Hey Craft Bestie👋🏾
...And fellow food lovers! Welcome to the first post in our brand-new series, (que the drum roll please) "Cooking Up Fun: DIY Dinner Themes and Ideas." This series is all about turning your regular dinner routine into a fun, interactive, and memorable experience for the whole family. And what better way to kick things off than with a DIY taco bar!? 🌮
In our house, tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a staple. We eat them at least once a week! I can hear my girls now screaming "Taco Tuesday!". So, creating a taco bar was a perfect fit for us. Not only does it make dinner time more exciting, but it also gets everyone involved and talking, which is what family dinners are all about.
Why I Love Family Dinners
I can remember growing up as a kid having Sunday dinners with my family, everyone laughing, talking and enjoying some delicious food. As I grew older and now have my own little family, dinner time is just as important. It's a time to hit the pause button on our busy lives and enjoy some quality time together. Research shows that families who eat together regularly enjoy numerous benefits, including better communication, improved nutrition, and stronger family bonds. But beyond the statistics, family dinners are about creating memories, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company. However, making dinner interactive is me being an "extra" Mom and making my family feel a little extra special while adding an extra layer of fun and gets everyone engaged. It turns a simple meal into an event! And trust me, a DIY taco bar is the perfect way to bring out everyone's inner chef! Plus, who doesn’t love a good taco?
Celebrating Creativity Without the Hefty Price Tag
I love a good DIY but sometimes I don't love the price tag that comes with it. With that in mind, this blog is all about celebrating creativity without breaking the bank. I firmly believe that anyone can unleash their creative potential with a little inspiration and some budget-friendly ideas. So, let’s dive into how I put together this awesome taco bar using thrift store finds and other affordable goodies.
Step 1: Plan Your Taco Bar Essentials
First things first, you'll need to make a list of what you'll need for your taco bar.
💡Pro Tip: Creating a shopping/ checklist can save you time by making shopping more efficient and reducing impulse purchases, it helps you stick to your budget and avoid stress.
Here's a basic checklist to get you started:
Tortillas (both corn and flour because variety is key!)
Taco fillings (I used vegan beef crumbles, but you can use ground beef, chicken, beans, or fish)
Toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, onions, cilantro—you name it)
Salsas and sauces
Sides (beans, chips, guac, rice)
Serving dishes and utensils
Decorations to jazz up the table
With this list in hand, you can shop your local grocery store and then hit up the Dollar Tree and some thrift stores to find all the other goodies. But before you start shopping, I'd recommend taking inventory of some of the things you may already have at home.
Step 2: Utilize Things You Already Have at Home
Before you go out and buy everything new, take a look around your house to see what you can repurpose for your taco bar setup. Utilizing things, you already have at home before starting a new DIY project is not only practical but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. I love being able to reuse/ repurpose an old item. Remember we're all about saving coins over here!
Here are a couple of things I re-used:
3 Tier Serving Tray: I used a 3-tier serving tray that I already had to display some of my taco toppings. It's perfect for organizing smaller items like beans, cilantro, limes and shredded cheese.
Small Letter Board: I used a small letter board to make a sign that said, "Taco Bar, Build Your Own Taco!" It adds a cute touch and lets everyone know they're in for a treat.
Round Cutting Board: I used this to break up the texture and it was perfect for holding my toppings.
Step 3: Thrift Store Treasures
I love to go thrifting, and thrift stores are perfect for finding unique, budget-friendly items. Here are some gems I found:
Sarape Table Runner: Its bright and fun as a table runner and adds a nice pop of color to the setup. The intricate patterns and vivid hues are just perfect for a taco-themed dinner.
Lime-Shaped Glass Container: P erfect for salsa or guac and makes the table look extra festive. The bright green color also complemented the other elements on the bar, making it not only functional but also decorative.
Woven Basket Tray: Great for organizing tortillas or toppings. Plus, it adds texture to the setup.
Step 4: Dollar Tree Scores
Listen! Please don't sleep on the Dollar Tree or Dollar General. They are a goldmine for inexpensive party supplies and kitchen essentials. Here’s what I picked up:
Taco Holder: Keeps your tacos standing up, making assembly way easier. And it’s only a buck twenty-five!
Decorations: I found a festive paper cactus banner and a mini faux succulent plant to spice up the setup. These small additions make a big impact without breaking the bank.
Step 5: Target Finds
Whenever I'm looking for affordable/ fun decor Target's dollar spot is always on the list! So, here's a few things I found:
Lazy Susan Tray: I couldn't resist this colorful $5 tray (yes, sometimes you gotta splurge a tiny bit) And it was perfect for serving our Margarita mocktails!
Tortilla Warmer: Keeps those tortillas warm and soft while adding additional color to the bar setup. Total game-changer for just $5
Step 6: Cooking and Preparing the Food
Now that you have your serving dishes and decor, let’s get cooking. Here’s a super simple taco recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 lb vegan beef-less crumbles from Trader Joe’s (or your favorite meat substitute)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole
Corn and flour tortillas
Instructions:
Cook the Meat Substitute: In a skillet, cook the vegan beef crumbles over medium heat. Add the taco seasoning and a bit of water, and let it simmer.
Prep the Toppings: While the crumbles cook, chop up the tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and cilantro. Put each topping in a separate bowl.
Warm the Tortillas: Use your tortilla warmer to keep the tortillas nice and soft.
Step 7: Putting It All Together
Alright, once you've got your supplies and the foods ready—now it’s time for the fun part! Setting up the taco bar. Here’s how I did mine:
Table Setup: Start with the table runner and arrange serving dishes. I used the woven basket tray for decor and the lime-shaped container for utensils.
Taco Holder and Tortilla Warmer: Place the taco holder and tortilla warmer on the table so everyone can assemble their tacos with ease.
Decorations: Add the festive banner, small plant, taco bar sign and add lemon/limes to make it look extra special.
Food & Toppings: Arrange the cooked meat, toppings, and tortillas on your taco bar. Let your family assemble their tacos as they please.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Taco Night!
With everything set up, it’s time to dig in and enjoy. Gather your family and friends, load up your plates, and savor those delicious tacos. The vibrant setup adds to the fun and makes dinner feel like a special event. It’s amazing how a few simple and affordable pieces can transform your dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a DIY taco bar on a budget is totally doable and so much fun. By combining thrift store treasures and budget-friendly finds, you can create a vibrant and inviting taco bar that’ll impress your family without emptying your wallet. I had so much fun setting up this taco bar for my family, and I hope it gives you some ideas for your own taco nights.
Remember, the key is to get creative and have fun with it. So, get out there, start thrifting, and enjoy some amazing tacos! 🌮💕 Share this with someone who loves tacos as much as we do, and let’s make dinner time fun again. Here’s to many more delicious and creative family dinners – one meal at a time!
Later
✌🏾
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