Is there any celebration on earth that tops Mardi Gras? For your next big event, take advantage of the spirit of this grand celebration, and throw a Mardi Gras themed party. Follow these simple steps to make it a huge success:
- Invitations: Choose the color scheme for your party before sending invitations so that everything will match. Deep purple, green, and gold are extremely popular colors for this festive event. Also, consider including a mask on the cover of your invitation (or have the invitation itself me shaped like a masquerade mask). Feathers and sparkles or gems will complete the invitation. Provide guests with beads included in each invitation’s envelope, which they can then use as their “ticket” in the door. Also, be sure to let them know if you’d like them to dress in any particular way.
Food: Transport partygoers to New Orleans with your menu, and wow them at the same time. Recipes for gumbo, jambalaya, and even po-boys (a traditional sandwich from the area) can be found online. Be sure to tell guests the ingredients included in each dish so that anyone with allergies can be careful. Remember that New Orleans is a place full of spice and seafood! Offer guests rice to cool down the intense flavors of the soups, sandwiches, shrimp, and even fish dishes. (In fact, red beans and rice is a staple combination and can be served alongside any New Orleans dish.) For dessert, offer individualized cakes decorated to match your party, as well as beignets, which are like sweet French donuts. Traditionally, these are dipped in coffee, so include a coffee bar with flavored syrups, sugar sticks, whipped cream, and a number of coffee options.
Decorations: In addition to masks and beads throughout the room, brightly colored flowers can greatly contribute to the festive feel. Daisies and violets are perfect colors for Mardi Gras, so put bouquets on each table or even just on each end of the long food tables. Colored feathers can be combined to form gorgeous centerpieces. (In fact you can make a “bouquet” of peacock feathers if you’d like.) Balloons are another popular decorative item and are particularly great if your party will include young guests. If you’re feeling particularly creative, consider creating miniature floats of paper mâché to display throughout the room. Everyone will enjoy the photo opportunity these create! Whatever you choose, be sure to keep the colors bold and glittery!
- Favors: One of the most popular guest gifts around are Mardi Gras favors custom mint tins. With a variety of designs, they are ideal for guests of all ages.
