Mardi Gras is a special occasion that brings together family and friends for eye-catching festivities. Many people hit the streets to parade around in New Orleans, but others celebrate the holiday at home or at a local venue. If you’re planning your own Mardi Gras party, add these useful party favors, catering options, decorations, and activities to your checklist for the perfect night.
Invitations That Set the Tone
No Mardi Gras event would be complete without a list of attendees ready to party! Before you start managing your venue and setting the catering table, determine how many people you will need to accommodate. Send out your invites to family and friends around the area and see who can make it to the occasion.
Go Digital or Traditional
Start your party planning with invitations that build excitement. For a quick and convenient option, choose digital invitations that you can send in a text or an email. For a wide-scale event, using platforms like Eventbrite or Paperless Post for tickets will help you manage attendance.
On the other hand, traditional paper invitations add a personal touch that you can decorate. Look for cardstock in Mardi Gras colors and include fun details about the dress code and party activities.
Include RSVP Details
Make sure your invitations also include a clear RSVP deadline so you can prepare for your guest count. This way, you can provide enough food, drinks, and party favors for everyone.
Decorations That Impress
Create the perfect Mardi Gras party by making a checklist of vibrant decorations. Start with tablecloths, balloons, and streamers in the iconic colors of purple, green, and gold. Use this color palette to create a festive atmosphere that immerses your guests in the Mardi Gras spirit.
Mask and Bead Decor
Part of the Mardi Gras celebration includes adorning an intricate mask and colorful beaded necklaces. To add flair to your event, hang masks on the walls or place them on tables as centerpieces.
Lighting for the Perfect Mardi Gras Ambience
Set the mood with lighting that captures the essence of Mardi Gras. As people walk into your venue, illuminate the path with string lights draped around doorways, windows, and outdoor areas. For table decor, incorporating candles or lanterns adds an elegant touch.
When the sun goes down and the party lights come up, use LED lights or disco balls to decorate the party and add a lively atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of a Mardi Gras parade. These simple additions will captivate your guests and immerse them in a Mardi Gras experience they’ll never forget.
The Perfect Food and Drink Menu
With all the dancing and movement, your guests are sure to work up an appetite. Satisfy their stomachs with traditional Mardi Gras cuisine.
Classic Mardi Gras Cuisine
Treat your guests to authentic Cajun and Creole dishes. Gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice are mouthwatering staples that will transport everyone straight to New Orleans. For finger food, serve mini po’ boys or fried catfish bites to keep their stomachs full and energized.
King Cake & Signature Cocktails
Don’t forget the King Cake! As part of the holiday’s traditional activities, this Mardi Gras dessert comes with a hidden surprise—whoever finds the plastic baby baked inside gets a special honor or prize. Place this tasty treat in the middle of your food table for a wonderful centerpiece.
Pair your food with signature drinks like hurricanes, mint juleps, or mocktails for non-drinkers. Attendees always remember the delicious food served at a party, so be sure to stand out with these treats!
Activities To Keep the Fun Flowing
To make your Mardi Gras celebration truly unforgettable, incorporate some lively and engaging activities for your guests. From games to music and creative crafts, there are plenty of options to keep the festive spirit alive throughout the night.
Costume Contest
A Mardi Gras costume contest is a great way to encourage guest participation and keep the energy high. Encourage your guests to dress in themed outfits featuring masks, feathers, and glitter. For those who want a special prize, award small trophies or knick-knacks for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Dressed.”
DIY Mask Station
As a creative activity, set up a DIY mask-making station for those who want to decorate their own mask or for any little ones who may want to join the festivities. Provide plain masks along with glitter, sequins, feathers, and markers on a table with plenty of seating arrangements. This gives people a chance to relax in the middle of the hustle and bustle and take time to craft their own souvenirs.
Themed Playlist
Leave no room for awkward silences by preparing your own Mardi Gras playlist. Traditional tunes, including jazz, zydeco, and brass band music, capture the spirit of New Orleans and excite the crowds. For a larger Mardi Gras event, hire a live band or DJ to provide endless entertainment for your guests.
Thoughtful Party Favors
Don’t let your guests leave empty-handed! To commemorate the occasion, set aside an assortment of party favors your attendees can use throughout the night and take home once the party comes to an end.
Beads and Necklaces
Classic Mardi Gras bead necklaces make perfect party favors. Welcome guests when they arrive by laying these accessories out at the entrance or including them in party bags as a takeaway.
Light-Up Toys
Add a glowing touch to your favors with light-up toys. Items like LED bead necklaces, bracelets, or wands liven up the evening, especially for the kids in attendance. To have enough party favors for everyone at the party, stock up on light-up toys by buying from wholesale sellers like Joissu!
Keep It Organized
Overcrowding your party schedule can overwhelm you and your guests. Before ordering any extra catering or decorations, set a budget and a timeline for a successful event.
Party Timeline
To ensure everything runs smoothly, create a timeline for food delivery and decoration shopping for your party. For the day of the event, leave any extra time slots for the unexpected. Allocate time for food, games, and other activities to keep the momentum going, but also stay flexible in case things fall behind schedule.
Extra Supplies
As you’re ordering supplies for the event, accommodate a few extra napkins, plates, and cups, as well as backup snacks and drinks for any last-minute guests. This way, everyone will have a chance to take part in the festivities, and you won’t have to scramble to make room for one more attendee.
After you set the stage for the celebration, take plenty of photos and enjoy the event! Design a photo booth or a backdrop full of Mardi Gras decorations to capture the energy of the party.
This Mardi Gras celebration wouldn’t be possible without your planning, so mingle with your friends and family and take part in the activities. Throw on your purple, green, and gold outfit, and don’t forget the beads!
