advance. Doing so makes it much easier to get things ready, on the day of the event.

Some recipes such as hot dips and even enchiladas or burritos can be prepared and served in crock pots, which can easily be placed along a table for serving. For outside fiestas, plugging the pots into a plug strip will eliminate the need for multiple electrical outlets.

Grilling is another great option, for outside fiestas. Even recipes as simple as grilled corn on the cob with chili butter, lime juice and a touch of cheese are more than festive when prepared in this manner.

Large green onions, also referred to as 'knob onions' are yummy grilled, as well. Grill with jalape?os, drizzle with lime juice and serve with carne asada, for a traditional treat. These onions can be found in Mexican markets.

Another idea for a Mexican fiesta, at home, is a taco bar. Similar to those seen in Mexican restaurants, a taco bar can include all the ingredients to assemble tacos, burritos, etc. be sure to include other side dishes such as tamales, nachos and refried beans.

No party, of any kind, is complete without a variety of cold beverages. Serve Mexican beer, sangria, margaritas and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, lemonade and soda... even ice cold water will be appreciated, by some.

To give your buffet tables a Southwestern feel you can use terra cotta tableware and serving bowls. You may also opt to use brightly covered disposable tableware that is now available in many south of the border patterns.

Pinatas are a must, for any fiesta... especially when there will be children in attendance. Again, as with the tableware, they can be purchased in many different varieties, both online and at party supply stores.

Use a very large sombrero, for a unique and inexpensive centerpiece. Place a balloon bouquet in the very center. Fill the remainder with corn chips. Place small bowls of guacamole, salsa and cheese dip around the sombrero. Enjoy!

Homemade salsa is quite simple to make. Consider making your own using one of the following Mexican recipes

Salsa Recipe

2 (10 ounce) cans tomatoes (Rotel brand-1 hot and 1 mild)

1 (14 ounce) can peeled tomato

1-2 jalape?o pepper, diced

1 (4 ounce) can green chilies

1/4 cup onion

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Use a food processor to pulse the onions and jalape?o to desired consistency. (This should only take a few seconds.) Add tomatoes with juice and green chilies, process again. Transfer to a bowl and add spices.

Chill until flavors are combined, approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Pico de Gallo Recipe

3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, no stems

1 or more jalape?o, seeded and finely chopped

3 green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or more to taste

salt to taste

Directions

Slice the tomato in quarters and remove seeds and gel. Chop into small chunks.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator 1 hour to let the flavors mingle.