Fat Tuesday is here, and as its name hints, it’s a time for food and festivities. New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras and for its historic King Cake. But if you can’t make it to the Mardi Gras, there’s no reason you can’t bring some of that Big Easy carnival into your own humble home. Here are some ideas.
Madina Papadopoulos is a New York-based freelance writer, author, and regular contributor to Paste. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter.
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Send out themed invites for your soiree, by printmagic.
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Don a mask, with a half-faced attempt to conceal your identity, like this handmade one by 4everstore.
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Greet guests at the door with a purple, green, and gold wreath by wreathsbayou.
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And keep it festive inside with a colorful banner, by BlueSkyBanners.
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New Orleans is all about loud choices, and this dress by ApparelArtbyMare keeps it bold but classy.
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Mignon Faget is the Crescent City's go-to jewelry designer, with a beautiful line of Mardi Gras inspired charms, like this King Cake baby pendant.
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The charms don't end there—these mask and fleur-de-lis glass tags will help guests remember their drinks.
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Now, getting to the libations—who isn't intrigued by King Cake flavored Vodka? If that doesn't float your boat, try one of these other local carnival cocktails.
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Of course, the pièce de résistance, the King Cake. Louisiana Cookin' shares their recipe.
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Or go for a French King Cake, Galette des Rois, with this recipe by NOLA food bloggers, Babes and Beignets.