How to Host A Mexico-Inspired Dinner Party

Stepping through the doors of our Artelexia shop in North Park, you can’t help feeling a love for Frida Kahlo as we do. Walking throughout the shop the essence of her art is palpable, as her glare stares at you from the larger-than-life mural saying LOVE YOURSELF.

Because of this love we have for her, we wanted to host an intimate few who also shared this same admiration for Frida as we did. In celebration of what would have been her 111th birthday, we gathered over cocktails, appetizers, and an Oaxacan-inspired dinner to toast, mingle, and revel in her honor. 

As guests arrived at our colorfully-decorated Artelexia Headquarters, they were greeted with welcome drinks and invited to savor our appetizer bar serving a variety of Mexican cheeses, fresh salsas, corn chips, guacamole, chapulines, and Oaxacan chocolate. The perfect casual first-course to start off the festive evening.

Guests mixed and mingled, greeting each other as if they were long-time friends, even though they were just meeting for the first time. It was as though the atmosphere brought out something special in everyone, making them want to connect and celebrate as a group of close friends and family would.

As the evening progressed, the guests meandered throughout admiring my collection of vintage Mexican dishware and decorative pieces—this being my inspiration for the décor of the night. A lace tablecloth topped by a colorful Otomi runner and boldly-colored placemats added a touch of romance to the vintage yet modernly-rustic table-scape. Terracotta plates, wooden utensils, brightly-painted glasses, and vibrant Mexican cloth napkins created a joyful ambience to toast the night away.

The buzz of the chatter, laughter, and music created the perfect soundtrack for the night. As women adorned their hair with help from our diy flower-crown bar, the men enjoyed a sampling of Mexican wine, beer, and, of course, Mezcal. A great lead-in to the Oaxacan tamal and mole dinner set up in stations in big terracotta, Mexican cazuelas. To end the night, more Mezcal toasts accompanied by an assortment of Mexican Chocolate and Mango with Chile paletas.

The dinner turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined. With the charm of the guests adding to the overall feel of the night, everyone felt comfortable and at home which is always a good sign of a great gathering.

I hope that through these images and written visuals, you are inspired to host your very own Mexican-inspired Dinner Party. Whom in history would you invite to your Fiesta? Share with us in the comments below.

Thank you to San Diego photographer Evelyn Molina for the beautiful images she captured.