When it comes to Tampa, there’s a little bit of Cuba in everything. So having a Cuban-themed dinner party in Tampa is as natural as rain.
So, if you live in Tampa and are planning to host a dinner party here are seven ideas to help make your party as authentically Cubano as possible.
Themed Invites
The invitation is the first impression that people have of your party. So, make yours bright and colorful. The palette should be deep red, bright blue, and sunny yellow.
And use images on the invite that are quintessentially Cuban, i.e., use plenty of Bel-Airs, Impalas, palm trees, beaches, and Havana sunsets.
But if you want to take it up a notch then there’s no other way to do a Cuban-themed party right than to go it old school.
And by that, I mean physical, printed, mailed invites! No e-invites! You can also request a Cuban dress code to make the experience more authentic.
Just use this short sentence at the bottom of your invitation: PS. Ahem! The dress code is guayaberas for men and ruffled dresses for women.
I know that sounds like a lot of trouble but if you want to make an impression then you have to do things like no one else does.
Decor
The decor is going to be crucial in pulling off your theme. If you have a backyard then that’s the best option to host your party. Set up some string lights and your cocktail stations and you get yourself a party.
In case, hosting your party in-doors is the only choice you have, then set up some mock palm trees and hang up vintage Cuban poster to set the mood. You can use posters that show the historic streets of Old Havana.
And if you can a combination of the two, there’s nothing like it! Remember to set up warm incandescent lighting as opposed to cool fluorescent lighting. It’ll help you get the ambiance going.
Music and Dance
Celia Cruz and Beny Moré are the go-to Cuban music artists you should play when the evening is starting out. But I’m certain your playlist will switch to more modern music and Hip-hop once the evening gets well on its way.
Want to make your party the most unique experience your guests will have? Hire a Salsa dance instructor for your party! You heard me, right!
There’s nothing like organizing a Salsa dance lesson right in the middle of your party. And believe me, it will get more interesting as the evening gets longer. I’ve seen it happen!
Hire a Private Chef
Why, is the question I hear. Well, there’s no other way you and your guests can experience the best Cuban food in Tampa at home with a private chef.
Most private chefs in the city let you choose the dish you want, and the chef will turn up on the day of the party and cook food in your kitchen.
The private chef takes care of grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up your dishes after the party. So that’s a big plus you get right out of the gate.
In addition, a private chef service comes at a reasonable price. Catering will cost you about as much.
So, hire a private chef for your party, because a Cuban-themed party without great Cuban food would just be a disappointment!
Party Favors
To make sure your guests remember your party fondly, you should put together a party favor.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Even a small and thoughtful gesture can turn out to be a moving memory of your care.
For a Cuban-themed party favor you could include a single serving of Cuban sandwich (hands down the best Cuban food in Tampa), mini bottles of Cuban rum, hand-rolled cigars, and Cuban coffee beans.
Cuban Themed Parties Rock
So, there you have it, friend! You had the great idea of hosting a Cuban-themed party, which is itself great, and now you have the ideas to put it into motion. I have good memories of celebrating with my Cuban friends so, having a Cuban-themed party is definitely a recommendation I’d make.
