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

Making a king cake from scratch shouldn’t intimidate you, it’s much easier than you may think! It’s basically a giant cinnamon roll dressed up for Mardi Gras!

Here’s my recipe, have fun with it, it won’t be perfect and may not look neat, but it’ll taste delicious, I promise!

Dough:

• 1 (8oz) container sour cream
• 3 TBSP sugar
• 2 TBSP unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 (¼ oz) envelope active dry yeast
• 1/4 C warm water (100° to 110°F)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 3 to 3 1/2 C bread flour

Cinnamon/Sugar Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 TBSP ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1 C powdered sugar
• 1 TBSP butter or cream cheese, softened
• 1 TBSP milk
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Purple, green and gold sprinkles

1. For the dough, add the sour cream, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until the butter is melted. Remove from the heat & cool down the mixture to 100° to 110°F
2. In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, stir together yeast and 1/4 cup warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes. The yeast should become foamy and be ‘activated’ after that time.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, add the sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs and 1 cup of flour. Give a quick stir with a spatula and then turn the mixer on medium speed. As the ingredients start to come together, reduce speed to low, and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Once the dough forms, lower the speed setting and allow the dough to knead until smooth and elastic (this can take up to 10 minutes).
5. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a linen cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place (85° is ideal) for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
6. While dough is proofing, make the cinnamon/sugar filling. Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl.
7. After the dough is finished proofing, divide the dough in half.
8. Roll each portion into a long rectangle using a rolling pin. Spread 1/2 the cinnamon/sugar butter evenly on each rectangle.
9. Fold each dough rectangle in half long ways, and add the remaining cinnamon/sugar butter.
10. Roll the dough rectangles up long ways.
11. Place the dough rolls parallel to one another, pinch the tops together, and twist the dough rolls over each other to give a braided look. Bring the other ends around together to form a ring, ensuring to make a good seal at the seam.
12. Cover and let rise in a warm place again, 20 to 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
13. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
14. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden.
15. If the outside is golden, but the inside is still gooey, lightly cover with foil and bake in 5 minute intervals, checking carefully in between until cooked through.
16. After the cake is done baking, allow to cool most of the way.
17. Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix the glaze ingredients until smooth & creamy.
18. Pour glaze evenly over warm cake; sprinkle with colored sugars, and alternate colors.
19. Let cool completely & serve.

Check out the Instagram reel here:

Thanks for stopping by, Jamie xo