Purple, Green and Gold Decorations
Representing justice, faith and power respectively, purple, green and gold are abundant in Mardi Gras decorations. Follow tradition by incorporating these classic colors into your Fat Tuesday (“mardi gras” in French) home decor to make a bold statement in any room. For instance, fill glass hurricanes with bright beads in purple, gold and green as a centerpiece. To amplify the effect, place colorful feathers in vases on the table. Tie everything together with gold candle holders, and use textiles such as runners or tablecloths in the signature shades to anchor the look. Prefer a more subtle display? Rather than decorating with the traditional vibrant hues, choose toned-down versions instead. In the living room, place deep violet or emerald throw pillows on the couch. In the bookcase, display a gold vase or small sculpture.
Authentic Cajun and
Creole Food
There's no better time to experience the flavors of the French Quarter than Mardi Gras. Whip up a few Cajun or Creole classics to set the right mood, and don’t forget the desserts.
Jambalaya: Try this Louisiana dish with andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp. Celery, bell peppers, onion and rice balance out the proteins, while Cajun spices pack major flavor. Find recipes for slow cookers, pressure cookers or the stovetop.
Gumbo: Gumbo starts with a flavorful roux and the “trinity” of Cajun vegetables: green pepper, celery and onion. Add in sausage, ham, chicken or seafood for a hearty stew. Serve it in a large bowl over white rice.
Beignets: Reflecting New Orleans' French-influenced cuisine, beignets are a favorite sweet treat with locals. Fry sweetened dough in a deep fryer or deep pot and top with plenty of powdered sugar.
King Cake: This colorful pastry can be spotted all over Louisiana leading up to the holiday. Typically shaped in a braided ring, this coffee cake-like treat is filled with fruit or cream cheese and covered in yellow, purple and green frosting.
Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras Games
Make a Mask: Need Mardi Gras party ideas for kids, too? Set up an arts and crafts station with everything the kids need to make their own Mardi Gras masks. Buy plain masks from a craft store, or cut out your own using an online template. Then, set out supplies to make each mask customizable—paint, markers, feathers and glitter in Mardi Gras colors make the experience authentic. Once the masks are dried, let the kids wear them for a mini masquerade ball.
Jazz Concert: Do the little ones love music? Let them play along with pretend instruments as you play some Dixieland jazz music. For older kids, make it an interactive—and educational—game. Play snippets of songs and ask them to identify the instruments in each. To turn up the competition, give out candy and beads as prizes.
Parade Party: Recreate the magic of Mardi Gras parades at home. Let little ones accessorize wagons, tricycles or ride-on toys with feathers and Mardi Gras beads. Then, have them put on a show in the living room or driveway. Stock up on beads and candy for the kids to throw as they make their way past the crowd.
Mardi Gras is so much more than the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. With deep-rooted cultural and regional traditions, this Fat Tuesday festival is worth celebrating with the entire family. Share your favorite Mardi Gras party ideas using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
