South of the Border Celebration

The SUN IS OUT, the icy depths of winter are over, and it is time to CELEBRATE.

And though Cinco de Mayo is still two months away, we got a little over-eager and decided to create a South of the Border Celebration in honor of the new BAJA LINE of dresses at Shabby Apple that launched today. So here, Ladies (and Gentlemen?) is the Shabby Apple Fashionista's guide to hosting a fiesta.

Regardless of whether this is an indoor, low-key, get-gussied-up-for-no-real-reason, two-person dinner party, or an outdoor, flame-licked extravaganza, a few perfectly picked elements will make it an event to remember... We've gathered a few of our favorites here; pick and choose what works for you and get to it!

DECOR:

Maybe pinatas were a great addition to the fiestas of yesteryear, when you weren't actually strong enough to break them on the first try, but now you can trade up for these beautiful tissue paper pom-poms that are alarmingly easy to make.

Add a few tea lights in folded over paper bags, extra limes sliced and put in vases, or even a mexican blanket or two as a table runner and you are set. If you're outside, string christmas lights around the dining area to create an outdoor room and give the evening a lovely luster.

MUSIC:

keep it lively with some bright, brassy tunes or more chill with vibes from groups like Buena Vista Social Club or Afro Cuban All Stars. When in doubt, the Macarena may save the day (and provide you with some classic blackmail video footage later on...) Check out the itunes store for more great playlists of Fiesta-friendly music.

FOOD: Fiestas are un-fussy, un-stuffy, kick up your heels, dig-in-with-all-ten-fingers kind of occasions, and no half-hearted, pre-packaged, Oscar Mayer cop-out will do. A Fiesta is all about going BOLD with your foods. Here is a sample menu of some of my favorites.

Mango Pomegranate Guacamole (oh-so-tasty, oh-so-zippy)

Escarole Salad with White Beans and Lime Vinaigrette

Black Bean Soup with Cumin

Pulled Brisket Tacos or Fish Tacos

Coconut Milk Fudge or Flan for dessert

I love the Mango-Pom Guacamole, I'm just going to put the recipe down right here, so you don't even have to follow the link...

4 ripe avocados (2 pounds total)

1 cup finely chopped white onion

2 fresh serrano chiles, finely chopped (2 tablespoons), including seeds

1/4 cup fresh lime juice, or to taste

3/4 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate)

3/4 cup diced peeled mango

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Halve, pit, and peel avocados. Coarsely mash in a bowl. Stir in onion, chiles, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, then fold in pomegranate seeds, mango, and cilantro. Season with salt and additional lime juice

And of course FASHION:

Pull out your cute new straw fedora and pair it with the prefect pair of oxford pumps and a new Shabby Apple Baja Line dress!