In less than one week, it will be time to grab that crumpled sombrero from your closet and begin mixing some seriously strong margaritas. No, it is not Mexican Independence Day, it is Cinco de Mayo, the day the Mexican Army was victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla. In most places, it is a day where you go out with friends to a local Mexican chain restaurant and drink tequila until you puke. This year, why not be original and get wasted at home?

Get into costume: Dress as your favorite Mexican revolutionary (Pancho Villa) or monobrowed hot artist (Frida Kahlo). You can also open up the theme to include other Latin American cultures and get your guests to compete in a costume contest.

What to Wear:
Sombreros
Twirly skirts
Embroidered shirts
Cowboy boots
Giant fake mustaches
Brightly colored flowers

Set the mood: Use the colors of the Mexican flag to decorate: green, white and red. One word: Pinata. If your guests are hitting the tequila hard, you might want to substitute the typical candy for condoms, Aspirin and other inventive treats. You can download some Mexican folk music, or make it more contemporary and buy some cheap maracas to have lying around (gauranteed to have your friends playing them by the end of the night). Another great idea to have around your home would be noisemakers and some fireworks and/or sparklers. This could turn out to be a firehazard, but it will be one hell of a good time regardless.

Get the munchies: This one is obvious, but if you want to go all out, skip the boring chips and salsa and opt for cooking quesadillas or other Mexican food. You can also have your guests make what they think is Mexican dishes and make it a pot-luck, or you can strictly have it a liquid party. Either way, be creative, watch out for fires and don't forget your sombrero.