Cuba has always been a fabulous source of inspiration for parties and special events; the culture is alive with energy, color and flavor. Decorate for a Cuban themed celebration using bold color and leafy greenery, with props and design elements that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Serve up a tasty and creative a menu filled with zesty Cuban and Caribbean style favorites, and mix up some creative cocktails with a focus on rum and tropical fruit flavors. Party guests will love dancing the night away to the beat of Salsa and Reggaeton music.
Cuban Cocktails
Cocktails are an essential part of planning a Cuban celebration. With a big bowl of fresh sliced fruits, juices and a freezer filled with ice and bottles of rum, you have almost everything you need for a successful Cuban party! Traditional drinks include zesty mojitos, refreshing fruit daiquiris, the Mulata, and the Cuba Libre.
Try a delectable Tropical Cuban Mojito Sangria, served up in festive glassware with vintage Cuban designs. They’re a fantastic addition to your barware collection!
Cuban Cuisine
Cubans believe cooking shouldn’t interfere with celebrating. Therefore, it can be a lot of fun to prepare in advance, and enjoy the company of your guests. A traditional favorite is Ropa Viejo, a shredded beef dish marinated in Creole tomato sauce and served over white rice. Other great foods for a Cuban party include chicharrones (or pork rinds), plantain chips and empanadas with a variety of savory fillings.
For desserts with Cuban flair, try serving up your choice of flan or cheesecake topped with cinnamon churro twists, or fresh pineapple, mango and papaya.
Party Decor
You may not be able to provide tropical breezes and shady palms at the drop of a Panama hat, but you can certainly create the look with creative decorations in bright colors and bold prints. Set the tone for the party with retro invitations and artwork.
A table runner designed as the Cuban flag can be a great focal point for your décor. Festive plates and napkins are a fabulous way to add color and pattern to the table as well.
Cuban Party Posters add a nostalgic design element that really sets the party scene. Repeat this by scattering a few Cuban Coasters and Dominoes on tables. Keep guests cool by passing out beautiful Floral Fans. To really add elegance to your Cuban party decor, try making these simple Cuban Party Centerpieces featuring coffee beans and dominoes with candles.
Add a few Cuban cigars, Cigar Box Centerpieces, some maracas, Bongo drums and hibiscus flowers to finish styling your party. Empty rum bottles make great flower vases as well!
Turn Up the Volume With Music
Cuban culture is synonymous with music. It’s impossible to think of Cuba without also recognizing the influence of sound and how it is rooted within the Cuban people. Salsa is a traditional go-to for Cuban dance music, but in recent times, the country has also been heavily influenced by Reggaeton; a fusion of Salsa and Afro-Cuban music mixed with hip-hop. Play a Cuban film, like Havana Blues or 7 Days in Havana, on your TV during the party to keep everyone entertained.
Party Attire Straight Out of Havana
It’s simple to get a feel for Cuban-themed attire simply by viewing our party table, or doing a little online research. Generally, clothing and attire may reflect the 1940’s and 1950’s. Guayaberas are a popular, very recognizable style of Cuban men’s shirts. Try matching them with Cuban Shirt Favor Boxes.
Other options like Panama hats, jaunty fedoras, plantation-style woven hats, and straw hats, are a great way to accessorize, and make a lovely display in a vintage suitcase. While Cuban attire is known for being very bold and colorful, white linen attire is also a popular choice for a Cuban themed celebration.
Party Extras
Cuban cigars may be a welcome addition to your celebration. If not, try these clever look-alike Cuban Cigar Party Favors. They’re filled with coffee beans! The Cuban Cigar Box Centerpieces make beautiful re-purposed floral containers. Add a game of Dominoes, a pastime that’s almost always present at a Cuban gathering. Cuban flags are, of course, a must!
To keep the Cuban fun going make sure to check out how to make Cuban Party Centerpieces, Cuban Cigar Party Favors and Tropical Mojito Sangria.
