Monday, January 14, 2013

Mardi Gras Madness!

Guess what happens after Christmas!  Well, in our neck of the woods it's time to let the good times roll, 'cause its Mardi Gras!!  If you don't have Mardi Gras where you are then I sure do feel sorry for you 'cause you are missing out on tons of fun.  Now, I have to say that most new people in our area really just don't understand it, and I can understand their confusion.  I mean, really, what is the point of going to a parade to catch a bunch of stuff you're most likely going to throw in the trash when you get home.  Of course, there really is a reason behind all the madness, but I'm not going to get into all that - just Google it and you can get all the history behind it.  The only thing I am going to say about the history behind it is that most people are under the misconception that Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans, but no siree, it actually originated in MOBILE, ALABAMA!  Now for the fun stuff.  Around these parts we decorate for Mardi Gras like we do for Christmas.  In fact, remember that upside down Christmas tree I did in the chandelier?  Well, last week I changed it over to Mardi Gras.  check it out now:

Here are couple of other shots:

I actually decorated a tree here last year (if you missed that blog post you can read about it here ) and I made this fabulous tree topper.  Here are some close-ups:

I also added Mardi Gras lights to the garland over the fireplace and changed the wreath to a Mardi Gras theme.

These are the wreaths I made last year to hang on the doors:

 It's hard to tell, but this wreath is extremely large, it's 48"  in diameter - that's 4 feet!

﻿I also added garland and lights outside on the balcony:

Here are some photos of my house.  Here is my mantle:﻿


You may have noticed that the people riding on the floats have on a mask.  That is because it is supposed to be a secret society, hence the mask to hide your identity.  Every year my float gets together and makes a new mask to go along with our float theme that year.  These are some that I have made over the years. 

I made these arrangements a few years ago.

The things that look like necklaces hanging on my chandelier are actually bronze doubloons.  They are worn by our spouses/dates at the ball. 

Every year the different organizations have doubloons made for their theme that year.  The ones thrown from the float are made from a lesser expensive material.  On one side it has the emblem for that organization:

On the other side is the design for that year's theme:

There are usually special beads made for that year.  Generally they have something to do with that year's theme.  This particular one, while more more generic, is one of my favorites from my organization.
Here are some photos of my front door which looks the same as last year:

Finally, here are some photos of a door I decorated for a business in town:

Okay, I'll stop posting now, but I do hope you enjoyed my little parade.  Happy Mardi Gras and like we say down in these parts Laissez Les Bonds Temps Roulez!!  (just in case you don't know, that is French for "Let the Good Times Roll")


Partying at:

Rustic Pig Designs
Stone Gable
Boogieboard Cottage
Southern Savy Style


  1. I love Mardi Gras! My mother lives in New Orleans, and I gotta say, tourists just have no clue what it's really like for the locals. I'm hosting a Lundi Gras party this year for my kids and their friends. It's hard not to get excited about it!

    1. Wow! I bet Mardi Gras in New Orleans is FUN!! Have fun at your Lundi Gras party!