Mardi Gras Party Ideas

A Few Mardi Gras Party Ideas

Beads

Nothing says Mardi Gras quite like brightly-colored plastic beads. They can be both party decoration and party favor. Hang beads from lights, drape them over picture frames, and scatter strands across serving tables. Hand out beads for guests to wear as they enter the event to quickly create a festive atmosphere. The official colors of Mardi Gras are green, gold, and purple, but any color will do.

In New Orleans and other locations with wild celebrations of the season, partygoers can earn beads with a little exhibitionism. Of course, this is inappropriate for most celebrations. However, you can still have fun in a more innocent way while maintaining the spirit of "earning" beads. A wild college party might let someone gain beads with a kiss. At a family party, you could pass out beads to well-behaved children or someone spotted being helpful. Another positive spin on the idea is to earn a strand of beads by giving someone a compliment. Use your imagination to come up with guidelines suitable for your gathering.

King Cake

One of the traditional Mardi Gras foods is the king cake. Named for the Biblical Three Kings, it is a cake traditionally made of twisted bread, topped with Mardi Gras-colored icing and sugar, and sometimes containing a sweet filling. However, the true filling of interest is the small trinket baked inside, usually a small plastic baby. This makes the cake more than just dessert. Eating the king cake becomes a game to see who receives the piece with the trinket inside. When the prize is found, partygoers can either consider it a sign of good luck, or create a special incentive for the one who finds it.

One traditional idea is to name the person "King (or Queen) of the Party." You can even crown the winner with a plastic or cardboard crown. The king's loyal "subjects" would then have to fetch him drinks and snacks or perform small tasks, as long as it's all in good fun. The king could also judge a game or contest. An alternative is to make the plastic baby a booby prize of sorts, with the person finding it receiving a fun punishment like having to host next year's Mardi Gras party.

Masks

Masks are another traditional image of the celebration, and mask-making can be a fun Mardi Gras party idea. While crafts are typically viewed as an activity for kids' parties, even adults can get in on the fun and create an accessory to wear the rest of the night. You'll need the following supplies:

• Mask base – You can use pre-made plastic half-masks, cut mask shapes out of cardboard, or add eye holes to half of a paper plate
• Feathers – Feathers will add a dramatic and colorful touch
• Glitter, sequins, or beads – Mardi Gras is a time for spectacle, so you'll want your mask to sparkle and shine.
• Paint, markers, or crayons – Masks are meant to be colorful. Make sure your coloring tool of choice will work on the masks you've provided. For instance, some markers may not work on plastic masks.
• Construction paper – Construction paper provides a simpler way to add color to a mask.
• Glue – You'll need something for attaching all those accents.
• Elastic, ribbon, or sticks – If you don't buy ready-made masks, you'll need to provide elastic or ribbon, so your guests can tie their new creations around their heads. Sticks are another option, whether you use thin wooden dowels, paint stirrers, or even plastic straws. When attached to the masks' sides; the sticks let you hold the mask in front of your face like an old-fashioned masquerade accessory.

Buying Party Supplies

When it comes to buying supplies, Mardi Gras is a popular holiday party theme, so you will find an abundance of options. Stop by your local party store or browse the offerings at these and many other online retailers:

• Oriental Trading Company
• Party City
• Party Supplies Hut
• Pinatas.com
• Shindigz

You may even think of new Mardi Gras party ideas when you view the selection of centerpieces, favors, games, and more.