How to Have a Mardi Gras Party

Have a Mardi Gras party and laissez les bon temps roulez!
Celebrate Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, by inviting some friends over and enjoy some traditional festivities. A Mardi Gras party isn’t all about girls and beads. Enjoy good food and fun activities with your friends and family, and revel in the Mardi Gras spirit before starting the season of Lent.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know what you are celebrating. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, is the last day before the season of Lent begins. The season of Mardi Gras begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, so you can have a Mardi Gras party any time during the Mardi Gras season, but most people have their Mardi Gras party the weekend before Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) or on the actual day.

2. Get the colors right. Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold. Purple = justice; green = faith; and gold = power. These colors should be everywhere for your Mardi Gras party.

3. Decorate. This can be as simple as hanging green, purple and gold balloons and streamers around your home, or as creative as making miniature floats, signs, hats, and flags. Whatever option you pick, make sure you decorate in some way for your Mardi Gras party.

4. Buy some beads. You can get these online or at most party supply stores. Buy lots. Wear them, decorate with them, throw them, and hang them from your rear view mirror in your car. Give some to everyone who attends your Mardi Gras party.

5. Make some masks or buy some. Half masks probably are the best. Buy some plastic masks and glue purple, green and gold feathers and beads to them. Be creative! Hand these out at your Mardi Gras party as party favors or treats.

6. Plan the food for the Mardi Gras party. A staple that any good Mardi Gras party should have is King Cake. A King Cake represents the three wise men, the three kings, who sought the Christ child after his birth. King Cake is made of sweet dough and usually covered with purple, gold, and green icing. Traditionally, there is a plastic figure of a baby, representing the Christ child, and whoever finds the figure is obligated to provide the next King Cake. You can make a King Cake or you can order one for your Mardi Gras party.

7. Cook some traditional dishes, such as jambalaya and Creole rice. Eat some crawfish if they’re available. Include Creole and Cajun dishes on your menu for your Mardi Gras party.

8. Get ready for the parade! Watch one on TV., find a local one to attend, or throw your own. Celebrate Mardi Gras and make plans to throw a Mardi Gras party each year. You’ll be surprised how fast your guest list grows!

Resources

• Jambalaya/Jumbalaya for Mardi Gras
• Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers
• Celebrating Mardi Gras - something for everyone

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on 1/14/2009 This sounds like a lot of fun!