Cocktail Fiesta

For this breezy end-of-summer party, we channeled the flavors and ease of Mexico's chic beach town Tulum. Think simple snacks and a smattering of brightly colored pillows, flowers, and drinks. For that final bit of transformation, string up cut-paper garlands and use them to prettify plain glass candleholders.

EASY EATS AND DRINKS

Pair Mexican-inspired snacks with super-simple cocktails: Set out bottles of flavored syrup, crushed ice, sparkling water, and tequila, and let guests mix their own.

MAKE-IT-YOURSELF DECOR

Hang papel picado banners accented with colorful ribbons, and wrap their panels around glass candleholders, securing them with tape.

Box-frame coffee table, $349, westelm.com. Pink striped pillows (similar to shown), from $235, johnderian.com. Standard pillowcase, in Brown Outline Floral, $26, kerrycassill.com.

See the Sources for the Syrups, Banners, and More Festive Additions to the Fiesta