Planning a Party for Mexico's Independence Day

China la Poblana For party hosts who have Mexican ties, decorations for a Dia de la Independencia party might be a little more elaborate, says Escobar. China la Poblana dolls and hand-stitched manteles and tablecloths can set the scene with an authentic touch. These handmade pieces honor the many arts and crafts traditions of Mexico. (Julie Schwietert Collazo)

Flags and papel picado In Mexico, Escobar says most families hang flags and papel picado (shown here, on the balcony), on the outside of their homes. If you have children, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery/Jerome.htm">making </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.storyboardtoys.com/gallery/Jerome.htm">papel picado</a> is a fun DIY project that gets the family in the spirit of celebration. Again, green, white, and red are the typical colors for the September 16 celebrations. ( Julie Schwietert Collazo)

Sombrero and Noisemakers Decorating your home for a Dia de la Independencia party is a must, says Escobar, as it sets the tone for the celebrations. Decorations don't need to cost a lot of money, but they should fulfill two requirements, if possible: (1) They should be green, white, and red (Mexico's colors) and (2) they should make a lot of noise. Straw sombreros, paper horns, and matracas (noisemakers) are typical decorations that can be found for a reasonable price at many party stores. (Julie Schwietert Collazo)

Chef del Rivero serves this cactus salad, a riff on a traditional ingredient, the nopal, with portobello mushrooms at his restaurant, Talavera, in Miami. It's hard to get good, fresh cactus paddles in the US, so Chef Oscar del Rivero recommends using Dona Maria brand cactus, sold in the US at specialty Mexican food shops.

Music of Mariachis “Si no tienes mariachi, no es fiesta,” says Escobar about the importance of having mariachi music to provide the soundtrack for a Dia de la Independencia party. If it's impossible for you to find a live mariachi band, Escobar grudgingly approves playing CDs of Mexican greats, Alejandro Fernandez and Vicente Fernandez (Julie Schwietert Collazo)

Costumes One way to liven up the party even more is to ask guests to come dressed up as a hero of the Revolution or a famous figure from Mexican history. Favorites in Mexico? Pancho Vila, Miguel Hidalgo, and Jose Morelos. If your guests don't know much about history, you can supply them with fake Pancho Vila mustaches. (Julie Schwietert Collazo)