Theme submitted by Gatherings Gal, Illinois
What is Mardi Gras?Historically, Mardi Gras is a celebration that takes place on the three days before Ash Wednesday. The final day of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, which is the last day to indulge before 40 days of fasting during Lent.
There are a variety of fun and simple ways to celebrate Mardi Gras at home. Here are a few ideas.
Overall Ideas:- The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Ask guests to wear the colors and buy sparkly beads from a party supply store. Give the beads to guests as they arrive and display them around the room – lay them on tables and hang them from chairs and furniture.
- Play Cajun or Jazz music for a festive feel.
- If kids are involved (or even kids at heart), make Mardi Gras masks. Cut a mask from cardstock or purchase inexpensive paper masks. Set up a crafting station where guests can decorate the masks with glitter, beads, paint and feathers.
Food Ideas:- For an authentic celebration, bake a King Cake. While the pastry or bread is tasty, the real treat is inside. A trinket is hidden there, and the person who finds it is said to have good luck for the year, becoming king of the feast.
- If you want to bake your own King Cake, try this easy trick – use a Bundt pan and choose a bread or pastry recipe from Gatherings. A few ideas include Monkey Bread, Chocolate Cavity Maker Cake or Kentucky Butter Cake. Just remember to mix in a small plastic doll or trinket into the batter before baking. Then top with purple and green frosting or colored sugar for a traditional Mardi Gras dessert.
With a little planning, you can turn this holiday into a fun new tradition.
Gatherings with Purpose Idea: