Mardi Gras is literally translated as “Fat Tuesday” and celebrates the night before Ash Wednesday when Lent starts. While it's not necessarily a religious celebration, it is usually and epic event. Mardi Gras is a great symbol of a decadent party. This theme lends itself easily to parties and events of all occasions. It doesn't have to be February to celebrate in this decadent style. Turn your next party into a Mardi Gras spectacular with just a few fun elements.



Invitations

A hallmark of the celebration is the lavish costumes. Many dress in masks, beads, feathers. You'll also see plenty of the signature colors – purple, green and gold. Make your party invitations just as lavish with these accents and much more. After you get all of the relevant party information in there, add some bright feathers, a string of beads or even a swatch of silk fabric for a great Mardi Gras accent. Let your guests know right away how you'll be celebrating with a big, bright decadent party invitation.

Typically, a Mardi Gras menu is in the Cajun style. You'll want to make sure you have foods that everyone will enjoy, but you'll also want to spice it up a bit. Jambalaya is a spicy Creole dish with rice, sausage and chicken. Red beans and dirty rice can take some of the heat off of those dishes for more sensitive palates. Cajun food is big on spice and on shellfish – shrimp, oysters and crab are all big hits. For dessert pick bananas foster or bread pudding to stay in the Creole style.

At the bar, include some spicy red wines and even some Hurricanes, Sloe Gin Fizz and maybe an Old Fashioned. You might want to try your own signature cocktail in one of the bright Mardi Gras colors. Have plenty of water on hand, too, to re-hydrate thirsty revelers.

Costumes

Most parades include lavish costumes. Get your guests in the swing of the things with a Mardi Gras costume party. Invite your guests to dress up and get into the party mood. Costumes can be an important party of the party décor and mood. Be prepared with lots of feathers and masks. And get your party invitations in the mail early, so your guests have time to get their outfits together.

Entertainment

It's probably not likely that you'll have a Mardi Gras parade for your party. Instead make your music and entertainment as lively as possible. Pick out a loud Zydeco band to dance the night away. Or you might find some stilt walkers or jesters to entertain your guests. Whatever Mardi Gras entertainment you choose, you're bound to have a wild time.

Take your cues from the fun and lavish style of traditional Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday celebrates one last decadent celebration before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday so take advantage of the self-indulgent party and go wild. It doesn't need to be February to celebrate Mardi Gras.