Budget Friendly Celebration of Mardi Gras

Last year's dreams of going to New Orleans in anticipation of celebrating Mardi Gras have all been shattered like the economy. Do not get disappointed, I think you can enjoy the festivities by hosting your very own Mardi Gras party at a fraction of the cost of actually going to New Orleans.

The timing could not be better to regroup with friends and family and enjoy this very colorful and lively holiday.

You can start by preparing an invitation using www.evite.com, this make the process much simpler than the traditional mailing of invites. The website is free and you can create so many different kinds of virtual invitations, it is amazing. Stick to the traditional color schematic of Dark Purple, Gold and Green. If you have a few people that are not on email, then simply print the invitation and mail it to them.

As part of your evite, indicate that the guests should show up in costume as that is an integral part of Mardi Gras festivities. As for your costume consider getting something from the party store or visit some newer thrift shops such as Unique, which has tons of selection on thrift clothing.To embellish your outfit, find tons of colorful jewelry, scarves and beads.

Decorate using purchases from your local dollar store. I love to purchase rolls of craft paper or butcher paper rolls. Then tape sheets to the wall and start decorating with bright balloons, multi colored strands of beads, tablecloths, feathers and sequins. Tape everything to the butcher paper or craft paper on the wall and when the party is over, keep what you like and roll everything else up and discard.

Now to the main part of planning a party...the food; I would suggest sticking to finger foods and cocktails. Ask each of your guests to bring something that sticks to the Cajun and New Orleans style of cooking. If you want a full blown Mardi Gras meal than gumbo, rice and red beans, crab cakes, jambalaya, and King Cake are all traditional fair. Many of our favorite Food Network stars are hosting up Mardi Gras recipes so keep your eye out and give them a try. Many are simple, and do not require all that much time to prepare. Visit www.haydelbakery.com for the original King Cake.

I encourage each of you to get the entire family and all of your friends involved and celebrate Mardi Gras. The warmth of this holiday will encourage plenty of smiles and cherished memories for the years to come.