How to Plan a Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras is one of those holidays that simply has to be experienced to understand: the dancing, the music and the nightlife all combine to create one of the most unforgettable experiences. Not everyone can make the trip to New Orleans for the big party, however. That's why it is always fun to host a Mardi Gras party in your own home. You can throw beads at one another without having to spend a fortune on airfare!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Food
• Alcohol
• Music
• Beads and fun costume pieces

Plan a Terrific Mardi Gras Party

1. Fill your neighbors in about your plan to host a Mardi Gras party. If you own a home then be aware of the noise ordnances in your neighborhood. If you're in an apartment building or condominium, however, you may need to clear it with your landlord or homeowners' association.
2. Create a guest list and invite people to come to the party. Paper invitations are still common, but there are several websites available, such as Evite that you can use to email invitations (see Resources below). Internet invitations even include RSVP capability, so you know right away who is coming and who can't make it.
3. Buy a selection of Mardi Gras decorations and costume pieces. Streamers, banners and table decor are all common. Beads, party hats, whistlers and feather masks make great accessories for your guests.
4. Plan on having some people sleep at your home after the party. Mardi Gras is characterized, in many respects, by drinking. Some people won't be fit to drive home so collect car keys at the beginning of the night.
5. Host games during the party. Break out the board games for some friendly competition, or have contests to see who can sing the best (or worst!) and give out Mardi Gras-themed prizes.
6. Make your Mardi Gras party a costume ball, and the more outrageous the better. Ask guests to participate in a costume contest and see who can come up with the best. Give out awards for different categories, such as Best Costume, Worst Costume and Most Likely to Scare the Dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy some terrific jazz or Zydeco music for your Mardi Gras party. You can find a great selection at any major music retailer.
• Put away the good china and make sure you move your most valuable furnishings into an area where your guests can't damage them. There's no way to know who is going to start dancing wildly, nor can some people accurately predict where the beads they just threw will land.

Who Can Help:

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