It’s that time of the year when taco tables abound. Cinco de Mayo, summer outdoor gatherings and 16 de Septiembre, the Mexican Independence Day, are wonderful themes to gather your loved ones and feast on an epic taco table. It feeds a large crowd, it’s easy to create and there is always something on that table for everyone. Plus, who doesn’t love tacos?!

By setting up key ingredients that will make your table traditional and authentic, your guests will have special memories to cherish plus delicious food to enjoy. Authentic ingredients such as the different Hispanic style cheeses made with Real California Milk make great toppings. Drizzle Hispanic style crema over tacos, as is or flavored with chipotle, jalapeño or cilantro and lime juice.  Real California Milk products are available at your favorite supermarket in the dairy aisle. Just look for the seal.

Taco Table Essentials

Setting up a festive taco table is all about variety. Whether your gathering is extravagant or intimate, delicious, high-quality ingredient choices are a must. Various selections of soft or crispy, corn or flour tortillas filled with different meats such as beef, pork or chicken will make everyone feel welcome. Of course, let’s not forget vegetarian options as well. Everyone, from kids to adults alike, love tacos filled with veggies. I love to include potato tacos because they are a kid favorite.  To accompany your taco spread, toppings and sides make a nice addition to a complete meal. Shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, spicy flavored Real California Milk cremas and Hispanic style cheeses add that last bit of delicious flavor to your tacos. My favorite: crumbled queso fresco and cotija cheese.

Dress to Impress

To give your taco table a nice, impressive feel, use trays and plates in different sizes and shapes. Etched wooden trays, handmade talavera dishes and authentic clay bowls give it that wow factor. Festive napkins and textured placemats or table runners give your feast an inviting feel. And a variety of colors always bring a smile to your guest’s faces.

Homemade vs. Store Bought

I don’t mind store bought ingredients and dishes at all. As long as the food is tasty, your guests won’t mind. Many Latin grocery stores sell rice, beans, salsas and pico de gallo that is just as delicious as homemade. Taco shells, fresh tortillas, flavored and non-flavored cremas featuring the Real California Milk seal are great time savers and readily available at your nearest supermarket.

Most Important Aspect of Building a Taco Table

Giving the guests the option to serve themselves with many options is essential in building a taco table. They have the freedom to create their own personal combination. Give them a starting point and an ending point when laying out the table elements. Start with tortillas, tortilla shells and rolled tacos, move on to fillings and toppings and end with side dishes. This will create a nice flow around your taco spread.

Authenticity is Key

Authentic ingredients such as guacamole, various salsas, traditional Hispanic style cremas and cheeses with the Real California Milk seal will elevate your taco table’s authenticity.

Separate your toppings and sides in individual serving bowls. Use Mexican molcajetes, talavera, Mexican clay pottery,  wicker placemats and brightly colored papel picado to set the tone.

Decorate with fresh produce and colorful flowers for a freshness feel.

A taco table can be lots of fun to set up. To tame the heat, don’t forget a pitcher of agua fresca. To keep the party going, don’t forget the tequila and lively mariachi music to sing along to.

To find the recipes displayed on this epic taco table, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
This is a sponsored post by Real California Milk. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I love that make this website possible.