Here in New Orleans, Carnival is in full swing! Parades are rolling, bands and marching and the food is plentiful as we await the coming of Mardi Gras Day. Want to bring the Mardi Gras spirit to your part of the world? Just follow these easy steps and “Laissez Bon Temps Rouler!”
1. Invite the Revelers: Gather the crowd and invite your guests to dress in costume or traditional Mardi Gras masks.
2. Set the Scene: What’s a party without balloons, streamers and confetti? The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold, so you are going to want to grab these colors for decorations. I love this Mardi Gras tableware from Party City!
3. Fun with Food: New Orleanians know how to eat! The centerpiece of every party is the food, so start will a traditional menu of jambalaya (try the Zatarain’s mix) or seafood gumbo. Don’t forget the dessert! You absolutely HAVE to get a King Cake. Check out my Top 5 
Places to Get an Original New Orleans King Cake.
4. You’re gonna need some music: Dance, eat and dance some more! Check out my favorite New Orleans Party Classics
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5. Second Line the Night Away! Don’t know how? Check out this video and grab a second line hanky.
6. Throw Me Somethin’, Mista! Send your guests home with Mardi Gras beads so they remember the night forever!
In 2012, Mardi Gras will be on February 21st, so get those invites out now and start planning!
I knew everything but #5. And you forgot #7, come down and party with Bridgette for Mardi Gras!!!
We’ll be jammin’ in Atlanta!! Make my own king cakes and need a good source of babies if you know of any Bridgette!
Fun, fun, fun! Now I totally want to have a Mardi Gras party. Thanks for all the tips and resources.
I hope I get to participate in a mardi gras party some time.
So fun some day I hope to be in NOLA for a real Mardi Gras
Nothing like a Mardi Gras Party in NOLA! I will keep a lookout for my invite!
I would so love to do something like this! I’ve never been to NOLA or a Mardi Grais party BUT I have had a King Cake because I worked in an office with someone from New Orleans. Oh my, was that good!
How fun! I’ve never celebrated Mardi Gras. LOVE your ideas : )
Gosh the last time I was in NOLA was in 1978……… it is sooooooooo time to go back! I remember I was shocked by so much (I was 18) and the bawdiness of it all surprised me! The music and the food though was wonderful and the people and the good times are something I will never forget!
Have a wonderful Mardi Gras!!!