From festive, colorful decorations to fun activities that keep your guests entertained, here are fabulous Mardi Gras party ideas ranging from food to decor.

About Mardi Gras

Whether you’ve had the experience of visiting New Orleans or not, Mardi Gras is a fun mid-winter tradition that can be celebrated anywhere, even in the comfort of your own home. With its early roots dating back to the 1700’s, Mardi Gras is best known as the decadent carnival that takes over the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana every year. From beaded necklaces being thrown about and over-the-top festival floats to flamboyant masks and elaborate costumes, Mardi Gras parties can range from wild and raucous to festive and casual.

Mardi Gras Party Ideas

If you’d love to get in the spirit of the celebration by hosting your own Mardi Gras party, here are several fabulous food ideas, decor suggestions, and things to do.

Mardi Gras Party Food:

Southern cooking is best known for its comfort food. From cajun spiced dishes to Jambalaya and craw fish and creole, a Mardi Gras party is not complete without these delicious appetizers and entrees.

Better Homes & Gardens features a scrumptious Chicken & Fish Jambalaya recipe worth trying, while the Food Network shows how to whip up a traditional King Cake for dessert.

Mardi Gras Party Decorations:

From glittering fringe curtains (to hang throughout your home) to novelty New Orleans street signs and festive table accessories, Mardi Gras party decorations instantly make your Mardi Gras party come to life.

Since the traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold, choose decor pieces that feature these vibrant hues. If you’re on a limited budget, but still want to make your Mardi Gras party a smashing success, opt for inexpensive balloons, streamers, and confetti to add instant ambiance.

Mardi Gras Party Activities:

To keep your guests entertained, provide them with fun activities to do. From activity stations that enable them to make their own Mardi Gras masks (adorned with feathers and sequins) to brain-busting Mardi Gras trivia questions, giving guests fun things to do keeps the party interesting and enjoyable. No matter what type of activity you offer, remember to play New Orleans’ style jazz music to get your guests in the mood to boogie.

[Image Credit: Shutterstock]

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