Have you ever wished you could celebrate Mardi Gras in historic French Quarter of New Orleans, but didnt feel like jamming elbow to elbow with thousands of other people while waiting in line for the port-a-potty on Bourbon Street? If you said yes, then a Mardi Gras theme party is the perfect stress free party idea for you.

Just follow these easy step by step instructions on how to throw a Mardi Gras theme party. Its one of the most popular party themes, and now that your throwing the party you wont have to flash em to get those shiny Mardi Gras beads.

Step 1: Planning Your Mardi Gras Theme Party

1. Send out invitations.

About four weeks before your party send out the invitations. There are a many choices of Mardi Gras theme invitations to choose from. Be sure to indicate on the invitation that this is a Mardi Gras theme party and that guests are welcome to wear their craziest Big Easy inspired outfit (think jazz bands, gypsies and jesters). Your invitation will stand out more if you include a favor with the invitation, such as a Mardi Gras mask or a strand of beads.

As the host, you'll want to be decked out in all your Mardi Gras theme finery a quick and easy idea is to slip on an inexpensive Mardi Gras vests from a party store. For a really fun look you can accessorize your outfit with a green felt top hat (I suggest green because it can be used again for St. Patricks Day).

2. Select a Mardi Gras party food menu.

Decide when, where, and how you are going to serve the food. New Orleans is known for its delicious food and youll want to choose recipes that are easy to prepare, but still in line with your Mardi Gras party theme. My suggestion is Red Beans & Rice, Beignets, Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo and (my favorite Mardi Gras party food) King Cake made from the best recipe you can find.

For a festive buffet, use Mardi Gras confetti to decorate your buffets. Cover the top of the buffet with a green tablecover and your confetti will really stand out. Use colorful Mardi Gras plates and tableware to really add an exciting look to your Mardi Gras Party. Watch the fun your guests will have when you provide them authentic New Orleans Hurricanes served up in flashing light up glasses.

3. Mardi Gras Theme Party Decorations and Atmosphere

A Mardi Gras theme party without music is like a Mardi Gras parade without beads. Make the mood come alive by having appropriately themed music playing softly in the background. I suggest the songs of Jazz band favorites like "Preservation Hall Jazz Band" and Dixieland jazz. Mix up the style up with a little bit of Cajun Zydeco music too. For easy Mardi Gras party music you can use my favorite compilation CD called "Drews Famous Mardi Gras Party Music".

Hang gold and purple columns from the ceiling in the corners of the room and use garland, beads and other dcor to fill the space in between. You can also use Scene Setters decorations to really transform the room. (The Jazz musician and Mardi Gras street sign Scene Setters are my favorites). Remember the official Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold & green, so be sure to coordinate your centerpieces and decorations to match.

Step 2: The Party

1. Arrival of the Guests:

Welcome guests and give each a handful of mixed beads in assorted shapes sizes and colors. Bead trading is going to become you primary party activity, so be sure to load up. These favors are inexpensive and go a long way in making the mood for your Mardi Gras theme party come alive.

Guests can be lead to a table with different styles of masks. Instruct guests to choose their favorite among the feathered and sequined masks. Not only do these disguises tie in wonderfully with the dcor, they also provide an instant party game and conversation starter as your guests try to figure out who is who.

2. Games and activities:

* Remember we mentioned giving your guests a handful of Mardi Gras beads? Hopefully youve mixed in some very unique light up beads and blinking beads to encourage trading among your guests.

* If you budget will allow, hire a fortune teller or a palm reader. Your guests will have a great time having their cards read and laugh at one anothers fate.

* Set up a table with a display of jazz instruments. Your guest can then pass the time trying out and exploring trumpets, trombones, drums, tambourines, and other musical devices.

Step 3: Party Wrap Up

Time for party favors awards and prizes! Some ideas are:

* Glow Products There are lots of fun styles to choose from here, and now that they are available in the official Mardi Gras colors, they fit in with your theme perfectly.

* Crowns It wouldnt be a Mardi Gras without crowning someone the King and Queen.

Step 4: Clean Up

Usually the host is on their own when it comes to clean up, so unless you assemble a small crew of helpers ahead of time its a good idea to use paper plates and plastic silverware. Good luck, have a great party, and throw me some beads!