Fat Tuesday is just around the corner, but this year, forget the plastic beads and giant Hurricane cocktails. Here are 13 ideas for Mardi Gras parties that have style and sophistication—but still leave room for plenty of fun.
Instead of bright colors and plastic beads galore, the table was set with flowers in delicate shades of pink and purple, marbled-Italian-paper runners, and gilded rentals from Tablescapes.
Last year, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Soiree Events hosted a Mardi Gras brunch at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. The daytime affair offered a clean, sophisticated presentation of the traditional Mardi Gras king cake treat. The cake was served atop a silver platter.
In a photo booth, guests posted with chalkboard signage bearing elegant French phrases.
Guests sat in gold chairs amid modern art at tables swathed in deep green linens. Centerpieces were tall and lush, and the leafy arrangements evoked feathers, which are emblematic of Mardi Gras.
In Chicago, Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event recently designed a private party with a Mardi Gras theme. Feathers were used in subtle places, such as on gift boxes that held colorful candies.
In January, A Perfect Event designed the opening of event space City View Loft. The event had a Venetian carnival theme that had plenty of ideas for a Mardi Gras bash—including a "hangover bar." Decked in candelabra and prop coral branches, the cheeky station held aspirin, antacid, coconut water, and Emergen-C.
Pure Kitchen catering set up several interactive tasting bars, including one where guests could make a fizzy sangria. Staff wore feathered masks.
One station had a drink dubbed "the Jam." Guests could drop pure fruit preserves into glasses of sparkling wine.
Upstairs, a dessert lounge was lit in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Toni Patisserie and Cafe had a colorful, thematic sweets table that included mask-shaped cookies and a tower of macarons.
Adding to the evening's whimsical, carnival-like vibe, Jo Snow had a "boozy snow cone" station. Guests ordered the treats in flavors such as grapefruit-rosemary with vodka.
Instead of tossing masks throughout the venue, planners put a neatly stacked array on table at the photo booth. Guests posed with the festive props.
Elysia Root Cakes offered mini cupcakes topped with sugared masks.
On small, illuminated stages throughout the venue, performers from Angela Eve and Eve's Parlor Cabaret did tricks and stunts.
