Poolside

Mardi Gras

Let the good times roll" with a Mardi Gras Theme party. Fat Tuesday is a time to celebrate and revel. There are two great things about planning a Mardi Gras celebration. First there are plenty of great party supplies to choose from that are fun, different and capture the Mardi Gras spirit. Second,  a Mardi Gras theme for your parties can work any time during the year.

Mardi Gras Invitations
First invite some revelers. Send out Mardi Gras invitations to your Mardi Gras Madness party well in advance. You can dress up your invitation in a few different ways.

I love the idea of attaching your invitations to a mask. Or you can include another Fat Tuesday staple and throw a stand of Mardi Gras beads into the envelope. Everyone will be delighted to get such a special invitation!

Make sure that your guests know that they need to dress the part. Offer some suggestions that fit the New Orleans theme such as a fortune teller, a jazz band player, a jester, or even a swamp creature. The sky's the limit when it comes to Bourbon Streeters dressing up for Mardi Gras. Prizes should be given out for the most original costume. And don't forget to get an amazing Mardi Gras costume for yourself!

Mardi Gras Costumes, Masks and Beads.  Jesters Rule!
If you have ever been on Bourbon Street during the celebration (or any time for that matter) you know that half the fun is dressing up for the occasion. At the least you’ll need hats and noisemakers. Think about getting a few Mardi Gras parade packs.
And of course you’ll need Mardi Gras beads. The selection of beads just keeps growing so it might be fun to get a couple of different styles so your guests can express themselves. There are the regular Mardi Gras beads which are inexpensive and good looking. I like the dice beads but then I’m a gambler by nature. Light up beads like these blinking masks are always a hit. The blinking crown beads are cool also. My favorite? The jumbo Mardi Gras beads. Very cool!
You can be creative with beads also. We use the Mardi Gras triple twist beads as a table decoration, usually to wrap napkins.
Noisemakers, hats and beads is a great start but you should consider masks also. There are plenty to choose from:

• Feathered masks
• Masks on a stick
• Four faces of gold (a long time favorite)
• Metallic half masks
• Sequin masks and more.

Wow! No wonder these parties are such fun. Oh, and don’t forget some boas for the ladies. And for the King and Queen of the parade a Mardi Gras crown.

Of course if you really want to get dressed up our friends at BuyCostumes.com have some amazing Mardi Gras costumes. A jolly jester is always a huge hit. In fact, you almost have to have a jester at your party. This Mardi Gras sparkling cape has been very popular this year. 

Turn your house into Bourbon Street
Ok, you are all dressed up, but what if you have no where to go. Simple turn your house into Bourbon Street.
Mardi Gras Decorations and Party Supplies

I like to decorate outside to help set the mood. Nothing fancy. Maybe a personalized Mardi Gras banner by the front door.

Once inside the house it’s easy to turn your home into Bourbon Street. I like big statements on the wall like these scene setters, they are very effective and easy to use. I like putting a life sized cutout near the front door. Nothing says your party will be something special like these cutouts. Too shy to drop your face in there? Use them as a photo op. Very fun.

Decorate your house with signs that are unique to the French Quarter such as Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. There are some Mardi Gras icons that will make you feel like you are in Now Orleans!

Make sure you have plenty of Mardi Gras beads, cups, and doubloons on hand to add to the decorative flair of the house and to give to your guests. Its not a Mardi Gras party with out plenty of "throws."

Mardi Gras is all about color and fun, so if you need a few more decorations to punch up your room, these are our favorites:
• Mardi Gras Swirls - these are perfect for decorating any room, and they look great over buffets and bars.

• Mardi Gras Lights - bright and fun, string these around your bar!
• Mardi Gras Garland - great for doorways, banisters, and edging tables.
• King Cake Babies and Gold Coins - mix these together and scatter them on tables for a fun Mardi Gras themed confetti.
• Mardi Gras Ceiling Decor - hang these from the ceiling in a hallway, fabulous!

No Mardi Gras Party is complete without second line and Dixieland jazz band music to get your guests into the carnival spirit. Make sure you don't forget to play "The Mardi Gras Mambo."

Mardi Gras Table and Bar
New Orleans food is infamous throughout the world, so let's get down to the menu (and drink) details.

• One pot meals are a great way to go for Fat Tuesday; serve gumbo or do a crawfish boil!
• Provide everyone with a tasty hurricanes (easy with this drink mix). And serve it up in a light up hurricane glass. It is sure to be a hit!
• And last but not least a King Cake for dessert!

Have fun setting your table for the feast. Purple, green and yellow are the colors so if you go with those colors you’re fine. Some brightly colored plates are mandatory. Of course you’ll want a tablecover since every Fat Tuesday celebration has a spill or two.
Centerpieces are easy to design with your choice of colorful feather masks surrounding a bunch of purple, green, and gold balloons.  I like throwing some Mardi Gras leis around the table. They look great and if a guest feels “underdressed” they can put a couple on and feel better about themselves. If you’re in a hurry try this Mardi Gras centerpiece. 
Put out some personalized Mardi Gras candy bar wrappers that can serve as desert or the ultimate Mardi Gras party favor.

Have fun on Fat Tuesday!