Celebrate “Fabulous 40” with a Cuban-themed Cocktail Party!
Planning festivities for your 40th birthday bash? Why not concoct something extra exciting, like a cocktail party inspired by sunny and sultry Cuba! The table decorations will be popping with vibrant colors, while the menu will promise savory and spicy flavors served with the most popular Havana cocktails. Take a look at our fun and festive styling ideas that you can definitely pull off for this theme. Plus, grab some recipe links for appetizers and drinks to serve. Then, get ready to party a la Cubana!
Eye-catching Ideas for a Cuban-inspired Party: Decor to Favors
Instant impact! That’s what you should aim for with your table settings, using bright, bold colors. See how an aqua tablecloth just makes all the other elements stand out—from the pretty pink flower pots serving as place card holders and lovely party favors, to the zesty fruit-infused cocktails awaiting guests, to the table napkins rolled to mimic the famed Cuban cigars!
Bring in a mix of textures and patterns to your table settings, too. Use woven place mats and trays, glazed earthenware dishes and plates with hand-painted multi-colored designs available from Amazon. Add pops of color with fresh or paper flowers, and leafy cuttings from your garden! And of course, frosty cocktails are always a welcome addition to the “decor”!
A cocktail party means a casual serve-yourself approach. So set up a truly appealing display of appetizers (suggested recipes below), finger foods, snacks, and beverages that’s just as colorful as the tables.
Provide more hand-painted plates, cheery-hued napkins, and pitchers (via Amazon) that you can present with tropical fruit juices for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Display fresh fruits in shapely wooden containers, too!
After such a fun affair, guests will surely appreciate party favors—Cuban-inspired, too, of course! Something savory, like classic empanadas (flaky mini pies with a ground beef filling); or something sweet, like bite-size guava pastries. Whatever edibles you choose, package them in sturdy woven boxes (above) and matching organza wraps (below)—all in hot, hot pink!
A Cuban-inspired party menu to serve
If it’s flavorful party fare you want, Cuban cuisine definitely has that and more. Here are our picks for recipes that are easy to prepare and serve at a cocktail bash:
- Original Cuban Sandwich – follow the traditional recipe we found at Food Network
- Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich – a variation by Epicurean Eva made without the ham
- Cuban Corn Fritters – try this recipe from Taste of Cuba
- Meat Croquettes – said to be Cuba’s “national appetizer,” make these guided by The Cuban Recipes
- Mojitos – stir up this classic Cuban cocktail, following a recipe from All Recipes
And we do have our own post on recommended Cuban appetizer-and-cocktail pairings. Check it out for more delicious ideas!
Now, you’re all ready to mark your milestone birthday Cuban style. Happy 40th!
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I love this idea for my daughter’s 40th birthday next month. Thank you for the inspiration!