Dia de los Muertos Party Resources

It's almost here!! I'm a Halloween SUPER FAN but I've been crushing on the Day or the Dead {or Dia de los Muertos} party themes lately! I always thought the skeletons were a little morbid when visiting Mexico but after reading history and details of the holy day I came to appreciate the wonderful honoring of our ancestors.

Another great reminder to never judge something you don't fully understand! So now I'm planning my first Day of the Dead event and gathered up all my favorite Dia de los Muertos party resources to share with you.

Affiliate links are provided for your shopping convenience. By clicking and purchasing, I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure page for any questions. Thanks for being here so we can continue providing awesome party ideas that make lives better!

Dia de los Muertos Party Invitation

I'm not going to brag, but these Day of the Dead invites are from my Etsy shop and I think they are kind of fabulous! The editable invite comes with an optional floral pattern for the back and thank you card for guests. The floral pattern is also available as fabric or gift wrap on Spoonflower. You better believe I'll be using some gift wrap as table runners for my party!

Day of the Dead Party Decor 

One of the easiest ways to give your home a holiday makeover is PILLOWS! And aren't these pillows from Sea Gypsy California fabulous!? I'm trying to decide how to justify keeping them out year round. I mean the Frida pillows? Those are awesome.

This cat! I'm not a huge cat lover but after hosting a Black Cat Halloween party for my kids I kind of fell in love with this Day of the Dead Kitty from Oriental Trading. This was one purchase that exceeded my expectations, it's bigger than I thought it would be and that NEVER happens. I've also picked up a cute dog and several brides from our last vacation to Mazatlan, Mexico. Makes for a pretty fun collection! {Hmmm…does it seem like I have a lot of collections??}

These giant sugar skulls from Kudzu Monster are great just for the sake of impact! They are also easy to print at home and tape together so no expensive poster prints for you my friend. I'm still trying to figure out where I'm going to put mine.

Balloons are a must have for any event, especially when children are involved. These sugar skull balloons from Oriental Trading are a perfect addition to your porch decor, photo booth, or food table.

My last party decor suggestion is to use what you already have. I took a Halloween wreath I made a few years ago and upgraded it with flowers to a Day of the Dead focal point for my mantel. All it takes is some Dollar Tree flowers and a hot glue gun! With that, I promise, you too can transform everything for a Dia de los Muertos party!

Day of the Dead Food 

A traditional menu seems to consist of:

• Tamales
• Mole Megro
• Sopa Azteca
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Pan de Muertos
• Sugar Skulls

Though everyone has their own take and a different recipe from their abuela {grandmother} for something special. I'm still deciding on my menu, but you can be sure I'll share it when I'm done!

If you want to make real sugar skulls I think this silicone mold from Playing With Color2 would do the trick. It would also be great for making Day of the Dead chocolates, crayons, jello skulls, or ice cubes.

But if you'd prefer a little flour and butter with your sugar, these Sugar Skull Day of the Dead cookies from Trilogy Edibles are fabulous!

You can't have a party without great paper goods and I'm loving this Day of the Dead line from Oriental Trading. I picked up a great set on clearance last year from Michael's but they didn't bring them back again. So these are the best alternatives. Not hard. I love OTC for pretty much everything. {And no, they aren't paying me to say that!}

Don't forget your beverages! You could go for something classy like a rose straw or stick with the skeleton theme with these Skull Party Straws from The Morning Crafter Co. I know they are for Halloween but I'm getting a storm trooper vibe from these. Anyone else? Either way. I think they are super cool and glittery.

Dia de los Muertos Party Favors

Now for my favorite part! I know that food is supposed to be the best part of a party but I don't enjoy doing the food. I enjoy the decor and especially the party favors! There are too many options, which do you think I should choose?

Bubbles are always a hit with children. Do you think adults would enjoy these Sugar skull bubble wands from Bones Nelson just as much? 

Or these Sugar Skull pails filled with goodies? The pail makes for the easiest favor. Now what to fill it with that's not all sugar??

I'm kind of leaning towards this one…it's a Day of the Dead bracelet craft kit that makes several of these cuties. You could make them up ahead of time or have guests string them as a party activity.

Day of the Dead Party Costume 

So I think it goes without saying that some kind of costume is a must for a Day of the Dead party. Amiright? Not everyone likes to dress up. I get that. I really do. It's that I don't care! {wink} I think a party it a lot more fun if you play along. At least it always has been for me. I'll be sporting sugar skull makeup, whether this awesome sugar skull makeup tutorial from my niece or these sugar skull tattoos from Amazon, as the deadest hostess ever!

If we are being completely honest, I already ordered this Day of the Dead tie on bustle from Party City and I'm pretty excited about it. It looks much better on a tall model than on me {I'm 5′-0″} but I'm used to that and not afraid to rock it on my stubby legs!

These are the Day of the Dead leggings also from Party City that I'll wear under my bustle. The bones will be covered up a bit but it'll keep me warm and give me fun leggings to wear the month of October. Cause why not!? Just a warning on these – they are NOT a one size fits all. I wear small sizes and these stretch pretty good going on. If you wear a large or extra large I'd look for another option.

My final accessory? Well, I imagine I will have a few….but the BIG one are these gloves! I'm so in love with these Jeweled skeleton gloves from Grandin Road! The “jewels” are gorgeous – a ring on one hand a bracelet on the other. Firmly affixed so I won't have to worry about them coming off during the party.

But if you really aren't into the whole costume thing….at least throw on a party hat and smile pretty in the photobooth with all the guests who WERE brave enough to dress up!

And there you have it! Phew. I've been searching for the best Dia de los Muertos party resources for months and I hope this helps in planning your own Day of the Dead party, or Coco movie party. I hear it's going to be amazing.

If you take any of these suggestions, let me know how it turns out. I'd love to see pictures of your party and possibly feature them here on the blog! Check out the submission page so I can share all your hard work. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Additional Day of the Dead Resources

• Sweet Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial
• Day of the Dead Coco Inspired Party
• Day of the Dead Holiday Wreath Transformation
• Day of the Dead Non-Alcoholic Sangria Recipe
• Also check out our Black Cat party and Halloween decor series!

Until next time,