Preparing the Food
Begin taco preparation by offering guests a choice of flour or corn tortillas that have been heated to perfection on a flatbread maker. Then, provide different meat options to suit every taste, such as chicken, fish and steak, or keep it simple with traditional ground beef. Hosting friends and family who prefer to eat vegan or vegetarian fare? Consider providing onions and peppers for vegetable tacos as well. To cook, brown the beef, drain the grease and season with a homemade blend of spices. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper directly to your creation, or serve it on the table to let guests make their tacos as spicy or mild as they please. Once the toppings, including tomatoes, onions, lettuce and cheese are chopped and ready to go, add them to your offerings as well. Don’t forget drinks. For adult guests, make tasty margaritas in your kitchen blender, or set out your favorite grapefuit-flavored soft drinks to mix with tequila for a refreshing Paloma cocktail. For taco nights that include little ones or non-drinkers, make a batch of non-alcoholic drinks, too. Classics such Shirley Temples and cranberry coolers are sure to be a hit. If dinner is set to start later in the evening, consider setting out appetizers to tide everyone over until it’s time to eat the main entree. Chips and salsa or homemade guacamole made in a molcajete are always satisfying options.
Arranging the Decor
If you’ve decided a sit-down dinner is the way to go, adorn the dining table with an on-theme runner. Set coordinating charger plates on each place setting to add a decorative touch to the night. If you’re going all out with decor, consider using colorful decorations to accentuate the festive vibe. Choose multi-colored garlands to hang above doorways, on the mantel or across the dining table as a part of the centerpiece. Tasseled garlands in bright colors are just one celebratory option. Let strategically-placed pillar candles create a warm glow to set the mood. If you want to make the evening extra special, consider handwriting place cards and putting them in place card holders at every seat.
Setting Up
An efficient setup ensures that your taco night will go off without a hitch. A topping section, for example, allows guests to add extra flavor to the tacos they’ve filled with their preferred protein. To do this, transform your kitchen island into a makeshift buffet. Then, set out individual snack bowls that feature popular taco toppings such as sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Add multiple taco racks that will keep tacos upright and mess-free. If you’re entertaining a large group, set out plates and flatware prior to their arrival. In keeping with the casual theme, simply leave stacked dinnerware and eating utensils on the counter next to the ingredients. Dining in a warm climate? Set up your taco night buffet on the deck, switching out ceramic or porcelain dishes for those made of durable melamine. To start the festivities, serve a batch of Tequila Collins or another tasty cocktail at the outdoor bar, complete with Collins glasses embellished with a wheel of lemon, lime or orange. For a different approach, consider setting out a punch bowl with a large ladle for fruity concoctions.
