Mardi Gras Party Ideas

If you are planning a Mardi Gras party, you may feel a bit overwhelmed trying to plan the food menu, guest list, decorations, and party supplies. But your celebration does not need to be a stressful experience to plan or to host. Here are some great themes and Mardi Gras party ideas that will help you plan a great event that is stress-free. So as they say in New Orleans, "Laissez le bon temps rouler," or "Let the good times roll!"

• Pancake Party: This Mardi Gras party theme is perfect for a fun get together with friends. Set up a “pancake bell” – just like the ones the churches use on Shrove Tuesday before you serve your guests pancakes. You could also set up a pancake race, similar to the ones in England. Have each participant carry a frying pan with a cooked pancake. While running through the course, they also must flip the pancake a number of times before reaching the finish line.

• Bourbon Street Party: This bash is a great alterative if you aren’t able to head down to New Orleans to experience the real Bourbon Street festivities. Decorate your house with lights, streamers, and balloons. Set up a jester stand as a photo booth for guests to pose and take pictures. You could also play activities at your party like Mardi Gras trivia, a costume contest, and a bead toss. Play New Orleans jazz music in the background of your party and serve plenty of authentic Cajun and Creole dishes.

• Masquerade Dinner Party: This theme is great for a Mardi Gras party. Send out invitations to your guests far enough in advance so that they can plan their outfits accordingly. You can either ask them to come wearing a mask or come completely disguised as someone of their choosing. Either way, a masquerade party is full of fun and excitement – just like Mardi Gras! Plan a dinner menu for a fancy sit down dinner or set up the dinner buffet style.

• Block Party: A block party is a great way to get your friends, family, and neighbors together to celebrate Mardi Gras. Check with your local town hall about any street regulations you should know about before you start planning. Send out invitations to your neighbors to invite them to the festivities. You could also set up a potluck for everyone to bring different Mardi Gras food items like gumbo, King Cake, jambalaya, fritters, grits, oysters, and other Cajun or Creole dishes. Plan a variety of activities for the kids to play during the party. Another idea is to ask guests to come dressed up in their best Mardi Gras outfits and have a contest for best dressed or most unique Mardi Gras mask!