The Ultimate Guide To A Perfect Taco Party

Today is not your eldest child's birthday. It isn't your anniversary, or Grandma's retirement, and it certainly isn't a holiday. Today is just a day like any other, and that is reason enough to celebrate. You don't need an excuse to have a great time with your family, and there doesn't have to be an elaborate setup for it to be guaranteed fun. All you need is a simple party theme, tasty food, and for everyone to get involved. One perfect way to achieve this? A taco party!

Click here for the The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Taco Party (Slideshow)

Now we know you love spending time with your kids, but you're probably wondering just exactly how they can be a part of the entire process. After all, little hands near hot stoves are not conducive to a calm parental mind. But there are odd jobs all over the kitchen that they can handle, as well as a few steps in cooking preparations and decorating.

Together, you can decide on everything from the menu to the music. This will help you accomplish more before your party and also give you some quality time with the kids. Plus, involving the kids will empower them by giving them decision-making responsibilities. But if you're still a little unsure of how to start this collaborative cooking and planning process, start with a simple party theme: in this case, a taco fiesta.

The nice thing about tacos is that they are customizable. Everyone can choose their favorite toppings (shredded cheese, salsa, lettuce, a squeeze of lime), fillings (grilled or stewed chicken, pulled pork, shrimp, fish, steak, beans, roasted vegetables, etc.) and types of tortillas (hard or soft, corn or flour) depending on what you want to offer. Have the kids think about the types of tacos they want to eat and challenge them to come up with creative and tasty toppings. Your kids will have more fun at the celebration if they are a part of the preparation process, and you'll love getting in that special time with them!

Step 1: Go Shopping Together

shopping

Kids always feel like a big help when they have a hand in the choices that need to be made. Let them choose the types of tacos and toppings that will be featured on the menu. Have them find all of the ingredients while you're at the market, and talk about what goes into each type of taco!

Need recipe inspiration? Try this delicious Adobo Chicken Taco Recipe.

Step 2: Decorate      

pinata

A taco party has to look as bright and fun as it tastes! Grab all the colorful linens and plates you can and put the kids to work setting up a brilliant taco bar display. You can even try a DIY piñata with the kids that they'll be super proud of making.