Host A Party Inspired By Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)!

On November 1st and 2nd, Mexicans celebrate the lives of their ancestors and deceased loved ones--each of whom is remembered with a gaily decorated sugar skull. The holiday is not a mournful gathering but a lively and colorful celebration. I am drawn to the positive energy and accepting view of death.

Years ago I started bringing back Dia De Los Muertos decorations as presents for my daughters when returning from business trips to Mexico.  I wanted to share this festive and soulful holiday with my daughters and teach them about other cultures.

Our Dia De Los Muertos Decorations

On one visit I picked up a few small calacas (skeleton figurines). They really liked the cute and decorated skeletons, and each time I have returned to Mexico I have brought home a few more. Over time our collection of calacas has grown to 25, and each year we mingle them with our other Halloween decor. 

Our Calacas Collection

Tonight, my youngest daughter Francesca has invited 30 of her high school friends over for a Dia De Los Muertos party. We will serve a a menu that is Italian and Mexican. I will make pasta with Tomato and vodka sauce with spicy peperoncino. It is a baked pasta that tastes like a bloody mary, We will have fresh crudities platte, tortilla chips, guacamole, mixed green salad and a platter of Italian charcuterie.

I made toasted pumpkin seeds from the 3 pumpkins I carved last night. We will have huge bowls of candy and chocolate chip bars. We will be showing 3 movies on various TVs and computers-- Rosemary's Baby,The Shinning, and Practical Magic.The kids will play games like Twister, Charades and 20 Questions.

It is not the typical day of the dead celebration where the Mexicans visit the graves of their loved ones and celebrate their lives, but rather a high-bred of American Halloween with decor and ambiance  influenced by the joyful celebration of life done by the Mexicans for Dia De Los Muertos.

Here are some tips for throwing your own Dia De Los Muertos party and incorporating the holiday's traditions into your family's own.

Sugar Skull Cookie

• Send out tombstone invitations.  You can find these online at sites like Paperless Post and Evite.
• Decorate with Marigolds. They are one of the most important symbols of Dia De Los Muertos! They are traditionally scattered around the floor, streets, and even graveyards. It is believed that the bright colors and strong bright colors and strong scent of the petals scattered in a path to the altar, lead the invited spirits to the party.  
• Dress up in traditional calacas with festive masks. The cheerful colors represent a joyful afterlife. You can find Day of the Dead Masks at Party City and Oriental Trading as well as Costumes and Make-up Kits. You can buy Sugar Skull kits at Hearth Song.
• A Mexican-themed soirée wouldn’t be authentic without the guacamole! Prepare this classic party dip and put it out with chips and freshly cut veggies for guests to munch on throughout the night.
• Share enchiladas and tamales with your guests, along with a salad tossed with edible marigold petals.
• Decorate in vibrant colors -- use brightly colored plates, napkins and flatware.
• Use traditional Mexican blankets or tapestries as table coverings.
• Have a pitcher of  traditional margaritas on hand as well as a selection of Mexican beers.
• Keep the lights low and fill the house with candles. Play lively Mexican music, after all it is a celebration!

I hope you'll host your own Dia De Los Muertos party. I will be there in spirit with your ancestors!

P.S.  We'd love to see pictures of your party. Please post them on our Facebook and Instagram pages! 

Warmly,

R O S A N N A I N C . C O M

Tabletop Props: Thanksgiving Kids' Table

This year, let the kids table be the envy of the event with a fun, hands-on 'crafternoon' theme. Start with some kraft paper in lieu of a tablecloth, which can easily be found at your local drugstore next to the shipping supplies. Next, set out a few containers of crayons (usually more crayons = less drama). Throw in a few mini pumpkins and your work here is done. A popcorn appetizer will keep them out of the kitchen and won't spoil their dinner. 

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Kids Table 1 | Kids Table 2 | Kids Table 3 | Popcorn bowl | Oreo Turkeys | Napkins

R O S A N N I N C . C O M

Set a Delightful Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is almost here! Below are some of my favorite tips and tricks for setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table that will be sure to wow your guests.

• Look to nature for an elegant, easy table. Use gourds in different sizes and shapes as a centerpiece, or try placing a sprig of wheat in each guest's napkin.
• Use autumnal colors. Plates, glasses, and table linens in browns, greens, reds, and oranges make for a warm table.
• Do you have a special family heirloom collecting dust in storage? Pull it out to add some tradition and nostalgia to the meal, whether it is with an antique gravy boat or silver serving tray.
• Don't forget the candles! Everyone looks fabulous in candlelight and it adds to the cozy feeling.
• When I am expecting a large number of guests, I always set my table with place cards. This cuts down on the chaos and can foster unexpected dinner conversations.

• Try using food in your decor. Bowls and vases full of hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and walnuts not only look lovely, but can be eaten throughout the day.
• As fun as putting together centerpieces can be, try not to get carried away. Guests will want to see each other, so don't make your arrangements so large that they impede conversation and sight lines.
• Try using vintage cloth napkins. You can go to your local antique mall and find beautiful, high quality pieces for very reasonable prices.
• To create more space on your table, try a Thanksgiving buffet. This is also a great way to add more decor and warmth to your Thanksgiving. It also makes it easier for guests to go back for seconds!
• Before the meal begins, ask everyone to go around the table and say what they're thankful for. It helps to remind everyone why they're gathering and what happy, fulfilling lives we really do have.

 

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the bounty nature brings forth, but it is most importantly a time to share, to open our hearts, and to be generous as well as thankful for the generosity of others.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Warmly,

www.rosannainc.com

Holiday Decorating Ideas

The winter holidays have arrived! One of my favorite parts of the season is transforming a space into something festive and new with holiday decor. Whether you’re decorating simply to capture the holiday spirit, or preparing for a special event, here are some holiday decorating techniques equally lovely for both:

Light the lights! Set a mood.

’Tis the season when candlelight shines brightest. Take advantage of the winter dark to play with light. Scatter candles of all sizes all throughout the house—pillars, votives, and tapers. Place a few big candles in glass hurricanes in your entryway, or line your mantel with a flickering row of tiny votives. You can even bring the candlelight outdoors. There’s a long tradition in Santa Fe of Christmastime farolitos (Spanish for “little lanterns”). These brown paper bags, weighed down with sand and each containing a small lit votive, line the streets and buildings. I love farolitos because of the special warmth they add to even large outdoor spaces. Set out some farolitos out this Christmas and add a new tradition to your holiday repertoire. 

Ornaments: Not Just for the Tree

As the years go by, many people end up with more ornaments than can fit on a Christmas tree. To display Christmas ornaments in beautiful and unexpected way, arrange a variety in a compote, large bowl, or glass jar. 

Holiday Décor Clusters

I’ve long loved collecting traditional Austrian snow globes. Rather than scattering them throughout the home, I like to arrange all of the globes on a large silver platter for a striking visual display. Another idea: intersperse the globes with candles and let the light play off the beautiful glass orbs. 

Good luck with your own holiday decorating. Be inventive. When displayed in a new way, even old decorations can take on new life.

Happy holidays,

www.rosannainc.com