How to Host a Mardi Gras Party

Beat the end-of-winter blues with friends and Cajun and Creole food

Posted March 7th, 2011

by Allison McNeely

History of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a celebration and carnival that begins on Jan. 6, with the feast of the epiphany and ends on Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday.

Jan. 6 is also known as the Twelfth Night or Kings' Day and it celebrates the arrival of the three kings at Jesus' birthplace, ending the Christmas season. Mardi Gras ends on the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.

It is believed that French settlers brought the tradition to North America in the early 1700s and the first official Mardi Gras celebration was held in New Orleans.

Today, the first few weeks of Mardi Gras are filled with private and invite-only parties. The last two weeks of carnival are reserved for public parties and parades — the celebrations that most people associate with Mardi Gras.

Host a Mardi Gras Party

Hosting a Mardi Gras party is a great way to beat the end-of-winter blues and enjoy some delicious Creole and Cajun cooking. We've put together a primer on how you can host a Mardi Gras party in your home, along with a full menu and suggested wine pairings.

Decorate in green, yellow and purple — these are the official colours of Mardi Gras. Consider lights, streamers, candles and balloons in these colours.
Select New Orleans brass band or Zydeco music.
Purchase Mardi Gras beads for your guests to wear (a staple) and doubloons to decorate your table.
Encourage your guests to wear a costume — the wilder, the better. If they're not costume people, suggest that everyone wear a feather boa or hat.
Give your guests feathered masks at the door, just like the costume parties. (Feeling crafty? Here's how to make a mask.)

A Mardi Gras Menu

Even if you skip the costumes and decorations, Mardi Gras is a great excuse to experiment with cuisine that is not native to Canada. Try any (or all!) of these recipes. Each includes a few suggested wine pairings.

Baked Spicy Cheesy Grits

Potato Salad

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Southern Fried Chicken

Mardi Gras King Cake