Cumin and chili powder, lime and cilantro, spicy hot salsas and cool sour cream: these are the flavors of my favorite kind of feast. Find some good music and turn on the sparkly outdoor lights. Mexican food is on the menu and you're all invited.

I love the communal aspect of a dishes like tacos and posole. I love the way everyone reaches for their favorite toppings and passes plates of warm tortillas without even needing to ask. I love how this gets people talking, creating new friendships and solidifying old ones. I love that no matter how much I make or how many extra people show up, there is always plenty of food to go around.

I have no empirical evidence to back this up, but it's my firm belief that a taco filled with slow-braised meat in one hand and a tequila-spiked agua fresca in the other is a guaranteed good time.

The Menu:

• 30-Minute Chicken Posole
• Grilled Guacamole
• Goat Tacos
• Watermelon-Lime and Honeydew-Basil Agua Frescas
• Mexican Chocolate and Almond Ice Cream

What dish would you bring to a Mexican-themed dinner party?

Related: A Taste of Basque Country: 10 Recipes for a Dinner Party

(Images: Emma Christensen, Faith Durand, Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, and Liz Vidyarthi)

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