Entertain Your Guests with a "Taco Night"

Having company over can be a lot of fun, especially when food is involved. Instead of just having chips and dip, why not try having a themed get together. "Taco Night" is one of my favorites.

Preparing to have a taco-themed dinner can be fairly easy and inexpensive. The following ingredients are what you'll need for 8 people. Add or subtract the amounts accordingly.

Ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning (1 lb = 4 servings, so you'll need about 2-3 lbs for 8 people)

Shredded chicken, seasoned with taco seasoning (2-3 lbs - chicken is great on a taco, if some people don't like beef)

2 packages soft tortillas (you should buy both white and wheat)

2 boxes of hard taco shells

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or you could shred your own cheese from the chunk kind)

2 cups of another shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Taco Blend, etc. (variety is key!)

2 large tomatoes, diced

2-3 other garnishes for tacos, such as white rice, sweet corn, beans, etc.

1 head of Iceberg lettuce, shredded (or Romaine if you like to eat healthy)

1 large container of sour cream - Daisy sour cream is my favorite

Hot Sauce - Frank's Red Hot is the best.

Salsa - any kind will do

Be creative! Decorate the table with Mexican style decorations, and use Mexican or bright colored dishes. Display the ingredients for tacos nicely in the dishes, and make sure there are serving spoons in each dish. Remove the foods from the packages, and put them on plates or dishes. For example, spoon out the sour cream into a nice serving bowl, or put the soft tortillas onto a plate. It looks much better when they are on a serving dish, rather than inside the package.

Next, have your guests start serving themselves, buffet style. In my opinion, it's much easier to set the taco foods up on a separate table, rather than sit down at the table and serve family style. Be sure there are plenty of napkins or paper towels available. You could even choose the colored napkins to follow your theme. You should also have forks available, just in case someone asks for one.

Along with your tacos, have beverages available to your guest. For an adult party, you could also prepare some authentic Mexican cocktails, or have Mexican beer to drink. Visit http://www.mexperience.com/bar/tequila.htm for some ideas. Also, don't forget the Coronas and some lime slices to go along with them. You don't have to stick to just alcohol for an adult party either. Have bottled water and soda in a cooler or in your fridge too.

Overall, taco nights can be a fun, creative way to get together with friends and family. Tacos offer something different, over the usual party foods. Remember to be creative and have fun.