18 Party Ideas For Mardi Gras That Bring Bourbon Street To You!

Fat Tuesday or as the French say "Mardi Gras" has been celebrated for over 400 years! If you’re like the majority of people who observe this holiday, then what it really means is, Party Time! 

Being the kind and loving person that you are (get yourself a Starbucks, you deserve it!), hosting a party for your friends or young ones is obviously the right move. But with such a big heart comes great responsibility! Since you have a reputation to keep, you might want to check out these party ideas to keep your little shin-dig, What do kids say these days...“Poppin”?

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 1. DIY Mardi Gras Masks

Simple enough right? Find some blank masks, a couple of hot glue guns and get to work! Use the beads from Mardi gras necklaces and other cheap items to decorate your masks.

 2. Jambalaya Jamboree

Jambalaya (a Louisiana staple) is easy to make and add your own spice to make the recipe your own. This one-pot dish is rice and meat and peppers with some creole seasoning. 

 3. Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Really, anytime you get the chance to cook meat on a stick, you should do it (or tofu for our vegan readers). This classic is loved by the masses. Grill up some crawfish too if you’re really trying to impress.

 

4. Costume Party Anyone?

Suggest that your guests show up in fun costumes! With costumes and perhaps some adult beverages this party is already entertaining. If you’re extra like us at JOYIN, you would enjoy people watching and see what different outfits are sporting.

5. Epic Jazz Playlist... I suggest Ron Burgandy

You can't have Mardi Gras without Jazz. New Orleans is famous around the world for not only food but its live jazz music as well. Find a jazz playlist on iTunes or Spotify to last several hours. Some jazz flute is always soothing.

 

6. Have a Color Theme

Purple, green and gold are the traditional colors for Mardi Gras. Before the inaugural parade of 1872, the “Rex” organization suggested that these colors should be draped over the balconies during the festivities. Why purple, green and gold you might ask? I wish I had some witty answer for you but truth be told that no one really knows why these colors were chosen.

7. DIY Dress Say What!?

Looking to stand out from all the other party-goers? Make your own DIY dress from Mardi Gras beads. *PRO TIP- Bring an extra change of clothes just in case your wearable art...falls apart. You’ll end up turning heads for all the wrong reasons.

8. Mardi Gras Door/Table Curtains

A simple touch can go a long way when it comes to party decorations. This quick and cost-efficient idea will make your soiree THAT more elegant.

9. Eye-Catching Centerpiece

Use whatever Mardi Gras themed items you can conjure up to make a decorative centerpiece. Sip some bourbon (if you’re of legal age that is) as your guests admire your display. All while devouring the shrimp skewers we mentioned in tip #3!

10. More, More, More Decorations

Go that extra mile and decorate the whole house! For a very reasonable price, you can buy whole sets of purple, green and gold Mardi gras decor. This makes decorating quick and easy. Your house will be looking like bourbon street in no time!

 11. Balloons! Check Out This Instagram

 If you've made it this far in the blog, you should already know what colors to use. If not… Maybe you should let your friends host a party this year.

Click on the image above to visit this Instagram Page I found, Amazing stuff!

12. Say Cheese Mardi Gras Photo Booth

Pick out a designated area of your party and set up a photo booth. Using... you guessed it! purple, green and gold items. Hats, masks, and Mardi gras beads are a solid choice for props.

 13. Po Boys for All Click Here For Recipe

A New Orleans staple this traditional sandwich is served on French quarter bread known for its crisp crust. We recommend cajun sausage or fried seafood like shrimp and crawfish.

14. Mac &...Yes Please!

Getting hungry yet? I know I am... If you're hosting a kid-friendly Mardi gras party try putting a slight cajun style twist on mac-n-cheese. Who wouldn’t like it?

 15. Antioxidant Cocktails?! I'll take two, please...

Did you know that during Mardi gras in New Orleans, it’s completely legal to drink in public? One of the most popular drinks of Mardi gras is the “Hurricane”. Don’t drink too many or the next day you’ll really feel the pain after the storm.

16. Mardi Gras Pinata

This is great entertainment for kids. Fill a Mardi gras themed pinata with temporary tattoos and other things children love. Add an adult twist by filling the pinata with mini alcohol bottles instead of candies and toys.

17. King’s Cake

 Another New Orleans tradition, the Kings Cake is one “tasty pastry” (bet you can’t say that 5 times fast). Baked with a small plastic baby hidden inside, the person who finds the baby must host the next party!

 18. Neighborhood Party Parade

 

Last but definitely not least. Gather up your party crew and assemble your own parade around the neighborhood. Bring speakers and that playlist we talked about earlier. You’d be surprised how many people come out to watch.

With so many fun things to do and see at this festival, getting to New Orleans isn’t always an option. Turn your living room into the French quarter and your backyard into Bourbon street. Let this be a helpful guide to make your Mardi gras party a hit!

 


 

 

 

 

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