GAINESVILLE, Va., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In every Cinco de Mayo celebration you'll find the same old sombreros, pinatas, drinks, food, and, of course, vibrant colors. Beth DePompei, Entertaining Essentials Director at GreatGatherings.com, shares five easy tips for adding an entertaining twist to this year's festivities. "In honor of 2014's color of the year, radiant orchid, why not play it up with a purple-themed Cinco de Mayo fiesta?" asks DePompei.

Drinks:  "Start by serving purple margaritas as your signature drink using this lip-smacking purple margarita recipe by drinksmixer.com. To add to the ambiance, use authentic Mexican glassware like the Baja Collection from GreatGatherings."

Food: "It's okay to keep your menu traditional Mexican cuisine, but mix in purple ingredients to play up the color theme of the evening. Try Mystic Harvest Purple Corn Chips with your salsas. In fruit platters, have pink and purple fruits like plums, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, and watermelon. On food platters, use purple cabbage to add color, or use purple carrots or cauliflower. For dessert, try this tasty Purple Yam Ice Cream by Wok with Ray."

Atmosphere: "Ask your guests to wear purple and bring their sombreros! Bunch together any and all variations of purple flowers, like violets, asters, dahlias or crocuses. There is even a purple petunia called a 'Mexican petunia'! Hang purple paper lanterns with string lights. Last but not least, play high-energy music with a Latin vibe. I've created a three-hour playlist, including some classics as well as 2014's hottest Latin hits, that you'll find here at Sound Cloud."

Fun: "The perfect Purple Star Pinata is available here: Purple Pinata. This spirited prop will rev up your party's atmosphere and give guests an excuse to look hilarious while thwacking (blindfolded, of course!) for candy and prizes."

"At GreatGatherings, we think your home has no room for ordinary – especially when it comes to fiestas. So try these simple ways to play up your celebration," says DePompei.

GreatGatherings, a fresh and innovative retail concept, helps people perfect the art of entertaining with an extensive collection of furniture and entertaining essentials – from books to how-to presentations. Its ongoing "Plant Yourself Outside" sales event features discounts on outdoor furniture, pool tables, entertaining essentials, hi top dining, bars and game room furniture, and barstools at http://www.greatgatherings.com/entertaining-essentials.

SOURCE GreatGatherings