How to Throw a Plastic-Reduced Fiesta

Happy Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday y'all! The day is going to look a little different this year, thanks to COVID-19. Whether you're ordering take out from your favorite Mexican restaurant or creating your own taco party, you can still celebrate the day away from the comfort of your own home. If you're looking to host a few friends (remember, 6 feet!) or creating a fiesta for you and your roommates/family, be mindful of your plastic waste from putting together a one-day party.

I, for one, love a good aesthetic. Especially when you have friends/family coming to gather at your hosted party, but those single-use decorations aren't worth the waste. So if you're hosting a fiesta this year, here are a few tips to mindfully decorate your space for the occasion.

- Let the food and drinks do the talking

I love nothing more than seeing a gorgeous food spread... especially if tacos and margaritas are involved. My advice - skip the plastic tablecover, paper plates and colorful plastic forks and knives and go straight for your food presentation. Use fruit to accentuate the table, put your metal silverware in a mason jar, make a grand taco presentation - your food and drinks are one of the main reasons why your guests are there. Maybe make a taco or margarita bar as the main attraction. Either way, let your food be front and center.

- Get crafty by making your own drink umbrellas and upcycled piñatas

Do you have old cereal boxes sitting around? Maybe some construction paper from your kid's latest art project? Tissue paper from your birthday gift? Use it! Earth911 has a great way for you to upcycle those objects by recreating your own piñata here.

Are your drinks tasting great but need something to make them stand out? Use old magazines and newspapers to make your own DIY Drink Umbrellas. Crafting A Green World has some simple instructions on how to make drink umbrellas as well as a few other crafts to keep your party an uncycled fiesta!

- Use plants to really make your party space pop

I am fortunate enough to have not one but three cacti in my home, which are perfect for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Even if your plants aren't a cactus, you can still use them to really make your area stand out. Place one or two next to your food/beverage areas, maybe some around the seating spaces - who doesn't love a good plant as decoration?

What are your Cinco de Mayo plans this year? Will you be hosting or simply quarantining at home? Regardless of what your plans are - May your margs be strong and your tacos a plenty! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash