If you’re not able to go to New Orleans and celebrate Mardi Gras this
year, that’s okay, just bring the celebration to your home.
How?
By following the tips listed below and channeling the spirit of the “Big Easy”
with an effortless and endlessly entertaining celebration.

Tip No. 1-
The Greeting Table!
Get a table out and turn it into a Mardi Gras float with a candy buffet.
To do: Use painter’s tape to attach tissue-paper fans to a wall, then
hang a craft-store letter banner. Once your display is complete, set out
jars of sweets and treat bags on the table.
Look for tissue paper online at OrientalTrading.com and buy candies
and small gift bags at any Dollar store.

Tip No. 2-
Mardi Gras Treat!
The traditional treat that most revelers start their day with is the “Mardi Gras
Crepes.” And if you’re a fan of pancakes, then you’ll love this thinner version
of pancakes. To make: Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of water,
2 eggs and 3 Tbs. of melted butter in a blender. Place the blended ingredients
in the refrigerator for an hour. After that, heat up a skillet or frying pan with
a little oil (medium heat). Add 1/4 cup of batter; swirl around the pan and
cook for 2 mins. flip and cook for another minute. Remove the crepe, top
with butter, powdered sugar and mixed fruit (optional) and fold in half.

Tip No. 3-
Bring Out The Masks!
Colorful masks are a must for any Mardi Gras celebration-and they also double
as a party favor. Simply decorate place settings with store-bought masks or
have guests make their own for a fun party activity. To do: Purchase plain
white masks at a craft store and offer up a selection of feathers, glitter, rhinestones,
beads and markers, then have guests sit down to create their own artwork (masks).
To purchase masks and other accessories–go online to PartCity.com or Michaels.com.

Tip No. 4-
The Big Easy Champagne-
Treat your guests to a glass of New Orleans–style Champagne. To make: Pour 1 part
Southern Comfort into a flute and add a dash of Angostura bitters and 4 parts chilled
Champagne. Optional: Give each cocktail extra flair with a lemon twist garnish. Just
use a paring knife to cut a lemon peel into several strips. Roll each strip around your
finger or the handle of a spoon or fork, squeezing to help twist hold its shape. Drop into
a drink.

Tip No. 5-
Let Them Eat Cake!
King Cake to be exact. Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough is the key to making
this this Iconic sweet treat. To make: Roll dough into a log shape; place in a
greased round cake pan, creating a wreath shape. Bake per dough instructions.
Let cool; insert a baby figurine in the bottom of the cake. Frost with Icing and
colored sugar. The guest who gets the baby in their slice is “King” of the party.
Look for baby figurines online at PartyCity.com.

Tip No. 6-
Save On Space!
Instead of setting out piles of utensils and napkins on a crowded buffet table,
save space by filling clear plastic cups with colorful acrylic cutlery. To add an
extra pop of color to the table, glue mini paper fans to plastic cocktail stirrers.

Tip No. 7-
Use The Right Colors!
The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, which symbolizes
justice; green to represent faith; and gold for power. To incorporate them
into your celebration. Another suggestion: Hot-glue beaded necklaces in
all 3 colors around foam cones or glass jars and displaying them on tabletops.
Look for necklaces and other items at OrientalTrading.com

Tip No. 8-
Play Some Tunes!
Bring a little bit of Bourbon street to your party with mood-making music
that’ll get guests moving. Go to the Spotify playlist and download tunes
inspired by Mardi Gras. Another tip: Play tunes from a New Orleans native-
Harry Connick Jr. The album: Smokey Mary. Look for it at Amazon and iTunes.

Tip No. 9-
Make One More Treat-
The ultimate Mardi Gras party favor? Popcorn seasoned with a classic Creole spice
blend. To make the seasoning, combine 2 1/2 Tbs. of paprika, 2 Tbs. of garlic powder,
2 Tbs. of sea salt, 1 Tbs. of ground black pepper, 1 Tbs. of dried oregano, 1 Tbs. of dried
thyme and 1 Tbs. of cayenne. Sprinkle the seasoning over air-popped popcorn and pour
into paper treat bags and give them to guests as they leave.

That’s it- Nine tips to throw your own Mardi Gras party and make it a roaring
success.
Good Luck!

Sources:
* Michelle Stewart creator of MichellesPartyPlanIt.com
* Bartender.com (magazine)
* Special Events (magazine)

Please pass this article (and recipes) on to family and friends who
love Mardi Gras and want to throw their own “Fat Tuesday” party.
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