Things You'll Need:
- Tote
- Money belt or fanny pack
- Cape
- Comfortable shoes
- Tricorn hat
- Feather boa
- Mardi Gras beads
- Costume jewelry
- New Orleans guidebook
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Step 1
Pile on the Mardi Gras beads. Wear them around your neck, wrap them in your hair and string them around your waist. You cannot wear too many beads at Mardi Gras.
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Step 2
Pick up a feather boa or a cape at a costume shop. Use these accessories to dress up low-key costumes or to add glamor to your costume at a masquerade ball.
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Step 3
Grab a handful of doubloons and take them with you out into the street. Toss these low-cost accessories to people along the parade route to show your appreciation for their costumes.
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Step 4
Pick up a tricorn hat and dress up your jester costume or Venetian mask. Pick up a brightly colored top hat if you want to mimic the look of Mardi Gras parade krewes and walking groups.
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Step 5
Gather a small group of new friends and start your own parade. Buy accessories, like plastic trinkets, beads or plastic cups, and throw them out to people along the way.
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Step 6
Leave your fine jewelry at home and pack low-cost plastic and faux-jewel accessories instead.
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Step 7
Carry a portable New Orleans guide, like the "Frommer's Portable New Orleans" guide at Amazon.com, if you're planning on heading out for a day trip through town (see Resources below).
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Step 8
Pick up a tote bag to carry your parade. Fill up your bag with as many trinkets as you can get your hands on, and then use them later to decorate your home for an authentic Mardi Gras theme party.
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Step 9
Pack a money belt or a fanny pack. Keep in mind that backpacks, messenger bags and purses are easier to steal. They also get heavy after a long day of festivities.
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Step 10
Take along a comfortable pair of shoes. Even if your costume requires you to wear a pair of heels, you'll be glad you brought along a pair of sneakers by the end of the first day.
