alamodeus

I can pretty much decorate for Fiesta with my eyes closed! After hosting an intimate little 4-day Fiesta party for 100,000+ friends, neighbors and tourists, I can say that decorating a Fiesta table is a breeze.

I had the good fortune to serve two terms as Chairman of 'A Night In Old San Antonio' (NIOSA), the premier event of San Antonio's annual 11 days of Fiesta. Like others who have served in the same capacity before and after me, the decor, food, drinks, fun and fellowship leaves a lingering 'celebration bug' in your blood that returns each year.

 

In addition to attending Fiesta events, the only way to pacify this spirit of celebration is to decorate and entertain at home.

While we're not going to ask our guests to parade around our neighborhood, hubby and I did make two festooned 'parade standards' (above left) that greet revelers upon arrival to our house. Inside the entry, Venus sports a handwoven belt for the season (right).


 

So, I take out my stash of Fiesta goodies, arrange and rearrange - sometimes adding new bits and pieces to create a welcoming and spirited Fiesta table setting with paper flowers, confetti, ribbons, and my cheeky, handmade 'prayer candles.'

I've made countless numbers of paper flowers, cut and strung handmade papel picado paper banners, sewn fabric decorations and curled ribbon until my fingers were numb. But, if you want to save yourself some time and trouble, buy your Fiesta goods were the pros shop, at Alamo Fiesta.

Wondering what's up with the festooned rock hanging in a basket? Well, it's a miniature 'Rain Rock.' During 'A Night In Old San Antonio' a rock is hung to ward off rain during the event. This old Texas tale dates back to the early days of farming and ranching. Legend has it that 1) a rock with a natural hole must be used, 2) a cotton rope is strung through the hole, and 3) it must be tied to a fence to keep rain away.

I always hang my little rock on the fence outside during NIOSA to bring the organizers an extra bit of good luck and clear skies. Since we are in a drought situation this year, I'm keeping my rain rock inside until the opening night!