Mobile, AL, my hometown, was the first city in the United States to celebrate Mardi Gras. The tradition is carried on today. Since moving away 26 years ago, we’ve never been back during Mardi Gras season. We have to celebrate in another way. We decided (read: I made the decision and my husband brilliantly supported it) to have a Mardi Gras themed dinner party.
We played jazz and Zydeco background music.
For table decorations, I randomly scattered beads, coins, masks and derbies down the center of the table. All the decorations were in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold and were obtained from a local party store. 
I wanted to set a pretty table using Old Country Roses china which is festive and highlights Mardi Gras colors .
A balance of formal and informal for table settings keeps the party elegant but comfortable.
Formal aspects were: table seatings, china and crystal wine glasses. Informal aspects were everyday water glasses, whimsical table decorations and tableware rolled in napkins instead of being placed in a formal matter beside the dinner plate.
Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee was served in the cups.
Vases filled with coins and beads made a fun centerpiece for my outdoor dining table where we enjoyed our King cake dessert.
The menu was primarily Cajun food. I included a marinated vegetable dish for color and visual appeal.
MENU
(click on the name of the dish to go directly to the recipe)
Copper Penny Salad
Laissez le bons temp rouler!
Valerie Gardner says
Looks scrumptious, Jackie!! Beautiful table! Love the Old English Rose pattern!
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Val! We had loads of fun at the party. I love that china pattern, too!
amanda @ fake ginger says
Mobile is my hometown as well. Small world. 🙂 We moved to Colorado about 8 months ago and I’m SO missing Mardi Gras right now. Wish I could’ve been at your party!
Jackie Garvin says
Amanda,
Create your own Mardi Gras celebration! We really miss Mobile this time of the year.
It’s always good to hear from a fellow Mobilian. I hope you visit us again! 🙂
Maureen says
What a fabulous feast!! I haven’t had copper penny salad in years! Thanks for the reminder and all those other dishes look so good.
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Maureen! 🙂
Jean says
Very Festive Jackie!
Le bons temp rouler!
Jackie Garvin says
Jean,
Thanks! I wish you could have joined us! 🙂
Mary says
Jackie – looks like you did a fantastic job of partying on down!!! Menu sounds delish and the table is beautiful! I love copper penny carrots, and I’m making some today! Thanks for the reminder!
Jackie Garvin says
Mary
We had such a good time at the party! I’ve still got some Copper Penny salad in my fridge that I’m eating on. It’s just gets better and better. 🙂
Ann says
What a great idea – love your decorations – today is Fat Tuesday, wish I was downtown at Spanish Plaza right now – that’s where we used to set up and watch parades all day – sure do miss that!
Your menu is to die for – I may have to try this next year – since I have never been back to celebrate it either!! thanks Jackie
Jackie Garvin says
Ann,
The dinner party was so much fun. I wish you could have been here. You really should celebrate this way next year! Happy Mardi Gras! 🙂
Mary at Deep South Dish says
What a pretty table Jackie!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Mary! 🙂
Tamika D. says
This looks FAB!!!!!! I want to jump through the page and take a seat at the table. Can we have tea too?
Jackie Garvin says
Tamika,
You are more than welcome at my table anytime! 🙂
Jackie Garvin says
Tamika,
I would love to cook for your and your sister one day. That’s certainly within the realm of possibilities. It may happen sooner than we think! 🙂