How to Buy Mardi Gras Beads
A staple of Mardi Gras since the late 19th century, purple, green and gold strands of beads have been thrown from floats to French Quarter parade watchers as part of the yearly festivities. The beads have a risqué connotation, too. Rowdy men throw the beads to girls who lift up their tops, and women have been known to throw the beads to men who exhibit bare flesh as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide what type of beads you want. The small, traditional purple, green and gold beads have been supplanted in popularity by larger beads, some with miniature toys, animals, or coins on the strands.
-
2
Surf the net for stores like Oriental Trading Company. Several sites feature Mardi Gras beads exclusively, and several more carry a selection of other Mardi Gras items. Online bead superstores also carry beads for other occasions like St. Patrick's Day and the Fourth of July.
-
-
3
Visit your local retail party outlet. Large party stores carry Mardi Gras beads and other New Orleans themed items.
-
4
Walk down Bourbon and other French Quarter streets if you are in New Orleans. Souvenir shops line the streets, and they carry Mardi Gras beads year round. Stock up way before Mardi Gras, as the queues to buy beads grow in the days before Mardi Gras.
-
5
Compare prices. If you plan to throws lots of beads, your bill can add up. With all the fancy new bead necklaces available, its easy to be tempted and ignore prices as you stock up for the big day. Try a combination of plain and elaborate beads to give your pocketbook a break.
-
1
