Mardi Gras Decorations
From LoveToKnow Party
Mardi Gras decorations set the tone for a themed party, making the celebration colorful and fun. Using themes taken from traditional New Orleans style Mardi Gras parties, the decorations can be dramatic or lighthearted, depending on your own style and budget.
Mardi Gras Colors
There are three colors traditionally used for Mardi Gras decorations:
- Green symbolizes faith
- Purple symbolizes justice
- Gold symbolizes power
These three colors can be used for anything from streamers to balloons, and should be the main color palette for supplies like paper plates, napkins, and even your party invitations.
Mardi Gras Themes
When you think of a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, there are several images and themes that come to mind, including:
- Beads
- Jazz music
- Masks and costumes
- Cajun styles
- Street parties
- Jesters and clowns
- Colored lights
You can choose a few of these themes in selecting your decorations, or combine them all for a really dramatic presentation. Remember, Mardi Gras has a carnival atmosphere, so it's almost impossible to overdo it.
Some Mardi Gras Décor Ideas
If you're looking for a few ways to really set the scene for a Mardi Gras party, here are some easy and fun ways to make a big splash with your decorations.
- Use lots of beads – The most commonly known items in Mardi Gras celebrations are the beads. Hang strings of beads like streamers, or place them in small decorative bowls around the room. Hang strands of beads on the walls and let your guests help themselves to the necklaces. You can also decorate outdoors with beads, hanging them around the entryway, in trees, and leaving bowls on the patio or balcony to throw to party guests as they pass by.
- Masks – Traditional masquerade masks are another big item during Mardi Gras. You can design and make your own large masks to decorate the walls or tables, or pick up some inexpensive plain masks and glue glitter, feathers, and other fun craft items to them to hang or drape around the room.
- Noisemakers and party hats – While noisemakers and party hats are generally tied to children's parties, they can be used to create some fun arrangements for a Mardi Gras party as well. Find some that include the green, purple, and gold colors, and arrange them in large bowls for table centerpieces.
- Lights – You can find Mardi Gras lights online or at party supply stores, but even simple strands of multi-colored lights will work. String them up all over, both indoors and out.
- Boas and costumes – People love to dress up for Mardi Gras parties, and you can use the costumes as part of your decorations. Pick up some inexpensive feather boas to hang, and find some vintage-looking costumes at the local thrift store. If guests arrive without a costume of their own, they can easily put on some of the accessories and costumes you have on hand. Hang the costumes on a mobile rack, or set up a small changing station where guests can look through the items and try them on.
Where to Find Mardi Gras Decorations
There are lots of party supply stores online where you can browse and purchase decorations for a Mardi Gras party. Here are some with a great selection:
- Century Novelty – You can pick up everything from beads to Mardi Gras themed rubber duckies here.
- Party Mart – There's a great selection of masks here, both plain and fancy. They also carry glow-in-the-dark items, party supplies in Mardi Gras colors, and lots of feather boas.
- Mardi Gras Outlet – There are pages and pages of Mardi Gras items at this site, sure to inspire some new decorating ideas for your party. Check out the lovely specialty beads and costumes.
- Party Supplies Hut – Find party favors, hats, tableware, and of course, beads! They have a nice selection of glow straws too, which would add a little flair to your party beverages.
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