Mardi Gras Party Ideas

Host an iconic party with these Mardi Gras party ideas. It has a french meaning of Fat Tuesday otherwise known as pancake day. The fun part is that the party could last all day. Start in the morning and have a huge pancake celebration with all the fixings, then continue the party throughout the day and into the evening celebrating with music, beads and all the rich foods and drinks.

Mardi Gras Party Invitations

Make a personalized party mask and write your message on the back. Write something like “Let the good times roll” and add your party information. Then add a few feathers and a mardi gras bead necklace. This will get your guests excited and gives then a first beaded necklace to wear to your event.

Mardi Gras Party Decorations and Supplies

Use the color theme gold, purple, green and black as a base then add all the color possible
Elaborate large flowers and candles
White twinkle lights (on a dimmer)
Beads, beads, everywhere - hang, display, look like they have been thrown and of course beaded doorways
Balloon arch for the entrance
Use lots of clear glassware - makes me think of vintage mason jars and lanterns. Fill will colorful beads and a mini string of lights to add some ambiance
Have street signs for Bourbon St and French Quarter
Chocolate fountain table
Make and hang up music notes
Display lots of brass instruments - both real and balloon
Set up card tables like Monte Carlos Style

Mardi Gras Party Games and Activities

Wine or Whine? Have samples of real wine and samples of the homemade version. Have your guests sample and see if they can tell the difference between the two types.

What is your Fortune? Have a fortune teller present at the party to tell guests little tidbits about their future. Set up a discrete area for your guests to feel comfortable to figure out all the details of their past and future.

Strolling Musician - Hire a musician to walk amongst your guests and serenade different groups of people.

Gifting Flower - Hire a relative or neighbor girl to dress up and ‘sell’ or give away flowers to guests

Photo Booth - If ever a party screamed for a photo memory this would be it. With the happy atmosphere and vibrant colors the photo will be sensational. You may wish to have props available for your guests, like feather boas, beads, masks, hats, fun party signage, instruments, etc.

Mask Painting - Find ceramic masks and have lots of paintbrushes, paints, and glam accessories to decorate your personal masks.

Have a Kitchen Jam - With lots of instruments comes lots of creativity. Have fun playing and singing with your guests.

Vibrant Artwork - Have canvas painting for everyone and lots of paint, paint brushes and glitter. Create and celebrate the uniqueness of the celebration.

Cards Anyone? Friendly gambling could take place at your Monte Carlo gambling station. (Casino Party Ideas Here) You can easily set up a roulette wheel, poker, euchre and a black jack table. It is an activity that can last the evening.

Pinata - Have a pinata that is filled with lots of sweets and treats. You can either make your own pinata or purchase one to celebrate with.

Pass the Beads - A game that has small groups. Line up the groups and have a bowl of necklaces. Place on the necklace and then put it onto your neighbor. You have to pass the beads one necklace at a time. Whichever group has all their beads on the last member wins.

Mardi Gras Ring Toss - Toss your rings like a bean bag toss. You toss into a small glass to win a prize.

Pot of Gold Scavenger Hunt - Within the party area hide fake golden or colored coins. Give all guests a small bag to go collect the coins. Who will find the most coins first.

Hire a Caricaturist - This would be super fun for the guests to see how their pictures will turn out. Hang the pictures during the party and then the guests can take these home for their favor.

Masquerade Combo - Combine the two party ideas of a masquerade and the mardi gras. These two theme would blend quite nicely. Check out some other ideas for a masquerade party.

Mardi Gras Party Food

For a Breakfast or Brunch Mardi Gras foods:

Pancakes with all the fixings: sides of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, maple syrups, and whip cream
Bacon or sausages
Potato home fries
Juices and coffees
Chocolate covered strawberries
pastries

For a evening Mardi Gras foods:

Shrimp cocktail
Crabcakes and crawfish
Gumbo or jambalaya
Wine / beer / cocktails - Hurricanes, Sazeracs, Mint julep, and jello shots
Non-alcoholic punch
Chocolate sweets. Set up a chocolate fountain station with assorted fruits to dip
King cake
Beignets