Free printable wedding checklists and guides from Adorned Events. If you are planning your own wedding, these would be great to keep in a binder so all your information is in one place & easily accessible.
June 23, 2014
February 03, 2009
Throw Me Somethin' Mister! A Recipe For The Perfect Mardi Gras Party
Hey Y'all! Mardi Gras is almost here! The Krewe Balls have all started, costumes have been made, floats have been constructed, and everyone is in full Mardi Gras mode.
This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 24.
A bit of history on what Mardi Gras is and why we Cajuns celebrate it with such fervor.
Since the majority of the residents of South Louisiana are Cajun, that means we are all Catholic. Mardi Gras has become a way for us to "get all the sinnin' out" of our systems before we hunker down and give stuff up for the 40 days of Lent (Lent is the time leading up to Easter). Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday which is why this huge party day always falls on a Tuesday. But, more importantly, it always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent).
And although Mardi Gras is only one day, in Louisiana, we celebrate for many, many days with the Krewe balls starting in January. This is called Twelfth Night, and it begins on January 6. This is the day of the Epiphany (some call it Little Christmas).
I think the hardest part of growing up and moving away from Louisiana was not having 3 days off for Mardi Gras!
So, in honor of THE biggest party day of the year, let's have a party!
Even though Mardi Gras tends to be a big party with LOTS of cocktails and beer, you can make it kid friendly, as well.
Form your own Krewe!
A Krewe is just a club of sorts that sort of caters to a specific area. There are children's krewes, men's only, women's only, etc... Each Krewe is different, and each has their own ball and float.
Each year, the Krewe's committee decides upon a theme. This theme will dictate the costumes worn at the ball and on the float.
Each Krewe also has a Court of Royalty, with a King and Queen.
Now, obviously, your costumes needn't be so elaborate.
King Cake!
This is a Mardi Gras tradition, and a MUST for any Mardi Gras celebration.
The King Cake is the dessert brought to ALL Mardi Gras parties. There is a baby baked inside the cake (plastic, of course!), and the person who finds the baby has to bring the next King Cake to the party. You will also notice that the icing colors are green, purple and gold. These are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras, so your party should use this color scheme.
Drinks!
The Hurricane is a traditional cocktail made famous by Pat O Brien's bar located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. You can buy the mix from Pat O Brien's.
Or, you can make it yourself:
- 1 oz. Bacardi 151 Proof Rum
- 1 oz. White rum
- 1 oz. Dark rum
- ½ oz. Grenadine
- 3 oz. Orange juice
- 3 oz. Pineapple juice
- Crushed Ice
Serve in a Hurricane Glass filled with Crushed Ice, garnish with Orange slice and cherry.
You can also offer apple martinis.
Since they are green, they will fit right in with your Mardi Gras colors.
The Tables!
Decorate your tables with beads, masks, dablooms, and anything else green, purple and gold. Add some metallic items as well. Feathers, crowns, and tiaras will also add to your tables.
Food!
Other than King Cake, there are several options for your menu. I always do a big fish fry on Mardi Gras, but you can serve whatever you'd like. Jambalaya, shrimp creole, or crawfish etouffee are all good choices. You can find those recipes here.
Music!
Mardi Gras has its own genre of music. Try The Dixie Cups, Aaron Neville, or Professor Longhair. I love this compilation album.
Now that you know about Mardi Gras, you can easily have your own party. Throw your beads, drink your hurricanes (RESPONSIBLY!) and eat your jambalaya.
Just don't forget the golden rule, Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!
(That means let the good times roll!)
*Please remember to drink responsibly and NEVER EVER NEVER drink and drive. ALWAYS designate a sober driver!
Allison is the CEO of Templeton Events, a bespoke event design company in Coastal Virginia.
December 02, 2008
Holiday Playlist
Thanks Free People for a fun holiday party playlist in your last newsletter! All my favorite holiday songs I will be sure to download onto my iPhone.
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