Host a Mardi Gras party!

Let the good times roll at a celebration inspired by New Orleans’ most famous event! From authentic bites to sweet sips, this bash is a surefire cure for the late-winter blahs!

Set the mood for cheer!

It’s easy to welcome loved ones to a wow-worthy Mardi Gras table, like this one styled by party pro Laura Aguirre (LaurasLittleParty.com, @lauraslittleparty on Instagram). To get the look, top your table with a dark purple cloth and a gold sequined runner. Next, add gold chargers and festive purple plates and napkin rolls. The extra flair: a gold pitcher filled with blooms, shiny Mardi Gras coins ($7 for 144, OrientalTrading.com) and beaded necklaces scattered on the tabletop.

Kick off fun with a creative craft station

Masquerade masks are a classic sight at Mardi Gras! At your bash, surprise guests by setting up a mask-making station. To do: Pick up plain masks at a craft store (like DIY Shaped Masks, $5 for 24, OrientalTrading.com). Then set them on a table alongside an array of colorful feathers, glitter, rhinestones, beads and crafting supplies like glue and double-stick craft foam squares.

Wow everyone with a king cake 

Aguirre served up this traditional cake that doubles as decor! And it’s a cinch to make with a shortcut ingredient: refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Simply roll dough into a log shape, then place in a greased round cake pan, creating a wreath shape. Bake per instructions; let cool. Insert a figurine (Mini Plastic Babies, $3 for 12, PartyCity.com) in the bottom of the cake. Frost with icing and colored sugar. The guest who gets the baby in their slice is “king” of the party!