Traveling to New Orleans or Mobile not in the cards for you this year? No worries, you can celebrate this uber festive season at home—and we’re here to help you plan the best Mardi Gras party! Follow these steps to plan a party that will have your guests saying, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” (“Let the good times roll!”)
Step 1: Set the Scene with Decor
Transform your space into a Mardi Gras wonderland with these decor ideas:
- Color Scheme: Use the traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power—throughout your decorations.
- Beads and Masks: Hang strands of beads and ornate masks on walls or drape them over furniture for a festive touch.
- Fleur-de-lis and Feathers: Incorporate fleur-de-lis symbols and feathered accents into your decor to add a touch of elegance.
- Lighting: Use string lights or candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider using hurricane lanterns for a nod to New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Step 2: Serve Authentic Mardi Gras Food
A Mardi Gras party isn’t complete without a spread of delicious Cajun and Creole dishes with nods to the cajun flavors of New Orleans and Mobile’s penchant for Gulf-fresh seafood. Our party menu stars Sausage Jambalaya in the leading role. In true Front Porch style, we’re sharing our go-to recipe with you. It’s super tasty with Alabama-made Monroe Sausage and Mis Rubin’s Creole Magic Seasoning. For an unforgettable appetizer, we love to serve Chargrilled Oysters with a generous sprinkling of DAK’S Lemon Pep seasoning, Pecorino Romano cheese and crumbled bacon. We like to splurge on the bacon and there’s nothing better than small batch artisanal bacon by Bill E’s. Of course, no Mardi Gras party would be complete without a King Cake—bake one at home with this great recipe and your guests will be super impressed! Don’t worry if you are not a baker as you can find traditional King Cakes at many bakeries around the state. We are loving this Mardi Gras Pound Cake by Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes!
Step 3: Mix Up Festive Cocktails
As Mardi Gras is all about excessive feasting in preparation for Lent, let’s talk about the cocktails to serve at your party. In Mobile, the signature drink is a variation of Milk Punch called the Chrissy with vanilla ice cream, vodka, and Frangelico, a hazelnut flavored liqueur. Sounds a little bit like dessert, right? The Sazerac, a New Orleans take on the Old Fashion, is a classic choice with absinthe, rye whiskey or cognac, simple syrup and bitters. We also love the refreshing Pimm’s Cup featuring Pimm’s No. 1, a. gin-based liquer. Of course, no one turns down a Hurricane with its potent blend of dark and white rum, orange and lime juice, passion fruit syrup, and grenadine syrup. Another great idea for your party is to set up a DIY Bloody Mary bar where guests can create their own delicious beverage—check out our tips for memorable Bloody Mary bar!
Step 4: Plan Entertainment
Keep your guests entertained with activities that embrace the Mardi Gras spirit:
- Costume Contest: Encourage guests to dress in their best Mardi Gras attire, including masks and beads.
- Parade-Inspired Fun: Create a mini parade with music and a small float display.
- Music: Play a mix of jazz, zydeco, and brass band music to set the tone.
- Photo Booth: Provide props like feathered masks, hats, and boas for memorable snapshots.
Step 5: Hand Out Party Favors
Send your guests home with a little piece of Mardi Gras:
- Beads and Masks: Let guests take home the beads and masks they’ve collected during the party.
- King Cake Slices: Package extra slices of King Cake for a sweet parting gift.
- Custom Trinkets: Consider small fleur-de-lis charms or New Orleans-inspired keepsakes.
Tips for Success
- Plan Ahead: Prep food and drinks in advance to ensure you can enjoy the party with your guests.
- Dress the Part: Host in a costume or outfit that matches the Mardi Gras theme.
- Embrace the Spirit: Keep the energy high and the vibe fun—Mardi Gras is all about celebration!
Hosting a Mardi Gras party is the perfect way to bring friends and family together for a night of joy and festivity. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you’ll create an unforgettable event that channels the magic of New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
