Everything You Need For A [Socially Distanced] Mardi Gras Celebration

Sometimes the remix is better than the original, so instead of mourning the Mardi Gras that never was, we're shaking things up with Yardi Gras.

1. Purple, Green, & Gold

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It’s all about the purple, green, gold, and most importantly: the glitter! If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras, you have to stay on-theme. That means including the trifecta in your decorations and costumes, but you should obviously add your own spice to it.

2. Bead It!

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It's not Mardi Gras unless you've got pounds of beads weighing you down. Don your balcony, porch, or trees in your yard with a little Mardi Gras magic. If you’re feeling adventurous and have lots of time to prepare, surprise your family with some custom creations based on the most famous Mardi Gras throws.

3. Make Decorations and Costumes

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Get in the spirit of Carnival by making masquerade masks and other party favors. Whether you wear them or use a bunch to decorate your front yard, this family activity will make your little ones busy, and you can save these keepsakes for next year!

4. Give Your Krewe a Taste of New Orleans

Elysian Events / Via elysianeventscatering.com

If you’re participating in Yardi Gras, you might as well go all out. Cook up some oysters, jambalaya, beignets, and other New Orleans classics or order them from a local caterer to make your party feel more like the real thing.

5. What’s a Mardi Pardi Without King Cake?

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Now that you’ve covered got lunch covered, it’s time to get the best dessert of the season: king cakes. Filled, traditional, or even savory, you can't go wrong with a king cake. There are dozens of bakeries to choose from in New Orleans. If you don't live in the area, don't worry. Many of the local bakeries can ship king cakes directly to you.

6. Costume Contest? Yes, Please!

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Half of the fun of Mardi Gras is stepping out in a stunning costume. As long as it stands out, it's on theme. You can use feathers, face paint, and glitter or pull up in a group costume. If you're not the best at thinking of ideas, here's some inspo to get started.

7. Don’t Forget Your Brews and Booze!

Taste of Home / Via tasteofhome.com

Mardi Gras is all about indulgence, and this year is no different. Treat yourself to a cocktail or six as a pat on the back for surviving 2020—you deserve a drink! Put your mixology skills to work after checking out some crowd-pleasing recipes that are both festive and delicious.