Birthday Fiesta

The Day Before

• Make Strawberry Margarita Cake. (Or make and cool cake portion as directed for fiesta-colored Butterfly Cake or elegant Fabulous Fiesta Cake (if served); store covered.)
• Make Mexican Chex® Mix; store in airtight container.

The Day Of

• Make Spicy Tortilla Chips; store in airtight container.
• Finish preparing Butterfly Cake or Fabulous Fiesta Cake(if served); store as directed in recipe.
• Make "Healthified" Mexican Bean Salad, cover and refrigerate.
• Chop vegetables for Easy Spanish Rice, if used; cover and refrigerate.
• Measure dry ingredients for Mexican Coffee; cover.

About 2 Hours Before Guests Arrive

• Make Creamy Salsa Dip; cover and refrigerate.
• Prepare glass rims for Peach Margaritas.

About 2 1/2 Hours Before Dinner

• Heat grill.  Prepare and cook Grilled Chipotle Turkey Breast.

About 1 Hour Before Dinner

• Prepare and bake Creamy Salsa Potatoes (if served).

About 35 Minutes Before Dinner

• Make Easy Spanish Rice (if served).

When Guests Arrive

• Make Peach Margaritas; offer with sparkling water.
• Serve Mexican Chex® Mix and Creamy Salsa Dip with Spicy Tortilla Chips.

About 10 Minutes Before dinner

• Carve turkey breast.

About 20 Minutes Before Dessert

• Make Mexican Coffee.

Decorate with Fiesta Spirit

• Create unique, photo party invitations from Kodak Gallery!
• Place a small cactus or succulent plant at each place setting as a party favor.
• Make Ruffled Paper Baskets to hold Mexican Chex® Mix or extra tortilla chips. Or serve the snack mix in brightly colored baskets.
• Put together a quick centerpiece by arranging bell and chile peppers, avocados, limes and tomatoes on the rim of a sombrero. Or add colorful crepe-paper flowers. Surround the sombrero with brightly colored candles.

Serve Snazzy Sips

• Sparkling water as well as margaritas can be served with salted rims. Before filling the glasses, just rub the rims with the cut side of a lime or lemon and then dip the rims into a shallow dish of coarse salt. Choose a colored variety, if you'd like! You'll find colored coarse salt at gourmet or specialty grocery stores.
• Decorate drinks with fun stir sticks or by adding fruit, such as a slice of lime and a strawberry.
• Attach colorful ribbons with beads and trinkets to stems of party glasses to help guests keep track of their beverages.

Get in the Mood

• Complete the fiesta theme by having the guests come dressed in Mexican- or Southwestern-style clothes. If they don't have anything appropriate, have them dress as a tourist!
• Play Latino music in the background during the party. You can borrow CDs from your local library.

Party Pictures

• Learn how to capture the perfect party moments with Birthday Photo Tips from Kodak Gallery!