Mardi Gras Decor

story by Anna McGauley Stockton

Between Christmas and spring, we have a different season to decorate for here along the Gulf Coast. One that maybe our friends to the north, east, and west of us may not quite understand what all the hoopla is about. Yes, I’m talking about the Mardi Gras season. That precious time of the year when others are patiently awaiting spring, we’re partying, parading, and decorating our way through this festive season. For many of us, once the Christmas decorations come down, the Mardi Gras decorations go up. The colors of the season, purple, green, and gold represent the history behind Mardi Gras, purple meaning justice, green representing faith, and gold meaning power. These colors, along with other traditional Mardi Gras trim, such as masks, beads, fleur de lis, etc. are all fabulous ways to celebrate the season and transform our homes into a place to laissez le bon temps rouler, or let the good times roll!

Door Décor ~ One sure way to let your neighbors know the Mardi Gras vibe is alive and well in your house is to decorate your door. Mardi Gras wreaths, garlands, and more can be found at shops across the Gulf Coast in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. For those with a more subtle style, simple décor using the colors of the season is perfect to complement your outdoor space without overwhelming it. For others, the bigger and bolder the better. Large wreaths, heavy on the swag, including beads and masks are perfect to hang on your door or wall. Large colorful garlands, complete with ornaments can be used around doors, along staircase railings, or along porches. If you’re feeling particularly cra y, these divine decorations can be made at home using materials from most cra stores or our handy helper, the internet.

Mardi Gras Tree ~ Mardi Gras trees are a great and easy way to spruce up your house and have it ready for the Mardi Gras season. With the season following Christmas, simply keeping up your tree and swapping out lights and ornaments is a quick way to decorate your space. Green, gold, and purple lights illuminate your Mardi Gras spirit, while fun ornaments like crawfish, alligators, and musical instruments give it that Louisiana vibe. Use beads for garland and an ornate mask as your tree topper and you have a Mardi Gras tree that’ll bring the big easy to your living room.

Dashing Dining ~ Decorating your table for the Mardi Gras season is always a fun idea, especially if it’s your turn to host the party. With the dining area being the focal point of most parties, this is a great opportunity to jazz it up and show your Mardi Gras spirit. Whether it’s a floral centerpiece using the colors of the season, a beaded tree, or an ornate mask centerpiece, they all make a big statement. Mardi Gras themed dishware, platters, or glasses in the green, gold, or purple tones also help set the stage for an impressive feast of Big Easy faves.

Yardi Gras ~ For those who live for Mardi Gras, there’s something called Yardi Gras, yes, you read that right, YARDI GRAS! And while it may not be for everybody, it sure is fun! The tradition became more popular a er the COVID pandemic caused the cancellation of Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in 2021. Residents would not let the cancellations quell their love of the season, so they took to turning their yards and porches into “house floats,” later called Yardi Gras. While parades are back in full swing, floating down the streets of cities, the tradition lives on as neighbors have friendly competitions as to who can outdo the other. Large lawn displays using lights and elaborate decorations bring the crowds, as well as porches that are transformed to festive floats, perfect for the Mardi Gras season. While Yardi Gras currently mostly occurs in New Orleans, I think the rest of us Gulf Coasters can get on board for this fun tradition.