Mardi Gras is here a little early this year! In fact, it’s TODAY! If you’re planning on hosting a party later tonight (or this weekend), check out some these cool and fun ways to use Mardi Gras beads in your party decor!
1. Serve ‘em up: Mardi Gras is all about the beads, and you can give your party that New Orleans flair by spreading gold, purple, and green beads out on the tables where you’ll be serving food. The beads will be a constant reminder of the reason they’re there to eat, party, and celebrate.
2. Masked centerpieces: Find some cheap martini glasses and fill them up with beads. Then you can take a Mardi Gras mask (feathers and all!) to put over the glasses. They’ll be the perfect accessory to give your party a completed Mardi Gras look for less time (and money!).
3. Mardi Gras wreath: If you’re a fast crafter, you’ll be able to throw this Mardi Gras-inspired wreath together in no time. All you’ll need is some festive deco mesh, a wreath form, Mardi Gras beads, metallic tinsel garland, a jester mask, and plenty of green, purple, and gold. Start by wrapping the mesh around the wreath form and gluing on the beads, mask, and other decor on top! Don’t forget to be creative and go all out!
4. Dress ‘em Up: Those who plan on heading out for a night on the town can add beads to their outfit without hanging them around their neck. Take an old pair of heels and glue purple, green, and gold beads to them. It’ll give you the perfect pair of party shoes to hit the club in!
5. Decorate Cupcakes: You can give your cupcakes a little Mardi Gras flair by adding some beads as a decoration. You could also create some little masks on your own and add those as toppers as well!
6. Line the Staircase: Use your beads to decorate the staircase in your home. You can easily hang the beads up to give them the dangling look. It’s probably one of the easiest ways to incorporate Mardi Gras beads into your party decor without creating something new entirely!
And for an added bonus, a New Orleans’-inspired cocktail!
King Cake Cocktail: You can give Mardi Gras a big ‘ol toast from afar with a King Cake cocktail<http://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2013/02/06/a-pre-mardi-gras-celebration/>, inspired by New Orleans’ signature treat. Grab some cake-flavored vodka, Baileys, Grand Marnier, ground cinnamon, and some green, purple, and gold sanding sugar for the glass. Once you’ve combined the alcohol, dip the class in the separated sugar, and dust with cinnamon for an adult beverage that’s sure to satisfy.
