Tapas, Spanish for “small plates,” parties are easy on the host – and on the wallet. The foods, many of which are prepackaged or can easily come from a can or a jar, are easy to prepare and elegant in their simplicity, not to mention inexpensive. Following are the basic guidelines to hosting your own Tapas party at home.

Set the Mood for a Spanish Dinner Party at Home

Tapas comes from Spain -- incorporate some of the bold colors and themes into your decor. Golden yellows, blacks, reds and cobalt blues are all important colors in Spain and can easily and inexpensively be incorporated into your dinner. Set the table with a yellow table cloth and red or blue napkins, or use blue plates and red napkins. Don’t worry if you don’t have a table cloth of these colors – in a pinch, a flat sheet can be used as a table cloth, or even a festive looking blanket.