Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, and Decorations (2024)

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (1)Fat Tuesday is the day everyone outside of New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras.Downin New Orleans and in Mobile, the Mardi Gras party season has been underway for weeks.Fat Tuesday this year isMarch 8th. Until then, we've got a lot of Mardi Gras food, fun, and maybe even a parade or two to get jammed into the next eight days! So as they say in New Orleans, and in the words of Delbert McClinton, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Since this is the holiday named for me:) it's my favorite holiday! Seriously, it IS my favorite holiday. I love the food, the culture, the whole thing.If you want to host a Mardi Gras party, it's not too late. Here's everything you need to get your party started:

The Invites

Facebook, email, Evite, or call... anybody would love to get a last minute Mardi Gras invitation!

Decorations

This one is easy. Feathers, masks, beads, green, gold, and purple! You still have time to get a huge box of beads and anything else you need from our friends at Oriental Trading Company. Of course they have beads of every color and price range. Take a look at some of the fun, affordable decorations you can get....Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (2)Jester Half Mask $3.99 from OTCMartie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (3)Deluxe Feather Masks $24.99 per dozen at OTCMartie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (4)Sequin Masks $9.99 per dozen at OTC Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (5)French Quarter Street SIgn $19.99 OTCMartie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (6)Balcony Mural $14.99 from OTC

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (7)Parade crowns $3.49 per dozen

The MenuMartie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (8)

Gumbo. Etouffee. Red Beans and Rice. The food is the very best part of Mardi Gras. Most residents host their parties before a parade. Here are some recipes I love, including my own Super Secret Gumbo recipe.

Classics

Martie's Secret Gumbo: Mine is one of those labors of love that takes most of the day and fills the house with all kinds of delicious aroma. If you are in a hurry, try Terry's Quick Gumbo!

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (9)TheDean Bros. Lighter Gumbo: If you want a lighter, healthier Gumbo that's still full of flavor, this one from Paula's boys looks pretty good.

Red Beans and Rice: Here's Emeril's recipe. If anyone has a great Red Beans and Rice recipe, pass it on!

Charlotte's Shrimp Etouffee: I wish I'd developed this recipe, it's that good. My friend Charlotte B. from Auburn, Alabama sent it in. It's fantastic. And believe me,I know my Etouffee. Get the recipe...

Jambalaya: A lighter version made with shrimp, this recipe gets a 5-star ratingand a guarantee from the Southern Living test kitchens.

Chef John Besh's Green Onion Sausage & Shrimp Gravy:Serve this classic sauce or "gravy" over biscuits. It's fantastic. Maybe better. Serve with his Grandmother Walters's Biscuits. Heaven.

Three Cheese Grits:I'm re-running this recipe because it is a classic Southern recipe, perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration or brunch. Or try another classic New Orleans dish, Shrimp and Grits!

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (10)Muffulettas: Try Emeril's recipe. I simply get a round loaf of bread, slice in half. Pull out some of the bread to make room for the meat. Spread with olive salad. Then stuff with differentmeats and cheeses. These mini-muffulettas are very good, too.

Desserts

Beignets: You can make these from scratch; Paula Deen has a good recipe for them. I sayjust order the mix from Cafe DuMonde.Much easier! Some high-end grocers stock it around Mardi Gras. Watch the demo on how to make authentic New Orleans-style beignetsfrom Cafe DuMonde.

Brennan's Bananas Foster: What's more New Orleans? Try this recipe from the famous Brennan's Restaurant.

King's Cake: Order online from one of these New Orleans bakeries if you can't find one at your local store. Gambino's, Randazzo's and Haydel's Bakery all have online shops!

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, andDecorations (11)Cocktails and Beverages

Brandy Milk Punch: While I have not yet perfected my own recipe for this classic Southern favorite, this recipe from the fine folks at Epicurious is just dandy for any Mardi Gras celebration. Get the recipe...

Hurricane: Try my recipe. As close to Pat O's as you can get without a flight... and maybe even better because I use fresh juices.

Sazerac:I love Sazerac cocktails.Learn the story behind one of the oldest cocktails dating back to1858.... quite interesting.Get the recipe from Sazerac.

The Entertainment

Almost anything goes... but if you plan to have a Mardi Gras parade or a "Second Line" - the parade down the street complete with dancers and umbrellas, well, you might want to check with the neighbors.

Make some playlists with New Orleansjazz, Harry Connick Jr., and Zydeco music like Buckwheat Zydeco is also fun.

Happy Mardi Gras everyone.... let the good times roll!

Martie Knows Parties - BLOG - Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, and Decorations (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular drink at Mardi Gras? ›

The Sazerac is the most popular cocktail and the signature drink of the city of New Orleans. Cognac, whiskey, and absinthe combine to make this drink. It's one of the most popular Mardi Gras cocktails and originated in New Orleans in the 1940s.

How do you throw a fun Mardi Gras party? ›

Tips for Throwing a Mardi Gras Party
  1. 1) Decorate in Purple, Green and Gold. Choose streamers, balloons, hats, cups, throw pillows, fabrics other décor items and party decorations that use these three colors together. ...
  2. 2) Add Beads. ...
  3. 3) Tell Guests to Dress Up. ...
  4. 4) Serve Delicious Cajun-Inspired Food.

What kind of food do you serve for Mardi Gras? ›

Try classic Mardi Gras recipes like shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, or red beans and rice, or fix something unexpected for a group of party guests like warm gumbo dip or cornbread hush puppies. No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets.

What is the number one drink in New Orleans? ›

Sazerac. If you ever take a food tour in New Orleans, you're bound to encounter the Sazerac. Named the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008, the Sazerac is definitely on the list of must-try New Orleans drinks, and a classic option for online mixology classes.

What is the most requested cocktail? ›

Here are 10 of the most popular cocktails that will always be in style.
  • Margarita. The classic Margarita cocktail has been one of the most popular cocktails in America for years and still remains on top. ...
  • Cosmopolitan. ...
  • Daiquiri. ...
  • Gimlet. ...
  • Manhattan. ...
  • Negroni. ...
  • Old Fashioned. ...
  • Sex on the Beach.

What do people wear to a Mardi Gras party? ›

Mardi Gras is synonymous with bold colors: purple symbolizing justice, green representing faith, and gold for power. Incorporating these vibrant hues in your attire is a surefire way to blend in with the festive spirit.

What's the best theme for a party? ›

40 Party Theme Ideas For Your Next Event
  • Enchanted Forest Event Theme Idea. ...
  • Heaven Party Theme Ideas. ...
  • Hellfire Party Theme Idea. ...
  • New York Party Theme Idea. ...
  • Seaside Party Theme Idea. ...
  • Masquerade Ball Party Theme Idea. ...
  • Playboy Mansion Theme. ...
  • Medieval Castle Party Theme Idea.

When should you host a Mardi Gras party? ›

Some places, such as Mobile, Alabama — site of the first Mardi Gras held in the U.S., in 1703 — kick off the festivities as early as November. Most celebrations, however — including the biggest one of them all, in New Orleans — occur in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, which this year is March 1.

What is one food item that is unique to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? ›

New Orleans-Style Beignets

Want to celebrate Mardi Gras from the comfort of your kitchen? Make beignets. Liberally dusted in confectioners' sugar, these pillowy deep-fried doughnuts will make you feel like you're at the famous Cafe du Monde in just one bite.

What to serve with gumbo at a party? ›

20 Tasty Side Dishes to Serve with Gumbo
  • Side Dishes. Garlic French Bread. Potato Salad. Jasmine Rice. Cornbread (Trader Joe's Copycat) Collard Greens. Fried Okra. ...
  • Desserts. Fruit Salad. Beignets. Sweet Potato Pie.
  • Drinks. Sweet Iced Tea. Abita Beer (a local Louisiana brew)
  • What to Serve With Gumbo. Ingredients. Instructions.
Jan 18, 2024

What does krewe stand for? ›

A krewe is, simply, a club or organization that exists to celebrate Carnival. But while a krewe has royalty, the positions of king and queen are merely ceremonial. The identities of the queen and her maids are usually public, while the identities of kings are often secret—Rex being a notable exception.

What is the signature drink of New Orleans? ›

1. Sazerac. Considered by some the official cocktail of New Orleans, the Sazerac dates back to the 19th century. It's made with rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud's bitters, and a sugar cube, garnished with a lemon peel.

What is a Fat Tuesday drink? ›

Malibu Rum + 151 Rum + Piña Colada. g. cal. 190 OCTANE.

What are the best Mardi Gras throws? ›

The most prized throws are the krewe's "signature throws." Zulu has it famous coconuts and many other krewes offer hand-decorated items including Muses shoes, Nyx purses, Alla genie lamps, Carrollton shrimp boots and the list goes on. Most krewes have medallion beads that feature that year's theme.

What is New Orleans purple drink? ›

The Voodoo Daiquiri (a.k.a the Purple Drank)

New Orleans is nothing if not colorful. This adult slushy can be experienced at Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Maison Bourbon Jazz Club and My Bar @ 635. The recipe is secret which makes it even more intriguing.

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