As a former special events organizer, I can say with absolutely certainty that planning a Mardi Gras Festival can be a lot of fun. At least I always enjoyed doing it. One of my favorite parts was decorating the tables. With that said, I thought that I would share a few of my tablescape ideas with you. Here they are:
Linens
When it comes to linens, I have found that there are two basic set-ups that tend to work well for Mardi Gras celebrations. The first set-up involves using all white tablecloths, linen overlays and solid color napkins. The second set-up option involves using solid colored table clothes and either white or colored napkins. Ideal colors to use are gold, purple and green. Personally, I like to use white table clothes with purple overlays and gold napkin bundles tied with foil garland.
Of the course the size and the amount of linens needed will be determined by the size and number of tables involved. If you have never ordered linens for a large party before, there is a great chart posted on the We Party website that you may find helpful. It breaks down what size linens go with certain tables.
Balloons
For my parties, I often used clusters of green, purple and gold balloons as centerpieces. I found that they worked well when attached to an interesting weight. Sometimes I would use traditional balloon weights that had been outfitted with metallic wrap or tulle. Other times, I’d weigh the balloons down with a bundle of Mardi Gras beads or a clear crystal bowl filled with ornaments. Each method produced an attractive looking tablescape.
Flowers
I have also found that fresh or dried floral centerpieces look good too providing that you give them a Mardi Gras twist. One way to do that is to wrap a bamboo skewer with floral tape. Then glue one end of the skewer to a feather mask. Afterward, insert the other end of the skewer inside a flower filled vase or bowl. Just make sure that the centerpiece doesn’t end up being too tall. Otherwise, your guests won’t be able to look each other in the eyes during conversations. Flowers that typically work well with such displays are limelight hydrangeas, viceroy chrysanthemums and purple wisteria.
Extras
Lastly, I would occasionally scatter Mardi Gras Chocolate Coins onto my tables as well. I found that the guests liked to snack on them during the entertainment portion of my festival’s program. You can typically purchase the coins through party supply retailers by the case. On average, a case of 68 foil wrapped coins are likely to lighten your wallet by about $11. I should also mention that colorfully wrapped mints will work in a pinch too. They also tend to be cheaper. In most instances, a case of those will cost you $7 through similar retailers.
Source: Personal Experience
More from this contributor:
5 Noteworthy Women from the 1920s
Women Who’ve Swum the English Channel
Mardi Gras Themed Drink Recipes for Adults
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