The
Mardi Gras season might be over, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop partying! Continue the spirit by hosting your own Mardi Gras party.
The term Mardi Gras means, literally, Fat Tuesday. The festival traditionally provided Catholics with their last chance to enjoy rich foods before fasting for Lent. While the religious aspects are still important to many celebrators, most people see Mardi Gras as an opportunity to eat, drink and be merry.
Excess is the key to any successful Mardi Gras – excess food and excess alcohol – so be sure to limit your guests to the over 18 age bracket and make sure they have a way of getting home safely.
Green, gold and purple are the traditional colours of Mardi Gras and will be the linking colours for your party. You can use this colour scheme in your invitations, your decorations and even your food. Help your guests enjoy the festivities by making the party a fancy dress or masquerade.
New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, and you can use the food and sounds of the city to make your party more authentic. Download jazz and brass band music or hire a band. Your menu can include Cajun finger food like
crab cakes and
fried chicken wings, or more satisfying fare like
spicy seafood gumbo and
red beans and rice. Wash everything down with a
Hurricane, the unofficial cocktail of Mardi Gras.
The spirit of giving is strong throughout this holiday. Beads and doubloons were traditionally thrown from floats into the crowd. Greet your guests at the door with a beaded necklace and give them chocolate coins to take home.
