When I think about the Mardi Gras holiday I think of The French Quarter in New Orleans, jazz music, tons of food, masks and the everything covered in purple, green and gold. The term Mardi Gras is a French term meaning Fat Tuesday. In the US this is commonly associated with carnival celebrations, floats, masks, beads, and tons of food and drinks.  

This year you do not have to road trip down to New Orleans, the Mardi Gras Capital of the US, to participate in these celebrations. Instead throw your own Mardi Gras party for you and your friends. Here are some great ideas that will help get create the perfect carnival celebration!

Since this party theme is based off the elaborate carnival celebrations in New Orleans there are no limitations when it comes to decorations. Go all out in purple, green and gold with beads, banners, masks, feathers, and tableware. You can never have too much when it comes to this party theme. This banner and display from etsy store owner ClassicBanners is the perfect start to your own party decoration.
Have all your friends get into the true Mardi Gras spirit by dressing up in your best Mardi Gras outfit. Masks, feathers, beads, hats and most anything purple, green and gold will fit the bill. Over the top wigs, hats and costumes will make everyone feel like they are down in New Orleans celebrating.
You can’t get any better than including a true Mardi Gras sized feast at your party. You can serve up jambalaya, muffaletta, Cajun shrimp, po’boys, cornbread, and my favorite a king cake to name a few traditional dishes. A lot of sea food is found in traditional Mardi Gras dishes (New Orleans is right by the gulf). If you don’t have good sea food near you, fix some basic party dishes and use Cajun seasonings. For desserts use purple, green and gold decorative sugars and food coloring to give your food the Mardi Gras touch. I am loving this Shrimp and Chicken Etouffee dish as well as these purple, green and gold cupcakes. (Check out my Memorial Day Cupcake post to learn how to create the layered cakes.)
You can play some classic party tunes, like these Mardi Gras songs, to really get your guests in the carnival spirit. Don’t forget the traditional king cake game. Hide a small trinket into your king cake (or other dessert item) and whichever guest finds the trinket is crowned king or queen for the evening!

Are you ready to celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday?
 

xoxo
Megan

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1/31/2013 01:03:22 am

I just moved out of Louisiana. As a Lousianian, we stopped putting trinkets in our King Cakes...

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2/1/2013 02:56:15 am

I am sorry to hear that you stopped taking part in that tradition. I always love that part!

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