A TOUR OF THE DINING ROOM - Cottage Fiesta Style

On Thursday my mom and sister came out for an early dinner and I had a chance to treat them to a fiesta afternoon complete with Mexican food and festive decor.  Despite the fact that we all ate way too much, we had such a nice time.

I can't stress enough how much the little touches you add to a gathering lets people know you care.
The hand painted clay pots with succulents and happy fiesta flags are the guests take away gift.

Even though I could have set out take out food on paper plates (which I have done plenty of times) and enjoyed the company, it was so nice to pamper my mom (who at 83 is the chief pamperer of all time) and my sister who I only get to see twice a year.

The touches were simple but such fun.  I am so glad I took the time to try out a couple of new recipes for taco meat including Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken and Carnitas for our taco bar.  Both were delicious.  I think I slightly preferred the Carnitas but you decide for yourself.

I kept the stress level down by buying the Spanish rice from the local Mexican food restaurant (there was no way I was going to risk homemade rice for my mom) and a can of refried beans.

My daughter helped out by making guacamole and I made some fresh salsa and a simple green salad.
Add to that the delicious apple pie my mom brought and we satisfactorily gorged ourselves to our hearts content.  It's okay to do that every once in a while, don't you agree?

I am headed to the beach with family for a couple of days and I can't wait to R-E-L-A-X.  Of course after all that food there is no way I'm going near my bathing suit!

Have a wonderful weekend.

xo, Patty

Here's the link to the Fiesta Dining Room decor that I posted on YouTube.  If you'd like to see more of this type of video hit the like button and subscribe to my channel.  Thanks!