Decorate with plenty of tissue paper flowers, add the colors of the flag of Mexico - green white and red, put on your sombreros and some Mexican folk music, salsa or mariachi music and join the fiestas!

Cinco de Mayo Placemats:
Supplies: scissors, glue, ruler, pencil
one 18" x 12" piece of construction paper.
- this larger piece will become the background color for the placemat
16 strips of construction paper in a single color or multiple colors
- these strips should be 1 inch wide by 12 inches long
Optional:  clear contact paper.
Directions: Take the large piece of construction paper and fold it in half across the width.  Use you ruler to mark the paper a each inch along the folded edge.  Do the same along the open edge but the marks should be 1 inch from the edge of the paper.  Draw a line connecting the marks.
 With the paper still folded and starting at the fold cut along the lines being careful to stop one inch from the open edge.  Unfold the paper to reveal the loom that you have created.  Weave the one inch strips through the loom.  If you are using multiple colors be sure to alternate them for the most colorful effect.  Glue the ends of the strips to the edges of the loom to hold them in place.
OPTIONAL:  - Use clear contact paper to 'laminate' the placemat and extend its life.

Cinco de Balloon Piñata:
Supplies:
Balloon
Newspaper
Large bowl
Water
Flour
Paint
Paintbrush
Yarn
Candy and toys (optional)
Broom handle or bat
Blindfold
To make a balloon piñata, tear newspaper into strips. Mix flour and water together to make a paste. Blow up a balloon, and cover it with strips of newspaper dipped in the flour and water paste. Cover the balloon completely. Allow it to dry for a day or 2, turning it occasionally during that time.

When the balloon is dry, paint it in bright, decorative colors. Cut the top off the balloon and punch several holes around the top edge. Thread yarn through the holes, tie them together, and hang up your piñata. Fill the balloon with candy or toys if you want to use it (and break it) for the piñata game!

Party Favor Ideas: Mini cactus plants, toy maracas, small clay pots with candy "Red Hots", bouquet of red, green & white carnations or other plants that combine the colors of the Mexican flag.

Invitation Ideas:  Cover page greeting suggestions - "No time for a Siesta, it's time to Fiesta!", "Margaritas & Fajitas!, "It's Party Time, Amigos!" Inside, be sure to put the date, location, time, phone, RSVP date, dress code or costume suggestions.