Mardi Gras Buying Guide
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! For those of us who are geophaphically challenged and can't make a quick and easy trip down to Bourbon Street, but who still want to party like a rockstar, this guide is perfect for you. Here you will find the essentials for throwing your own Mardi Gras shindig from the comfort of your home.
A Bit of History
Although not a nationally celebrated holiday in the United States, Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is notably celebrated in many cities and regions. A traditional French Catholic celebration, Mardi Gras frist arrived in North America in the late 17th century when King Louis sent men over to defend their claim over ownership of the Louisanna territory, which at the time included Mississippi and Alabama. The expedition settled in the area now known as New Orleans on Mardi Gras, March 3, 1699. In honor of the holiday, the land was named Point Du Mardi Gras. With the establishment of the first capital, Mobile, Alabama, the Mardi Gras celebrations first began in 1703.
Atmosphere
Fortunately for the budget-concious party planner, the easiest part of Mardi Gras is the color scheme. It's not at all hard to find plenty of decorations and party supplies in the traditional colors, purple, green and gold. And it wouldn't be Mardi Gras without some festive decorations! Most of what you need can be easily purchased online for very little money.If you're going all-out, however, you'll find plenty of upscale decorations to suit your taste, from cutouts of jazz musicians to French Quarter style lamps. Don't forget the beads and doubloons -- if someone says, "Throw me something, mister!" you should be ready!
Dressing the Part
Don't forget to dress up! It wouldn't be Carnival without costumes, masquerade balls, and wild accessories. Encourage your guests to come in costume but have a few extra masks and props ready to go at a moment's notice. Extra costume accessories also make great decorations; you can hang a pair of masks on a lamp or use a feather boa as bunting around your window.
Food
New Orleans is famous for jazz, Mardi Gras, and wonderful food. It isn't Mardi Gras without a king cake of course, but you also need some spicy cajun cooking to keep the atmosphere hot! (Mint juleps are another good choice.) You can't go wrong with a few desserts, either, especially if they feature pecans.
Drink
After eating all those spicy favors, you'll definitely need a drink. Wash everything down with some of New Orlean's most famous beverages.
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Nothing says New Orleans like the famous Sazerac Cocktail.  A mixture of whiskey and absinthe this drink is anything but modest. Honestly though, what else would you expect from a mixed drink concocted by an apothocary. |
Show some true southern hospitality with the always refreshing mint julep. All it takes is a bit of sugar, mint, and bourben to make you the hit of the party. |
The Hurricane Cocktail, a New Orleans' classic, is the perfect treat for rum lovers with a sweet tooth. It may taste like fruit punch, but beware, one drink and the room may start to spin. |
The Obituary Cocktail. Relax. It's not nearly as ominous as it sounds. With a touch of absinthe, it's a gin martini with an added kick. One sip might knock you over, but it won't kill ya dead. |
MUSIC
Quiet classical music in the background might be fine for some parties, but for Mardi Gras the music is the soul of the celebration. Hundreds of musicians have come from or embraced New Orleans; you can find an extensive list at Wikipedia.org, but here are some of the most famous. If you want to mix it up with more than just jazz, try some zydeco or samba. Zydeco originated as a fusion of Cajun and Creole styles and is recognizable by the prominent use of the accordian. Samba is the music of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Lively and sexy, it makes any party come to life!
New Orleans Jazz Musicians
Other Mardi Gras Music
External Links - Party411.com : tips on throwing a great Mardi Gras party.
- FabulousFoods.com: Mardi Gras recipes (including vegetarian jambalaya).
- About.com: Several pages of useful information including recipes and decorating tips.
- MardiGrasDay.com: Ideas for planning a party and more.
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