Are you preparing to host an amazing Mardi Gras party and searching for the best ideas for your bash? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got you covered with the perfect ideas to celebrate in style!
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When it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras, there’s no holding back—it’s all about vibrant colors, lively music, and a whole lot of fun.
If you’re planning your own Mardi Gras party, you’re in for a treat, because this is the kind of celebration that brings people together like no other.
Whether it’s about the playing games, delicious party food, or that unmistakable festive atmosphere, hosting one of these parties is all about creating unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Ready to transform your space into a parade of good times?
Great! Let’s make it happen!
Create the Mardi Gras Party Guest List
Getting the right mix of people at your Mardi Gras party can make all the difference.
After all, Mardi Gras isn’t just about the beads and music—it’s about the crowd!
Start with a rough list of who you’d like to invite, and refine it from there.
Here’s how to keep it organized and vibrant:
- Balance the Group: Aim for a mix of personalities. You want your guests to vibe together like a good gumbo—balanced, interesting, and rich in flavor.
- Keep Track: Whether you’re using a spreadsheet or a guest list feature on your invite platform, make sure you’re tracking RSVPs. Knowing who’s coming will help with planning everything from seating to food quantities.
- Set Your Limits: Mardi Gras parties are all about energy, but you also want to make sure your space isn’t bursting at the seams. Once you hit capacity, resist the urge to “just add a few more.”
- Encourage Festive Participation: When you send out the invites, include a quick note encouraging guests to dress in the Mardi Gras spirit. Mention purple, green, and gold, or suggest costumes/masks to create a truly immersive experience.
Remember, whoever you invite, make sure they’re ready to party.
Mardi Gras is a celebration of joy and togetherness, so focus on creating a guest list that feels like a mix of friends, family, and future friends.
That way, the energy will feel as electric as Bourbon Street on Fat Tuesday!
Invitation Ideas
Your event starts the moment your guests receive their Mardi Gras party invitations.
Why? Because a great invite doesn’t just share the details—it sets the tone, excites your guests, and gives them a taste of the celebration to come.
Whether you’re sending out digital invites or going old-school with some stunning paper designs, there are so many ways to make your invitations feel as festive as the beads flying in a French Quarter parade.
Outfit and Costume Ideas
Throwing a Mardi Gras party isn’t just about the decorations and food—it’s about the overall experience.
And let’s be honest, half the fun is dressing the part.
Whether you’re rocking a classic Mardi Gras vest or putting a creative spin on your outfit, what you wear can set the tone for the night.
From glittering masks to outrageous DIY masterpieces, here are some ideas to inspire both you and your guests.
Traditional Mardi Gras Attire
When you think of Mardi Gras, you probably picture a sea of purple, green, and gold.
These colors aren’t just festive—they’re steeped in tradition, symbolizing justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold).
Incorporating these hues into your outfit is basically the unofficial dress code of Carnival.
So, where do you start?
Masks – Mardi Gras masks are a must-have! Historically used to allow revelers to party anonymously, they’ve now become iconic. Go for a full-face Venetian mask for dramatic flair, or choose a simple half-mask with glitter and feathers for a playful look.
Beads – Nothing says “Mardi Gras party” like layers upon layers of beads. These are typically thrown from parade floats, but you don’t need to chase one down—grab a bunch from party shops and drape them over your outfit. Bonus points for coordinating the bead colors with your ensemble.
Costumes – Traditional Mardi Gras costumes often channel royal or theatrical vibes. Think jesters, queens, or kings adorned with satin robes, gold crowns, and plenty of sparkle. If you want to fully embrace the spirit, go all out with sequins, feathers, and bold patterns inspired by New Orleans parades.
Encourage your guests to play along, too!
Even a simple combo of a festive mask and a beaded necklace will make the atmosphere feel extra lively.
Music Selection
When it comes to throwing a Mardi Gras party, the music is just as important as the beads and masks.
The right tunes will turn your event from a simple gathering into a full-blown Carnival celebration.
Whether you’re curating a playlist that makes people grab their second-line umbrellas or hiring live performers to bring the energy of Bourbon Street to your space, investing in music is worth every note.
Festive Playlists
No Mardi Gras party is complete without a soundtrack that captures the essence of New Orleans.
The music doesn’t just set the mood; it tells a story rich in culture and celebration.
To recreate that lively atmosphere, blend genres that are deeply tied to Mardi Gras, like jazz, brass band, zydeco, and funk.
Here’s how you can craft the perfect playlist for your party:
- Start with New Orleans Jazz Classics: No celebration of Mardi Gras would be authentic without the iconic sounds of New Orleans jazz.
- Add Zydeco for a Creole Vibe: Zydeco music, with its infectious accordion riffs and washboard rhythms, is a must. It’s fast-paced, full of life, and perfect for getting people on their feet.
- Sprinkle in Funk and Soul: For something a bit more contemporary, add New Orleans funk and soul.
- Don’t Skip the Brass: Nothing says Mardi Gras like the bold, brassy sound of a second-line band that gives your rooms a parade-like energy.
- Season with Fun Party Hits: Mix in a few popular party songs that everyone can dance to, but try to keep them in the same energetic spirit.
A solid mix of lively beats, soulful melodies, and traditional Mardi Gras tracks creates a playlist that pulls everyone into the celebration.
Live Music Options
If you want your Mardi Gras party to feel like it’s happening right in the heart of New Orleans, hiring live performers can be a show-stopping addition.
Live music adds authenticity and energy that a playlist often can’t replicate, turning your space into a mini French Quarter.
Here are some live music ideas for your party:
- Hire a Local Jazz or Brass Band: Many cities have local bands that can channel the New Orleans sound. Look for groups that specialize in second-line or brass-band performances. They’ll bring in those high-energy rhythms that make it feel like you’re leading your own parade.
- Solo Musicians with Mardi Gras Flair: On a smaller budget? Consider hiring a solo performer to provide the soulful Mardi Gras vibes without needing an entire band. They’re also ideal if your party space is tight.
- Interactive Performers: Some bands specialize in getting the crowd involved. Think musicians who’ll show guests how to join a second-line parade or teach them classic New Orleans dance steps.
Whether you choose a curated playlist, live musicians, or a bit of both, the music at your Mardi Gras party will set the tone for the evening.
After all, if it doesn’t make people want to dance, it’s not Mardi Gras!
Decorations
Decorating for a Mardi Gras party is all about creating an atmosphere that bursts with celebration and energy.
Your goal is to transform your space into a festive, vibrant setting that feels like a mini slice of New Orleans.
With the right color schemes, creative centerpieces, and festive table settings, you’ll transport your guests straight to Bourbon Street without leaving town.
Let’s break it down so you can bring your party vision to life.
Color Schemes and Themes
When it comes to a Mardi Gras party, the colors are practically party planners in themselves.
Purple, green, and gold aren’t just pretty—they’re traditional.
Here’s how you can incorporate these iconic shades:
Balloons and Streamers: Cover your space in purple, green, and gold balloon garlands. Use metallic versions for that extra sparkle. Drape them over ceilings, walls, or archways to set a festive tone from the moment people walk in.
Lighting: Switch out your regular lighting for colorful bulbs, string lights, or even LED Mardi Gras look lights. Bonus points if you can dim or twinkle them for a parade-like vibe.
Themed Backdrops: Want Instagram-worthy pics? Create a backdrop and hang strings of Mardi Gras beads or feathered masks in front of a gold sequin curtain for maximum shine.
Beads Everywhere: Scatter beads wherever you see fit—around your tables, on mantels, or even tied around the backs of chairs. These little touches go a long way in making the space feel fun.
Themed Decor: Incorporate classic imagery like street signs, masks, crowns, and fleur-de-lis into your decorations. Use them as wall hangings or table accents to tie in the Mardi Gras theme.
Centerpieces and Table Settings
Your tables will likely be a gathering spot for food or drinks, so don’t miss the chance to dress them up as part of your Mardi Gras masterpiece.
To make them shine, focus on creative centerpieces and table settings that feel playful and luxurious.
Centerpiece Ideas:
- Decorative Masks: Place a few bejeweled or sequined masks on stands at the center of your tables. Surround them with beads, confetti, or candles to add dimension. A feathered Venetian-style mask can add height for a dramatic effect.
- Floral Arrangements: Choose bouquets featuring vibrant purple, yellow, and green blooms. Incorporate feathers, glittery picks, or gold sprays to give them a Mardi Gras makeover.
- King Cake Display: Want a centerpiece that doubles as dessert? Place a beautiful king cake in the middle of the table. Surround it with Mardi Gras beads and coins for a festive edible decoration.
Table Setting Tips:
Multi-color Linens: Select a combination of purple, green, and yellow tablecloths as your base and layer with a gold runners or placemats.
Plates and Napkins: Use disposable plates and napkins in Mardi Gras colors or upgrade to fancy gold-trimmed glassware and fabric napkins for a more elegant vibe.
Candles and Glow: Scatter gold or green votive candles across the table to create soft, festive lighting. If you want to avoid open flames, select flameless Mardi Gras candles for the same effect without the risk.
With the right mix of color, creativity, and personal touches, your tables are sure to be conversation starters.
Delicious Drinks
A Mardi Gras party isn’t complete without a lineup of drinks that keep the spirit flowing.
Whether you’re mixing up classic cocktails or serving festive non-alcoholic options, your drinks should reflect the rich, vibrant personality of the celebration.
Let’s look at some crowd-pleasing ideas that’ll impress your guests and keep the good times rolling.
Alcoholic Drinks: Suggest delicious cocktails
When it comes to Mardi Gras, the cocktails should be as bold and colorful as the beads.
New Orleans is famous for its iconic drinks, and serving these classics will bring a true taste of Bourbon Street to your party.
- Hurricane: This fruity favorite is practically the official drink of Mardi Gras. Packed with a tropical kick, it features a mix of light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime, and grenadine. Garnish it with an orange slice and cherry for that extra flair. Pro tip: Serve it in oversized hurricane glasses to make your guests feel like they’re right in the French Quarter!
- Sazerac: A sophisticated nod to New Orleans’ history, the Sazerac is a delicious cocktail with a unique twist. It’s made with rye whiskey, a touch of sugar, bitters, and just a dash of absinthe or Herbsaint for a hint of mystery. Serve it in a chilled, old-fashioned glass with a lemon peel garnish.
- Purple Voodoo: To bring out Mardi Gras colors, try this festive purple cocktail. Mix vodka, blue curaçao, grenadine, and cranberry juice, then top it with soda water for a fizzy, vibrant treat. The bold hue makes it a stunning choice for your drink lineup.
Make sure your bar is stocked with Mason jars or colorful hurricane glasses.
Non-alcoholic Drinks: Suggest festive cocktail drinks that complement the
Mardi Gras party
Want to keep the party inclusive? Non-alcoholic drinks don’t have to skimp on the fun.
These virgin options are flavorful, colorful, and just as fabulous as their boozy counterparts.
- Mock Hurricane: All the fruity, tropical goodness of a classic Hurricane—without the alcohol. Combine orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and a splash of soda water. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
- King Cake Milkshake: This treat takes inspiration from the traditional King Cake! Blend vanilla ice cream, a splash of milk, and cinnamon sugar for a milkshake that tastes like Mardi Gras in a cup. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a mini King Cake crown for added flair.
- Mardi Gras Punch: Create a big-batch punch with the colors of Carnival. In a large punch bowl, mix limeade, grape juice, soda water, and ginger ale. Add frozen fruits like grapes, pineapple chunks, or berries to give it a festive twist. Bonus: freeze the fruits into ice cubes for a fun effect.
These drinks add a touch of creativity while making sure everyone at your Mardi Gras party can raise a glass and toast to good times!
Delicious Mardi Gras Party Food Ideas
When hosting a Mardi Gras party, you want the food to be just as lively and indulgent as the celebration itself.
Whether your guests are nibbling on tasty appetizers, loading up on hearty main courses, or satisfying their sweet tooth, the menu should reflect the vibrant flavors of New Orleans.
Let’s break down the essentials to help you serve up a spread that’s full of Carnival spirit!
Appetizers and Finger Foods
Kick off the festivities with bite-sized treats that are easy to grab while mingling.
These appetizers are flavorful additions that capture the essence of a Mardi Gras party without requiring a fork and knife.
- Mini Muffulettas: These New Orleans-style sandwiches are an instant hit in party-sized portions. Load up small rolls with layers of salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, and a zesty olive salad. With their bold flavors and make-ahead ease, they’re perfect for a crowd.
- Crawfish Dip: Think of it as a taste of Louisiana wrapped in a creamy, spicy dip. Combine crawfish tails, cream cheese, green onions, garlic, and a dash of Creole seasoning. Serve it warm with crackers or slices of French bread.
- Andouille Sausage Bites: Skewer slices of smoky andouille sausage and serve them with Cajun honey mustard or a tangy barbecue dip. The smoky, savory flavors will keep guests coming back for more.
For simplicity, set out bowls of spiced pecans or seasoned popcorn as snacks to fill in any gaps between courses.
Guests love having something tasty to graze on before the main spread arrives.
Main Course Food Ideas
Your main dishes should pack a punch of flavor while staying true to Mardi Gras tradition.
It’s all about celebrating those rich, bold ingredients that define Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Whether you’re dishing out comfort food or buffet-friendly options, these suggestions bring the heart of New Orleans to your table.
- Jambalaya: This one-pot masterpiece is the ultimate Mardi Gras party dish. Loaded with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and seasoned rice, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. And bonus—it can simmer on the stove while you focus on other party prep.
- Gumbo: You can’t throw a proper Mardi Gras event without gumbo. This hearty stew usually features a flavorful roux, okra, seafood, sausage, or chicken (or all of them, if you’re feeling extra generous). Serve it in bowls with a scoop of white rice for a classic presentation.
- Red Beans and Rice: A budget-friendly and comforting option that’s filling and authentic. Slow-cook red beans with andouille sausage, onions, and spices, then serve over a hot bed of fluffy rice. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.
- Po’ Boys: Take a crusty French baguette and load it with crispy fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef, then finish it with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and plenty of remoulade. Slice them into smaller portions to make these iconic sandwiches a party-friendly option.
- Crawfish Boil: Want to take it up a notch? Host a crawfish boil for a truly authentic experience. Toss crawfish, corn, potatoes, and spicy sausage into a pot of seasoned water, boil it up, and let your guests dig in. Don’t forget plenty of napkins!
For guests who prefer vegetarian options, consider a vegetable jambalaya or black-eyed pea stew with cornbread.
Keeping your menu versatile ensures everyone leaves with a happy belly.
Serve Delicious Desserts
No Mardi Gras party is complete without an indulgent dessert table.
From sugary classics to creative twists, these sweets honor the celebration’s decadence while leaving your guests smiling.
- King Cake: The star of Mardi Gras desserts! This iconic, ring-shaped cake is flavored with cinnamon or cream cheese and topped with icing and purple, green, and gold sugar. Don’t forget to hide the plastic baby figurine—whoever finds it is destined to host the next party!
- Beignets: Fluffy, pillowy, and covered in powdered sugar, beignets are the ultimate New Orleans treat. Serve them warm and fresh, alongside strong coffee or hot chocolate for dipping.
- Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce: Warm, gooey bread pudding drizzled with a rich whiskey sauce is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s both comforting and festive. For a Louisiana twist, throw in raisins or pecans.
- Pralines: These sweet, nutty bites are a simple yet sophisticated addition to your dessert spread. Made with sugar, cream, and pecans, they deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture that screams Southern charm.
- Bananas Foster: Want to impress your guests? Prepare Bananas Foster—a decadent dessert of caramelized bananas flambéed in rum. Serve it over vanilla ice cream for a dramatic (and delicious) finish!
With this lineup of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, your Mardi Gras party will serve up more than just food—it’ll deliver an authentic taste of New Orleans.
It’s all about balancing bold, flavorful bites with fun, festive flair, making your celebration one for the books.
Party Games and Activities
A Mardi Gras party isn’t just about eating, drinking, and dazzling costumes—it’s about creating an experience that keeps your guests entertained and laughing all night long.
The best way to do that? Party games and activities that embrace the festive spirit of Mardi Gras!
From interactive games to hands-on fun, here are a few ways to keep the energy high and the good times rolling.
Mardi Gras-Themed Games
Get everyone in on the action with games that not only fit the Mardi Gras theme but also bring people together.
These ideas are simple to set up, fun to play, and guaranteed to get everyone talking (and probably laughing, too).
Bead Toss Challenge
What’s Mardi Gras without beads, right? For this game, set up a few decorated buckets or bowls at varying distances. Hand guests a few strings of beads and challenge them to toss the beads into the containers. The farther the container, the more points it’s worth! Keep a scoreboard, and give the winner a fun prize, like a small bottle of hot sauce or a mini king cake.
Mardi Gras Limbo Challenge
Get ready to bend, lean, and limbo your way to victory! A Mardi Gras Limbo Challenge is a fantastic way to keep the energy high and the laughs coming. For an extra festive twist, have participants wear Mardi Gras masks or bead necklaces while they limbo. The last person standing (or bending!) wins a fun prize—maybe a Mardi Gras crown or an extra stash of beads!
King Cake Baby Hunt
Traditionally, a plastic baby is hidden in the king cake, but why not turn it into a full-blown scavenger hunt? Hide plastic babies around your party space and challenge guests to see who can find the most. You could even assign different points to harder-to-find hiding spots to keep things interesting.
Mardi Gras Bingo
Get creative Bingo cards with Mardi Gras images or phrases like masks, beads, jazz music, a float, or New Orleans classics like gumbo. Every time a guest hears or sees something on their card, they mark it off. First one to bingo gets a festive prize!
These games add a touch of friendly competition and loads of laughs to your Mardi Gras party, all while keeping your guests fully engaged.
Mardi Gras Photo Booth Fun
Let’s face it—no party is complete without memories you can look back on.
A photo booth is not only a great activity but also adds to the ambiance of the party.
Plus, when you add Mardi Gras-inspired props and backdrops, it becomes a must-have centerpiece for your celebration.
Here’s how to set it up:
The Backdrop
Your backdrop doesn’t have to break the bank. Use a purple, green, and gold sequin curtain, or hang a large Mardi Gras tapestry featuring masks, beads, and feathers.
The Props
Props are what make the photo booth pop. Stock your booth with fun items to make sure the best pictures come about.
Lighting and Extras
Pay attention to the lighting to make those photos Instagram-worthy. String fairy lights around the photo booth for a soft glow or use a ring light to ensure even lighting for every photo. If you want to go all out, add a bubble machine or confetti cannon for some truly dynamic pictures!
Encourage Creativity
Let guests strike their own poses or create fun challenges like “best group photo” or “funniest pose.” Provide an instant camera or smartphone photo printer so guests can take home keepsakes from the booth.
By the end of the night, your photo booth will be where all the action is happening. Not only does it provide entertainment, but the pictures also act as fun souvenirs that your guests will treasure long after the party is over!
Party Favors
No Mardi Gras party is complete without sending your guests home with a fun keepsake to remember the night.
Party favors are the perfect way to thank your guests for coming while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Whether you look for something simple or a bit more elaborate, the key is to tie the favors to Mardi Gras traditions and colors.
Here are some party favor ideas to inspire you.
Mardi Gras Light-Up Necklaces
Nothing says Mardi Gras like a cascade of necklaces! These classic party accessories instantly get everyone in the celebratory spirit. For an extra dazzling effect, include light-up bead necklaces—perfect for an evening party where guests can glow as they dance the night away!
Mardi Gras Masks
Encourage a bit of mystery and flair by gifting Mardi Gras masks to your guests. Whether you choose elegant feathered masks, glittery Venetian-style designs, or simple eye masks in bold colors, they’ll add a fun and festive touch.
Mardi Gras Rubber Bracelets
For a simple party favor, Mardi Gras rubber bracelets are a great choice. These stretchy accessories come in fun designs. Hand them out at the door, place them on tables as décor, or include them in a goodie bag for a fun, wearable reminder of the night’s festivities.
Mardi Gras Keychains
Give your guests a keepsake they can carry with them every day! Mardi Gras keychains are small, practical, and a great way for guests to remember the fun they had at your party long after the night is over.
Shot Glasses for a Toast
Raise a glass to the good times! Mardi Gras shot glasses make for a lively and practical party favor. Hand them out when serving signature Mardi Gras cocktails or non-alcoholic party shots for everyone to enjoy.
With these festive party favors, your Mardi Gras bash will be one to remember.
Final Thoughts
Throwing a Mardi Gras party is your chance to bring the vibrant energy of New Orleans right into your home and create unforgettable moments with your guests.
From the music to the food to the dazzling decorations, every element works together to capture the one-of-a-kind magic of the season.
The most important takeaway?
Have fun with the planning process!
This celebration is all about joy, creativity, and togetherness, so lean into the playful spirit, and don’t stress the details too much.
Whether your guests are dancing in a second line or savoring one more helping of jambalaya, they’ll leave with smiles, stories, and a little more sparkle in their day.
Now, grab your beads, crank up that jazz playlist, and let those good times roll!
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Your Turn
Are you getting ready to host the annual New Orleans bash? Which of these Mardi Gras party ideas are your favorites? Let me know in the comments.
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Thanks for all the fabulous Mardi Gras party ideas! Love the variety—and the dessert suggestions sound yummy.
Hi Crysti!
You are most welcome! I’m glad you found the Mardi Gras party ideas fabulous and like the dessert suggestions!
Thanks for reading!
These tips on throwing an ultimate mardi gras party sound pretty practical. Thanks a lot for sharing these ideas!
Hi Hari!
You are most welcome! I’m glad you found some tips for a Mardi Gras party!
Thanks for reading!
So many ideas for a mardi gras party bash! A timely post since Mardi Gras (day) is tomorrow:-) Laissez les bon temps rouler!