Taco Dinner Parties: Taco Bar & Mexican Buffet Ideas

April 12, 2024
grilled sreak tacos with corn salsa and grilled mahi mahi tacos served on wooden table

How to Host the Ultimate Taco Party

At Old El Paso, we love to bring people together! Dinner parties are a great way to create new memories with family and friends, and who doesn’t love tacos? They’re the perfect party food with adaptable fillings to meet everyone’s preferences. Of course, the menu wouldn’t be complete without a tasty Mexican buffet too.


Read on to learn all you need to know about hosting the ultimate taco party.

Planning Your Taco Dinner Party

cactus themed decor for mexican food party

Choosing A Theme & Décor

The first step to throwing a taco party is deciding on a theme. After all, you can’t have the ultimate taco party without some added flare! You’ll want to decorate your space with vibrant tones inspired by Mexico.


We’d recommend using brightly coloured tablecloths, paper flowers, and string lights to create a festive mood. If you’d like to add a playful touch, you can also add objects such as cacti and sombreros which are great for taking fun photos.


Whether it's a Cinco de Mayo celebration or a chilled garden fiesta, the theme you pick will ultimately influence your decorations, menu, and activities.

various taco fillings such as beef, chicken, beans, cheese, avocado etc. placed on wooden board

Taco Party Supplies and Setup

To throw a party that's enjoyable and easy to manage, you’ll need the right supplies. Consider using Old El Paso taco kits, which include everything you’ll need to create the perfect tacos — just add your favourite fillings!


You could even set up a taco bar where guests can assemble their own tacos, complete with soft and hard shells, and an array of fillings and toppings.


Crafting Your Taco Bar & Mexican Buffet Menu

guacamole chips served on wooden board

Taco Party Appetisers

Set the stage by kicking off your taco party with a range of tasty appetisers. Think bite-sized delights like mini quesadillas, guacamole, tortilla chips, and jalapeño poppers.


Preparing these starters is made easy with our range of dips and kits, meaning your appetisers will be as delicious as they are simple to make.

different mexican foods served on a plate

Taco Party Food Ideas

The heart of your taco party is, of course, the tacos themselves. Try to offer a variety of fillings to cater to all tastes. Some filling ideas to get you started might include; tender spiced beef, marinated chicken, and flavourful vegetarian options like sautéed peppers and beans.

buffet fajitas burritos quesadillas tacos enchiladas salsa nachips served on a wooden table

Mexican Buffet Ideas

Adding a Mexican buffet to your taco party allows guests to explore the variety of Mexican cuisine and will help to keep them full throughout your event. Include dishes such as enchiladas, nachos or even a build-your-own burrito station. Don't forget to include vegetarian options here too, such as a hearty bean chilli.

mexican rice, refried beans, nachips and salads etc. served on wooden table

Sides and Accompaniments

No taco party is complete without a selection of sides. Classic Mexican rice, refried beans, and fresh salads are perfect for complementing your taco feast. Use Old El Paso's refried beans and rice mixes to save time without compromising on taste, allowing you to focus on enjoying the party.


Innovative Taco Bar Ideas for Your Party

taco bar buffet : assorted taco ingredients displayed for self service

Building Your Taco Bar

Create a taco bar that invites guests to get creative with their taco creations. Arrange Old El Paso soft and hard taco shells, bowls of seasoned fillings, and a colourful array of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.


Don’t be scared to also get creative with your condiments too. Think beyond the basics with options like pickled red onions, grilled pineapple, and homemade chipotle mayo. Old El Paso's range of salsas and sauces can also help you introduce a variety of flavours to your taco party.


Taco Party Games & Activities

Don’t forget to add in a few games and activities themed around Mexican culture to keep the party going! Piñatas filled with sweets are great fun for all ages, while a taco-making contest can spark some friendly competition.


We’d also recommend curating a playlist of your favourite Mexican music to keep energy high.


Start Planning Your Taco Party with Old El Paso

A taco party is more than a meal; it's an opportunity to gather friends and family for a night of laughter and delicious food. With our products, you can easily transform any evening into a festive taco celebration, bursting with flavour.


Ready to host your own? Make some noise with Old El Paso and explore our range of taco kits, seasonings, and sides to find everything you need for your next taco night.