Cinco de Mayo with Bella Vita

 
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Got plans Saturday? Look no further for your guide to a lively lunch spread for the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Reflective of summer's bold yet reawakening entry, the color palette and fresh menu provide the perfect excuse to sit back, sip a white sangria margarita, and enjoy a sunny weekend surrounded by great company and excellent ambiance.

Photos by Christen Jones

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Inspiration for the dining room table's centerpiece was found in the organic mini green banana bunches at the grocery, whose taste is extra sweet and whose color brought a vibrant green hue. Then, I scattered wild succulents in terra cotta pots in an effortless bunch center-stage. Cilantro, avocados, limes, and other leftover menu ingredients were tucked in the negative spaces. The finished product was an organic Cinco de Mayo dream!

Each place setting received an Etta B Round Dinner Plate and salad plate, topped with a paint pen-inked fresh jalapeño for thematic place cards! Encourage your guests to take their jalapeños home for their next batch of guacamole or spicy margaritas.

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To kickoff the party, a large crudité display awaited guests at the kitchen island. Served in the root wood medium serving bowl, the raw and organic look was totally in-line with party vibes! I sought a casual and playful atmosphere with reminders of Cinco de Mayo's roots and modern applications. Pineapple mango and avocado dipping sauces for the crudité added pops of yellows and greens to a typically neutral kitchen.

Most importantly, y'all asked for a taco recipe (versus a tostada) on my latest Instagram poll, so I had to deliver! These slow-roasted carnitas tacos are served on corn tortillas with roasted cubed sweet potato, avocado slices, pickled red onion and a dollop of créma and cilantro. MagnÍfico! You can pick up carnitas from the shop if your schedule doesn't allow for a slow-paced roast, but a crockpot will deliver magic in a matter of 6-8 hours on low. 

A squeeze of lime before the first bite brings out the best of the ingredients, in my opinion. The combo of an Etta B Round Dinner Plate and Root Wood Serving Tray/Charger is a stunning setting for this colorful party pleaser!

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Grab the recipe for white sangria margaritas here.

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This post is brought to you by Bella Vita. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!