Although it first originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras is
a much-loved event that the entire country celebrates with every city having
its own brand of festivities and merriment. Meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French,
the event marks the days of feasting and merriment before the fasting period of
Lent. In case you’re preparing to join in the fun for the first time, know that
the typical theme will be colors of green for faith, gold for power, and dark
purple for power.

As for the costumes, you can go all out with feathers, boas,
gaily-painted masks that are worn or carried on sticks, and of course, the
signature balloons, beads, doubloons, and necklaces. Look forward to collecting
the giveaway gifts for Mardi Gras celebrations that may be handed out from the
floats as they pass the streets.

Mardi Gras Hostess Gifts

Given that many families host dinners in their homes for
friends and family members, it is now customary to bring the hostess some gifts
for Mardi Gras celebrations as a token of your appreciation for the meal. For
instance, you could think about getting your hostess beverage glasses that she
can use for serving drinks to thirsty guests. Or, maybe, wine glasses that can
accompany a painstakingly prepared meal. Eco-friendly runners for the dining
table or buffet table or throw cushions for the sofas are other gifts that are
sure to be appreciated.

In case the hostess has guests staying over for the
festivities, she may also welcome towels whether they are kitchen towels or
just the regular bath towels. Of course, you can always get the gifts
customized with gay prints and Mardi Gras colors that the recipient will
cherish and remember you by. As a very special gift, how about bringing her a
beautiful glass jewelry box or a vase to display the flowers her guests may
bring. You can always get it customized with an inscription of your hostess’
name or a stylish monogram.

Mardi Gras Dinner Menus

Are you thinking of pitching in with some of the food for the
Mardi Gras party? If you’ve received a formal invitation for the party, aside
from the usual tokens and perhaps, a bottle or two of wine, you could offer to
bring a cooked dish or two. Not sure what to bring? Well, the traditional Mardi
Gras food includes Jambalaya, Creole Crab Cakes, Pancakes, Seafood Gumbo,
Shrimp and Grits, Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp and Chicken Etouffee, Dirty Rice,
and Pralines. As for the beverages, take your pick from Hurricane drinks or
Milk Punch.

Mardi Gras Party Favors

If you’re the host of the Mardi Gras party, you’ll want to round off a fun evening with party favors and return gifts for Mardi Gras celebrations. You can create an entire hamper for your guests to take home. For instance, consider adding chocolates, nuts, candies, and mints. Or, try individually-wrapped cookies decorated with pretty ribbons in colors of gold, dark purple, and green. Given that Hurricane drinks are the themed drinks of the season, you cannot go wrong with little packets of the mix along with tumblers so guests can make and carry them around. Choose BPA-free reusable bottles and containers made with stainless steel and glass that are absolutely safe to use. And, don’t forget the customary slice of the King Cake. One of your guests could be lucky enough to get the baby figurine.

Wondering how to present the goodies? Pick out a reusable tote bag made with eco-friendly materials. Get them printed with a memorable message and pack in the gifts for the Mardi Gras celebrations. The tote bags themselves make great keepsakes that your guests can use again and again. Check out the exciting range of boutique bags, shopping bags, polycotton bags, cotton bags, and many others at the CarryGreen store, and you will be spoiled for choice. Go ahead and order them in the colors of Mardi Gras or choose to get them imprinted with a beautiful golden mask logo. The possibilities are endless.

The Mardi Gras Parade

Traditionally, people would plan for days in advance to be
present for the parade or take part in it. And, the residents living on the
main street where the parade was scheduled to pass would open their homes for
the visitors to camp out. If you intend to take advantage of the hospitality of
one such family, you would want to present some gifts for the Mardi Gras
celebrations when you arrive. Thoughtful and useful gifts can help the family
manage the revelry in their homes. As noted above, you can’t go wrong with
food, beverages, towels, and other basics that can be used around the house.

Like any seasoned reveler will tell you, the best gifts for
Mardi Gras celebrations that you can give your hosts is to be model guests.
Inform them well in advance of your arrival and don’t overstay your welcome.
Observe bathroom etiquette of leaving it clean for the next person to use and
respecting hints that indicate your hosts would like to lock up and leave to
see the parade. When you leave, it is common courtesy to share some of the
throws from the floats. Carry a nice tote and fill it with the giveaways
especially to present to your host family.

Looking for More Ideas for Gifts for Mardi Gras
Celebrations?

If you’re still stumped for ideas for gifts, we’ve got the
best solution. Check out the selection on our online catalog at www.carrygreen.com. For more advice
on how to get the gifts customized to match the tastes of the recipients you
have in mind, you can call this number: 888-743-3129 and talk to our
consultants. They’ll advise you best on the inscriptions to choose and the
messages you can add along with the seasonal colors. You can also send us
personalized messages of your own. And, we’ll create the most beautiful Mardi
Gras gifts for you.