The idea of decorating a bit for Mardi Gras is something that I’ve grown up with! My mom always put out a few Mardi Gras beads, and we played around with old masks every year as a kid. My husband and I are not part of a Mardi Gras Krewe, nor do we usually celebrate more than a parade or two, but I really enjoy sharing these southern traditions with the kids.
We always have our fair share of King Cake (we even made our own one year!) and try to make it to the Children’s Parade here in our hometown. I have only a few decor items that I consistently put out each year, and it’s because they’re special to me.
Mardi Gras decor can get a little tacky, honestly. If you’re decorating for a ball or a big party, you should totally go all out! But if you’re wanting to leave a few things out around the house for the season, I have some tips for doing that seamlessly.
1. Vintage Mardi Gras touches.
Vintage “anything” is going to immediately elevate your decor, so the same is true for vintage Mardi Gras pieces. Vintage figurines can be a great way to incorporate the colors and “feel” of the season.
Additionally, vintage Mardi Gras items tend to have more muted colors and less glitz and glitter. This type of decor blends beautifully with most neutral home color palettes.
2. Masks. Real masks.
You already know I’m not talking about the plastic masks you can get anywhere, I’m referring to the real-deal masks. You can buy them anywhere in Nola, or order them online directly from local artisans. These beauties are truly art, and will certainly give you the feeling of Mardi Gras!
3. Subtle purple, green and gold tones.
Bringing in the colors of the Mardi Gras season need to be done subtly, but intentionally. I love the idea of color blocked book stacks to achieve this look! I think Mardi Gras is fun and playful enough that an idea like this just might be perfection! Here are a few colored book stacks available for purchase on Pinterest. A quick search turned up these and a lot more!
4. Mardi Gras beads as a focal point.
I realize using Mardi Gras beads as decor is a no-brainer, but hear me out. Choosing the right beads is important. I’m always careful to only use the traditional purple, green and gold colors; and I’m choosy about the beads themselves. I like to pick out the biggest, and most special ones to display. These are perfect in a large vase, draped over a jug or tray, or filling a decorative bowl. Beads are a great way to add a small pop of Mardi Gras to any room!
5. Traditional Mardi Gras art.
Art is relative, and I use the term loosely. There’s no shortage of New Orleans art on the market, so this should be an easy one to incorporate. You can easily find traditional street scenes of New Orleans, beautiful abstract pieces that reflect the revelry, vintage posters, or some type of mixed media that is created by an artist on the streets of New Orleans. What you choose for your walls fully depends on the style of your home and what you’re naturally drawn to.
When thinking about any or all of these ideas, keep in mind the style and functionality of your home. Choose items that make sense for you and that you LOVE. Decorating just to decorate isn’t what we’re going for. I want you to find joy in each and every piece of your home, even during Mardi Gras season! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
I hope these tips were helpful and encourage you to incorporate a new item or two into your Mardi Gras home decor this year.
Thanks for stopping by, Jamie xo
