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Mardi Gras Madness!

A Mardi Gras Theme Party

"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 products to choose from that are fun, different and capture the Mardi Gras spirit. Second, even though Fat Tuesday is February 5th this year, 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 Masquerade well in advance. 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.

Attach masks to your invite.

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 large 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. Visit Mardi Gras Decorating411 for a spectacular selection of Mardi Gras decorations.

I like to decorate outside to help set the mood. Nothing fancy. Maybe a couple of jester lawn balloons or a masquerade Mylar balloons 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 a Mardi Gras custom banner to personalize the party. Or these scene setters 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.

New this year!!  An airblown Mardi Gras sign.  Bon Temps!

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. Above the bar or drink station place a sign that says Pat O'Briens and serve up the world famous

Pat O's Hurricane Mix in authentic Pat O's Hurricane Glasses. It is sure to be a hit! 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."

Centerpieces are easy to design with your choice of colorful feather masks surrounding a bunch of purple, green, and yellow 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.   Have fun setting your table for the feast (it’s a party so don’t be shy with the food!). 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. Put out some personalized Mardi Gras candy bar wrappers that can serve as desert or the ultimate Mardi Gras party favor.

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." You can choose from a selection of Mardi Gras and traditional New Orleans music here.

New Orleans food is infamous throughout the world, so let's get down to the menu details.

The Recipe Source has 549 Cajun recipes for you to look through. Check it out! And last but not least a King Cake for dessert!

Mardi Gras Planning and Decorating Ideas from Party411.com

Mardi Gras Party Planning Guide

 

Creations For You!

Mardi Gras Creations for You

 

Decorating411

Mardi Gras Decorating411

 

Mardi Gras Themes

Mardi Gras Masquerade Birthday

Mardi Gras Super Bowl Bash

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball - A Corporate Event

 Mardi Gras Madness

New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras Celebration

Cool Jazz Party

 

Great Mardi Gras Games

Mardi Gras Party Games

 

If you have questions about throwing your “Carnivale” ask the Party Girl

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