Setting Up for the Party:

The following setup can be done outdoors or indoors, depending on the weather and where you live. For parties involving younger children, it is suggested that plastic under-liners be used on the table-tops beneath the tablecloth for easy clean-up.

The colors of Spain are red, yellow, and black, as a tribute to the culture, you could decorate the party table with balloons, streamers, flowers, and tableware in these colors.

A long rectangular table with access to all sides is ideal, as it would allow easy access to everything and make it possible to have many different dishes on the table. A series of smaller round tables could be decorated and used for seating the children. (You can make do with what is available if you do not have a long rectangular table.)

Begin by placing a plastic liner on the table and then placing your tablecloth over the top. A red table cloth would work well, in keeping with the theme. Depending on your menu, decide which serving dishes you will be using and then plan a layout for your table. Keep the disposable products (plates, napkins, utensils, and cups) to one end of the table so they are easy to grab, and move the party-goers in a clockwise or counter-clockwise pattern, as you would a buffet.

Once you have decided on serving dishes, place them empty on the table and then arrange your flowers, balloons and decor around the dishes. Add the disposable products to the setup, and then remove the serving dishes to be filled.

Arranging and Preparing the Tapas :

Have a series of main bowls or serving dishes with a basic tapa encircled by a series of condiment bowls for ease of use. Always make sure that the food is an accessible distance from the edge of the table, and that proper serving utensils are used, so that the children are not reaching across for their food.

Traditional tapas tend to lean toward adult tastes, with ingredients like squid, grilled peppers, capers and anchovies, but they can also be made to suit a child's taste.

Mini pita's or thinly sliced and toasted baguettes can be topped with a little bit of tomato sauce, a thin slice of Serrano ham (or another dry, thinly sliced ham) and a thin slice of Manchego cheese (you could substitute jack cheese). Additional tapas ideas could be diced avocado's, diced tomatoes, olives, mini-dill pickles, artichoke hearts, cooked and shredded chicken, diced cucumber, or diced hard-boiled egg. Have salt and pepper on the individual tables as needed.

A large bowl of saffron rice can be made as an accompaniment. (Saffron rice can be purchased in a package at the grocery store. Add toasted almonds, peas, currants, and a bay leaf when cooking for a more authentic feel.)

For a refreshing drink, make a large punch bowl or pitcher full of "Mock-Sangria". Combine equal parts orange juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling cider together. Slice a few oranges, limes, and lemons into 1/4 segments and add to the juice mixture, along with some maraschino cherries. Prepare this mixture one to two hours prior to the party to let the flavors mix well. Serve in cups with slices of orange and maraschino cherries.