Laissez les bontemps rouler with this Mardi Gras dinner party theme! Check out the decorations, invitations and more! (Translation: Let the good times roll!)
MARDI GRAS!!! What do you think when you hear that? I think of parades and beads and bright colors and lots of fun. Which makes this the PERFECT party theme!
After all, the main point of a dinner party is to have fun, right?!?! Which is why, many years ago when we were hosting our Gr8 Dinner in February, we chose Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Invitation
As you know, we do physical invitations for our Gr8 Dinner parties. And I believe this is one of the reasons that we've stayed together for over 20 years.
When you receive a beautiful invitation, you feel special because that invite was meant just for you and you know the hosts are preparing something fun. And there are only 3 to make!
You don't have to be as elaborate as we are. I love crafting so I love thinking up something intriguing and special.
But if you aren't into crafting, then by all means, just do what works for you! (Evites work, too!)
Get your glue gun ready!
For these, I used an oblong box. First I spray painted the inside black. Then I put padding on the top and covered it with a shiny green fabric.
The invitation information was penned in gold on the inside of the box lid.
A gold tassel was glued to the middle of the lid and I glued gold braid around the edge.
The bottom of the box was covered with a patterned wrapping paper in the rich purple and gold jewel tones of Mardi Gras.
Then I bought Mardi Gras masks and nestled them in the box with colorful shred and tissue paper.
Remember, I only have to make three invitations!
Party Decorations
Tablecloth
Again, the colors of this season are so festive and bright, rich purple, gold, and green. If you're into tablecloths, as I am, that's an easy way to set the theme. Choose gold, emerald green or purple (got something left from Christmas?).
Gr8 Tip:
Buy a deep green tablecloth and napkins. I've used mine at Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Christmas... Maybe your sports team colors include green? There are all sorts of occasions for green!
Beads!
Make sure you have a lot of beads! They are inexpensive to buy in bulk and go a long way in the decorating.
Gold!
Now is the time to use anything gold that you may have in your home to add to the decorations. This is the time to go gaudy!
Colored lights strung over the table bring a fun vibe to the party, they're so festive!
And look at that cute napkin folded like a fleur de lys! Check out the folding directions.
Dinner Party Menu
Now the fun begins. There is so much delicious food associated with Louisiana and Mardi Gras that it's hard to pick!
Since New Orleans is on the bayou a lot of the cuisine revolves around seafood.
And when we start with seafood, Jurga's yummy Crab Cakes are a must! For appetizers, make them bite sized. To amp up the NOLA vibe, serve them with Emeril's Remoulade Sauce.
I also served Gumbo in small cups, espresso cups work Gr8. Serve it without the rice if it's an appetizer.
To lighten things up a Spinach Salad came next. This one even has the colors of Mardi Gras!
The main course was Kyle's Pork Cutlets with Onion Applesauce served next to Jambalaya; a flavorful bayou combo!
When celebrating Mardi Gras, there is only one dessert to consider (IMO)... King Cake! And Debbie's recipe is SOOOOOO easy! Anybody can make it!
(Pssssst: it starts with pre-made food, check out the recipe!)
Don't forget to add the baby! The tradition is to hide a small plastic baby in the cake before baking. Whoever gets the baby hosts the next Mardi Gras party!
So gather your beads and masks, send out an invite, and plan to have a Gr8 time with friends and family!
If you laissez les bontemps rouler with this Mardi Gras Dinner Party, please be a Gr8 Friend and comment below or share on your favorite social media site. Thank you!
Party Supplies
Recipes
Be a Gr8 Friend and tell us what you think!