How to Throw a Mardi Gras Party

Watch more How to Celebrate Mardi Gras videos: howcast.com/videos/410163-How-to-Throw-a-Mardi-…

Get your costumes and your beads ready -- we're having a Mardi Gras party!

Step 1: Send invitations
Send festive invitations to your guests, three to four weeks in advance. Tell your guests that costumes, masks, and traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold are a must.

Tip
Make sure your costume stands out, since you are the King or Queen of the party.

Step 2: Decorate your house
Decorate your house New Orleans style. Different colored beads, colorful masks, decorative doubloons, and balloons make great decorations.

Step 3: Keep your guests moving
Keep your guests moving by playing upbeat New Orleans jazz throughout the night.

Tip
Don't forget to play "The Mardi Gras Mambo" and "Carnival Time."

Step 4: Jazz up the evening
Jazz up the evening by serving your guests gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish boil, and dirty rice.

Step 5: Toast your guests
Toast your guests with classic Hurricane cocktails served in bright, festive hurricane glasses.

Tip
Sazerac, Sangria, and Ramos Gin Fizz are also classic Mardi Gras cocktails.

Step 6: Serve the King cake
Serve the famous King Cake for dessert. The person who gets the slice of cake with the baby inside hosts next year's party. Have fun!

Did You Know?
The first official Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans on February 24, 1857.