Everything you need for a Mardi Gras party spread

Mardi Gras is one of the most famous celebrations in the world. For those who can't make their way to New Orleans this year, a Mardi-Gras-themed party is the best way to celebrate. The best Mardi Gras parties are those that honor the history and traditions of the event. If you're planning on hosting your own party this year, there are a few things you'll want to consider.

In this article: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Joyin Toy Mardi Gras Masks and Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan.

What to consider when planning a Mardi Gras party

• The number of guests: It's essential to think about how many people will attend your party. If you're passing out beads or masks, make sure to get enough for everyone. 
• Food and drinks: Consider preparing Mardi Gras staples like king cake and Cajun food. You'll want to have a bundt cake pan on hand for the king cake. The Cajun food can be prepared in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. If your fridge is large enough for your guests' drinks, you can store them there. Otherwise, you may need to buy or borrow a large cooler.
• Decorations: If you want your party to be a hit, consider decorating your home to fit the theme. Gold, purple and green are the official colors of Mardi Gras, and each color is symbolic: purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.
• Entertainment: If you want to take your party to the next level, consider hiring live entertainment. Jugglers, musicians, clowns or dancers can give your party an authentic Mardi Gras vibe. If live entertainment is outside your budget, consider making a Mardi-Gras-themed playlist with jazz or brass music. You can also add a fun game to your party. For example, give each guest several beaded necklaces and choose a forbidden word; when a guest hears someone say the word, they get to take a necklace from them. Whoever has the most necklaces at the end of the party wins.

How to make a king cake

• Make the dough: Dissolve 1/2 ounce of active dry yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/2  cup of sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 2 cups of flour and two egg yolks. Mix until smooth, and add a bit more flour if needed. You'll want the mixture to form a soft, sticky dough.
• Let the dough rise: Move it to a floured surface and knead it for around eight minutes. Place the dough in an oiled bundt cake pan and turn it to ensure the dough is covered in oil. Cover the dough and let it rise for one hour in a warm place.
• Coat with cinnamon sugar: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with one teaspoon of ground sugar. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the cake. If the dough looks a bit flat, let it rise for 20-30 more minutes.
• Bake the cake: Bake at 375 degrees for around 25 minutes. If an inserted toothpick comes out clean, it's ready for the next step.
• Make the icing: Mix 1 cup of confectioners' sugar and one tablespoon of water to create a glaze. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake. 

• Add the finishing touches: Top the cake with gold, purple and green sugar or sprinkles to make it look more appealing. You can carefully push a toy baby through the bottom of one piece of the cake. Alternatively, add a single almond to the cake and place the plastic baby on top for decoration.

Best Mardi Gras party supplies

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

This is an ideal choice for those looking to make a Cajun dish for their party. It features settings for pressure cooking, slow cooking, making rice, making yogurt, steaming, sauteing and warming food. It is one of the most affordable Instant Pot models.

Sold by Amazon 

Windy City Novelties Green Beaded Necklaces

This set comes with 72 Mardi Gras necklaces. If worn for a long time, the paint may begin to come off. Still, most people were impressed with the quality and value.

Sold by Amazon

Joyin Toy Mardi Gras Masks

This set comes with 12 masks. Each mask has built-in LEDs tucked behind the feathers. They don't have elastic straps; you'll need to tie them, meaning they're sure to fit.

Sold by Amazon

Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan

This pan is large enough to hold around 15 cups of batter. It has a nonstick coating, making it easy to get your cake out. It's built to last.

Sold by Amazon

Selizo Mini Plastic Babies

This set comes with 100 plastic babies that are perfect for baby showers and king cakes. They're the perfect size for cake decorations.

Sold by Amazon

Mardi Gras Feather Mask Assortment

You'll get 12 masks, each featuring a different design and color combination. They're super affordable, and there were no complaints about the masks' fit.

Sold by Amazon

Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler

This durable, insulated cooler keeps your drinks cold for long periods. It can hold around 40 drinks when filled with ice. The tie-down slots ensure your lid stays closed and your drinks stay cold.

Sold by Amazon

Mardi Gras Krewe 33-inch Beads

This set comes with 120 necklaces in green, gold and purple. Many were impressed with the quality, packaging and value.

Sold by Amazon

BruMate Cocktail Shaker

This features a stylish design and durable construction. The shatterproof lid doubles as a cocktail glass. It's easy to clean and open.

Sold by Amazon

PartyWoo Purple, Green and Gold Balloons

This set comes with 50 balloons, including five gold confetti balloons. Many were impressed with the quality. You can rub the confetti balloons with a cloth to create a static effect that makes the confetti stick to the inside of the balloon.

Sold by Amazon

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.