Laissez le bon temps rouler! Its almost time for Mardi Gras & Carnival Season! There's nothing like gathering your friends & family for a midwinter holiday celebration filled with bright colors, extravagant dishes, and fun. While Mardi Gras & Carnival are essentially the same in terms of religious origins and some traditions even, Mardi Gras is thought to have began in the early 1700's when the French settled in the area. Now celebrated all around the world, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is nothing short of an epic celebration on a massive scale, filled with grand parades, local tribes, and masquerade balls. Can't make it to New Orleans this year? Check out our tips for planning your own Mardi Gras party below. And if you find any of the tips helpful, be sure to LIKE or SHARE on Facebook or Twitter! Its tradition. ;)
Decor
Atlanta Falcons fans may love to hate on the beloved Saints, but we all know the Mardi Gras colors. If you're planning a NOLA theme party, you can go with the traditional colors of Mardi Gras in green, gold, and purple - which works for both casual and upscale parties. Or if you're a sports fan, you can choose the colors of the Saints in black and gold, which also work great for more formal parties and events. For house parties and intimate events, Party City has a great supply of Mardi Gras theme decor. Just remember, no party is complete without tons of beads. You can use them for decor or pass them out to guests!
Food
New Orleans is known for cuisine, so if you're hosting an event, you'll want to make sure you hit a home run with this one. As an expert on Louisiana foods and dishes, we can be quite particular if ain't right. For casual & afternoon gatherings, Shrimp Po'boys, Seafood Gumbo, or Crawfish Boils are bound to be a hit - while Crawfish Étouffée, Blackened Tilapia and Lobster Bisque create an elegant spread for more formal occasions. And for desserts, or even brunch ideas, you can't go without Beignets or a good-ole King Cake. Be sure to check out NOLA.com for some authentic recipes!
Entertainment
One thing New Orleans is known for is celebrating life - the full spectrum. From graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and even funerals, every day is a day worth celebrating. Follow in the spirit of NOLA by adding plenty of entertainment and activities to keep your guests entertained. You can have guests make your their own masks with feathers, sequins, and glitter. Or ask your guests to dress up in costume, and host a costume contest. For live entertainment, nothing says Mardi Gras like a 2nd Line Parade. Add a live brass act to 2nd Line Atlanta, and you got yourself a bonafide New Orleans style parade.
We hope these tips help you plan an amazing party or event. Don't forget to contact us if you're looking for entertainment! You may also like: 21 Themes for Fire Performances, Round Up: Mardi Gras & Carnival Season or Round Up | Great Gatsby & the Roarin' 20's.
Atlanta Falcons fans may love to hate on the beloved Saints, but we all know the Mardi Gras colors. If you're planning a NOLA theme party, you can go with the traditional colors of Mardi Gras in green, gold, and purple - which works for both casual and upscale parties. Or if you're a sports fan, you can choose the colors of the Saints in black and gold, which also work great for more formal parties and events. For house parties and intimate events, Party City has a great supply of Mardi Gras theme decor. Just remember, no party is complete without tons of beads. You can use them for decor or pass them out to guests!
Food
New Orleans is known for cuisine, so if you're hosting an event, you'll want to make sure you hit a home run with this one. As an expert on Louisiana foods and dishes, we can be quite particular if ain't right. For casual & afternoon gatherings, Shrimp Po'boys, Seafood Gumbo, or Crawfish Boils are bound to be a hit - while Crawfish Étouffée, Blackened Tilapia and Lobster Bisque create an elegant spread for more formal occasions. And for desserts, or even brunch ideas, you can't go without Beignets or a good-ole King Cake. Be sure to check out NOLA.com for some authentic recipes!
Entertainment
One thing New Orleans is known for is celebrating life - the full spectrum. From graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and even funerals, every day is a day worth celebrating. Follow in the spirit of NOLA by adding plenty of entertainment and activities to keep your guests entertained. You can have guests make your their own masks with feathers, sequins, and glitter. Or ask your guests to dress up in costume, and host a costume contest. For live entertainment, nothing says Mardi Gras like a 2nd Line Parade. Add a live brass act to 2nd Line Atlanta, and you got yourself a bonafide New Orleans style parade.
We hope these tips help you plan an amazing party or event. Don't forget to contact us if you're looking for entertainment! You may also like: 21 Themes for Fire Performances, Round Up: Mardi Gras & Carnival Season or Round Up | Great Gatsby & the Roarin' 20's.
