Mardi Gras Tablescape
Hey, remember that old Zatarain’s commercial where the lady shouts “Throw me some beads mister?” Well that was my soul inspiration for this Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras table.
JUMP TO RECIPE
I have always wanted to create a fun Mardi Gras themed tablescape. Being a native Georgia girl, I grew up hearing all about Mardi Gras, but it was never really celebrated this far north. It was very popular in southern states like Alabama, Mississippi and of course the king state of celebration we all know Louisiana. My father was always a fan of the Big Easy. He loved the dixieland jazz music and the fantastic Cajun food, and had visited the area many times on business. Including the small town like Slidell, Louisiana which I always heard numerous stories about. My mother was a fan of Justin Wilson, known for saying things like “I Gua- Ron- Tee” and “How Y’all Are?” We must have watched him every weekend on PBS. This is where she learned to make several of his famous dishes which in turn appeased my father’s love of Cajun food.
Be sure not to confuse Carnival and Mardi Gras! Carnival refers to the period of fun and feasting that begins some time in January known as The Feast of the Epiphany. Mardi Gras actually refers to “Fat Tuesday”, which is the final day of revelry before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The dates of Mardi Gras are determined by Easter each year so there is not a set date, it can be as early as Valentine’s Day or as late as St. Patrick’s Day.Ok, so as a Georgia gal I looked up a quick history lesson on Mardi Gras, from history in New Orleans, as there are some variations from region to region. It was believed to be originally established in 1718 by Bienville. In the early 1740s, Louisiana’s governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established many elegant society balls. These became the model for the New Orleans based Mardi Gras balls of today. The first New Orleans Mardi Gras parade was held on February 24, 1857 by the Krewe of Comus. In 1875, Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” which made Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana and it still is to this day.I love the colors associated with Mardi Gras. I think the color combination of purple, gold and green have a very regal feel. The purple stands for justice; gold for power; and green for faith. I also love the ornate masks that are associated with the holiday. Did you know, that by law, parade float riders must always wear a mask on Fat Tuesday? Masking is also legal for everyone else on Fat Tuesday, and the more elaborate masks the better.
These are some of the prettiest Venetian masks I have seen this season. I decided to dress up a few for the ladies, by adding some fun peacock feathers for a more authentic Venetian feel. Also, I found that the color of the peacock feathers really complimented this table as well.I decided to fan fold these regal purple napkins, which this created a peacock shaped napkin. The napkins are adorned with these unique, standing peacocks to finish off the look. I would also like to add that the peacocks, can also hold a place card perfectly, if you are hosting a more formal dinner party. My advice would be to use a monogram of your guest to add an additional touch of class.
Mardi Gras Feast of Kings
Signature Cocktail: The King Cake Cocktail (Recipe Link)
Appetizer: Etouffee’ Stuffed Mushrooms
Soup: Gumbo (recipe link)
Entrees: Jambalaya
Red Beans & Rice
Desserts: Traditional King Cake
Beignets & Cafe’ Du Monde Coffee
Jambalaya
Equipment
- Instant Pot 3 Qt. Mini ( can be doubled for a larger 6 Qt. Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Andouille Sausage Sliced
- 1 lb Chicken Breast Chopped
- 1 lb Steamed Shrimp Peeled, devined, tails removed
- 1 Vidalia Onion diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
- 1 cup Celery diced
- 14.5 oz Tomatoes w/ pepper & onions diced, drained
- 1/2 cup Corn
- 1 cup Okra Sliced
- 32 oz Chicken Stock
- 1 box Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Old Bay for shrimp
Instructions
- Start by sauteing what is known as "the cajun trinity" -chopped onions, bell peppers and celery in 2 tbsp of oil for 3 minutes.
- Add in chunks of chicken breast, and slices of andouille sausage and saute for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in corn and okra along with 2 tbsp of garlic for the final 2 minutes of your saute.
- Add in your rice with seasoning to your Instant Pot and gently stir.
- Top with drained tomatoes and chicken stock.
- Seal your Instant Pot Lid and Cook at High Pressure Manual for 15 minutes.
- While cooking clean and devine your steamed shrimp and coat with Old Bay Seasoning.
- Once your Instant Pot is finished cooking carefully release the steam with pressure release vent and add in the shrimp, stir and serve.
Be sure to check outlaw to make this amazing King Cake Cocktails. They are so yummy and tasty. Just like a sweet slice of King Cake with hints of almond and cinnamon. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
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Wow that’s so perfect for Mardi Gras! Beautiful!
everything looks so elegant yet vampy and a bit sexy! I love the dark muted tones and the fact that you paid attention to all the little details! Lovely!
Gorgeous layout. I love the gold silverware and peakcock feather details. So pretty.
This is beautiful! Love the masks and the colors are perfect! I love the peacock feathers!
Love everything about this post – the payout and colors scream Mardi Gras. I’ve always been attracted to the gorgeous masks, too. What great idea to literally incorporate them, with the beautiful touch of purple candles <3
This is absolutely gorgeous! I wouldn’t mind having that color scheme all the time. I love the deep teals and purples with pops of gold.
Very creative! You added such unique pieces and it turned out so beautiful. Love it!
Oh how I love this! I love the colors associated with Mardi Gras too. I love your table scape, how well balanced you have everything and the pieces that you picked to create it!
Ok can I come to this mardi gras party? It looks so elegant and beautiful, and the food sounds absolutely amazing too. I’d love to dress up and go to one like this.
Yes! Finally someone writes about Mardi Gras, this is awesome.
I love that you chose to celebrate Mardi Gras as you tablescape this month, it stands out against all the Valentine’s Day posts. You positively put a brand new spin on the holiday. Great stuff, simply great!
So fun and I alway learn much more than I bargain for at your site, thanks for that info.
You did it again! Your real commitment to passing beautiful holiday tables and the solutions to entertaining, has really made others, much like me realize their dreams. Warm regards my friend.
Oh I love this write up and that beautiful table. Thank you for keeping it classy I have seen some horrible Mardi Gras themed tables, and jackets dup with too many beads, hanging on everything. Ugh! You really represent the classy side of the carnival themed balls and parties.
I love this table is perfect for Fat Tuesdays and those masks!!!!!!!! So Shocked you found them at the dollar tree, that is just crazy, considering how beautiful they are. Thanks adding a little cajan to my feed and for making my day. Love that you quoted throw me some beads mister……LOL
I just discovered your website on google and read a few of your posts. You have a beautiful site full of great inspiration. So I just added your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. In search of great designs, and I am really looking forward to future reading!
What’s up girlfriend, I love this months tablescape! I just want to tell you before the season had passed!
This website is amazing, I always find such inspiration and great design ideas. You have been added into my rss feed and I love seeing your posts pop up, it means I something good to read.
I enjoy you posts because you are so creative. You always have a pretty table, or fun recipe for the next upcoming holiday. Please know you are doing such a great job with your blog, and continue to keep creating all that magic that you do.
This is such a great table setting, love that your focused on Mardi Gras since you did Valentine’s Day last year. Thanks for keeping it fresh!
I’m usually to running a blog too so I actually recognize your amazing work on your content. The article has really peaks my interest, I think I may do a post on Mardi Gras next year. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for brand new information.
Thank you for all of the efforts on this web page. You always have one of the prettiest table setting on the net. I follow several big designers and I you are amount them. I think it because you mix magazine quality with everyday living. Which is a great balance for the your followers. I know we have kids so those overdone, breakable table setting are just not practical for our life. You combine pretty and practical in everything you do.
Your table are always so impressive! Thanks for the share.
I have to show my appreciation for your kind-heartedness and focus on the region. Mardi Gras is a huge money maker for this region and even though it has been a few years NOLA still feels the devastation from all the hurricanes. Thank you for promoting this holiday that that brings so much revenue to our area.
Thanks you for sharing this beautiful table you knocked it out of the park as always.
Such a pretty table, but I love to look at all your tables. I do admit I was not expecting a Mardi Gras theme table but I do love it!
Thank you so much for giving everyone an exceptionally wonderful read during the carnival season. I know not everyone can experience the balls and parties but this post is just a peak at how the areas celebrates.
Pretty table and a fun theme to create a magical dreamscape table. Your visual design is just stunning.
Such a pretty table, I love those masks. Thanks for sharing.
I have to tell you this table turned out really pretty. I guess I do like Mardi Gras after all.
I just love Mardi Gras! Great table theme, I always wonder when I see tables did you do a dinner party or was it just for your family. I guess because I do not think my family would appreciate that kind of hard work, lol.
I enjoy you because of all of your unique idea and the effort you put forth on this website. I have just enjoyed scrolling through your most recent posts, and wanted to tell you table is gorgeous.
Nice post. I study you table layout and how you take your pictures they are all very exceptional. I will give you a hyperlink in your web blog. Thanks for sharing.
I wanted say thank you for celebrating carnival even in GA. I know I grew up in the area and I still celebrate it to this day. Once it is in your blood it there to stay.
There is noticeably a lot to know about how to set the perfect party table. I love all the creativity and plan to check out all your tablescapes, also I would love to add a link to your site from my own highlighting the table settings seasonally.
YES, the correct use of Carnival and Mardi Gras. I love this blog it is so perfect for anybody who desires to find out about design topics. I like how you’ve given a bit of history along with the pretties, which means you did you research and know what your are talking about.
I love this table we are big fans of Mardi Gras too!
Oh my goodness, be still my color loving heart!! You put together a beautiful table, Thank you for sharing with us at Create and Celebrate!!
It was my pleasure 🙂 I love this site full of so much inspiration and talent!!!
Oh my goodness! What a tremendous table and article. Thank you for such pretty things to look at on the gloomy day.
What a wonderful site you have going here in the home decor niche. Would you be interested in exchanging blog links? I think our audiences would like your posts.
I have already been reading through the good hints found on your web page. I am adding your to my rss feed and Look forward to more of your seasonal pictures and ideas.
This actually answered my all my question about Mardi Gras, thanks!
I have say I know nothing of Mardi Gras but not only did I learn a few things I loved the pictures. Now I want to plan a trip.
Good day! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you will have right here on this post. I will continue to come back to your blog for all my decorating needs.
There is obviously a lot to learn about the history of Mardi Gras I never knew about. You made a nice table too, great colors and love those masks.
Thank you for your hard work on this web page. It is so visually appealing and full of fantastic inspirations.
Very good post, I actually love this web site, and all of the talent you share with us. This table is so fun and festive.
Whew this table is spectacular! What a win for Mardi Gras!
We have ended up examining the good tricks found on your web site since you are giving decor idea we want to see. We loved this post from February and will be adding it to our designers to watch post.
Oh my goodness!Such an incredible table. Thanks for always keeping me inspired.
Thank you so much, I will be very excited to see that post. Can you be sure to send me the link so I can check it out? That would be great 🙂
So good to find anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. Really thank you for starting this up this website! We needed somebody with a bit of originality. Such a useful post for bringing one thing new to the web!
very nice publish, i actually love this website, keep on it
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post.Thanks Again. Cool.
Excellent post however, I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thanks!
Wow this is such a pretty table, sets the party mood for the moment you walk in.
How fun is this table, I love how you take a theme to the greatest reach of the imagination and then one step further. I can see why you are a event planner.
My new reading list updated last night I was happy to see that your had some new posts. which in turn lead me to a few of your older ones. I just love all of your tables, the masks on this Mardi Gras table are so fun. I can not believe I missed this post in February I must have been in Valentine world.
Gorgeous table, I grew up in Louisiana so this one makes me a little homesick.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Thanks for spending some time and actual effort to produce a good article and pretty table.
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Congratulations on the Lenox feature that is really great!
This design is wicked! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! It reminds me a lot of carnival what a fun season.
okay that tablescape is GORGEOUS! It’s decadent, tasteful and full of color. Exactly what I love! So perfect for mardi gras!
These are so beautiful! I love all the vibrant colours, they really remind me of spring!
Interesting read. These are lovely decorations and those cocktails look really yummy.
Very nice tablescape! I love the Mardi Gras theme and how you’ve tied in the colors in the desserts. I also like how the favors are fun props, too making this tablescape part of the party!
That table is absolutely stunning and so creative! These are such amazing ideas to create and have for your guests, and it really leaves them in awe!
the tablescape is beautiful, however the history is incorrect. Mardi Gras did not originate in New Orleans, but Mobile, Alabama.
Mardi Gras began as a French Catholic celebration to prepare for the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It was first called Boeuf Gras (fatted ox) in 1703; the first masked ball was held the ensuing year; and the first known parade occurred in 1711.
Thanks for that information Vanessa I guess that just proves that not everything one researches on the internet is true, LOL and wikipedia is not always the best source I guess. I appreciate the updated information, I will make sure to update my post accordingly.
Gorgeous! I love these colors. It made me wish I celebrated Mardi Gras. I want a mask!
So rich and regal! This is an absolutely lovely tablescape!
I SOOO love how you decorated your table! nothing more festive than what you have there! So vibrant and grand!
Wow such a beautiful spread, I love all of the masks and decor! Hope you had a great one 🙂
I fall in love with your table settings more and more! This is perfect for the celebration
I just added this site to my rss reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough!