Throw a South of the Border Party (Complete with Strawberry Margarita Recipe)

The summer is upon us. So keep it hot and invite friends and neighbors over for a South of the Border Party - complete with decorations, great food, music and not much fuss.

It's all about planning and buying things that already prepared or halfway there. You don't have to do all the cooking. That's why there are places like Sam's and supermarkets that have bulk items and great prepared foods that taste like they came from your own kitchen.

Too many people get stressed and uptight when planning a dinner party. Have it outdoors with folding chairs, an umbrellas and some salsa music. Let your imagination run wild. Use those Mexican blankets you bought years ago in Cancun as tablecloths or decorations on the fence.

Hang some paper lanterns that can be found in most home improvement and discount stores for a few bucks a piece. Many are battery-operated, so they hang nicely on your table umbrellas or on fences.

There are some cool outdoor lights, too, that could enhance the mood. For a spicy touch, buy the ones that look like jalapenos.

I know my friends love margaritas, salsa and guacamole, and we often have theme parties. That just allows us to make our favorite dishes and taste everyone else's cooking.

First of all, pick a Friday or Saturday night to make it more festive. That way, not many of your guests have to get up and go to work the next day.

Have outdoor games available for the kids (and adults) such as badminton or volleyball. Someone in the neighborhood or your relatives should have a net to borrow.

Ask your guests to bring one Mexican dish to the party. That helps with all the cooking. They can bring enchiladas, tacos, flan for dessert, appetizers made with tortillas and a seasoned cream cheese filling, nacho dip in a crockpot, or homemade guacamole and chips. It doesn't have to be complicated.

As the hostess, you can make the strawberry margaritas (even virgin ones for the kids). I have yet to find anyone that didn't like this drink. Even guys, who never drink fruity drinks, seem to love the freshness and appeal of these frothy cocktails.

Start with a real orange. Peel it and throw in a blender. Add ½ container of frozen limeade, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, 8 ounces of frozen strawberries (or more if you like a fruitier drink), 5 or 6 ice cubes, and a cup of strawberry margarita mix (this is the stuff that has the tequila and triple sec in it). I like the Jose Cuervo brand, but Chi Chi's and a few other companies make good ones, too. You can substitute this with the virgin strawberry drink mix - that can be made into daiquiris or margaritas. Then add your own amounts of tequila and triple sec.

Now, blend the mixture all together until absolutely smooth. I have to use the frappe button on my blender to get it to the consistency that I like.
If you want to make cocktails for the kids, just eliminate the drink mix, and add a can of strawberry juice or peach juice. I've even just used cranberry/raspberry juice. The kids don't seem to mind.

Now, serve in a long-stemmed margarita glass that has been trimmed in sugar. To do this easily, put a little of the blended drink in a saucer and granulated sugar in another saucer. Place the rim of the glass into the melted drink and then push it down into the sugar.

Trust me. Your guests will love the refreshing flavors of this drink. It goes so well with Mexican spices and cheese dishes.