Mardi Gras Party

With winter in full swing (and some of us snowed under) - few will turn down a fun celebration. While Mardi Gras is "officially" celebrated on Fat Tuesday, (Feb 16 this year) most of us can't really party on a Tuesday night - so any Fri or Sat in Feb or March will work!! Interested in throwing a Mardi Gras party, but not sure how? See a collection of helpful links below for history, decorations, great recipes, and even music. Everything you need, at your fingertips! Hope you have a ball.

Invites:
Evite: Easy and free
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=zatarains_mardigras_cst
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=laissez
http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/create/event.do?template=mardigraswords
OR
An invite on a mask (unique and works best when you can hand deliver to your guests!):
http://www.shindigz.com/party/Masquerade-Invitation.cfm
Printed invites:
http://www.impressinprint.com/FILE-items_MENUID-581_CID-831_SCID-227_OnSale-False_R-R.aspx


History:
Learn about Mardi Gras:
http://www.eastjeffersonparish.com/culture/MARDIGRA/HISTORY/history.htm

Decorate:
Think beads and masks!
http://www.mardigrasoutlet.com/

Tableware:
{Plates, napkins, everything you need!
http://party411.makesparties.com/Catalog.aspx?intDisplayableCategoryID=1350&intDisplayableProductID=121856


The Menu

Ron's BBQ Shrimp:
http://www.cajungrocer.com/appetizers-rons-bbq-shrimp-c-1170_1171_1174.html

The Very Best Jumbalaya (ever!)
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1724,128177-246192,00.html

Corn and Zucchini Saute
http://www.cajungrocer.com/vegetables-corn-and-zucchini-saute-c-1170_1365_1372.html

add some warm, crusty bread...

And of course - a King Cake for dessert (you can order - they'll deliver!):
http://www.cajungrocer.com/fresh-foods-king-cake-c-1_15_26.html
(also check out the beautifully decorated cookies they offer...)

Music:
Don't forget the tunes.
CDs:
http://www.amazon.com/Century-Novelty-Mardi-Gras-Music/dp/B001VOENVG
http://www.amazon.com/Mardi-Gras-Party-Various-Artists/dp/B0000003NN/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_c
iTunes:
Search for "Mardi Gras, Various Artists" for a download-able collection