A Girls Cocktail and DIY Night for Mardi Gras

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bed Bath & Beyond; all opinions are my own.

My friends know that I love to throw a themed party, especially when it’s for girls’ night out! Since Mardi Gras is just around the corner (the season starts on February 13th), I decided a cocktail and DIY mask making party was in order. Spending time with my favorite girls, doing a little bit of crafting, and getting to be the hostess is a pretty perfect date in my book.

Tips for hosting the perfect Mardi Gras party:

Ambience

Think ahead about the tone for the party.  This includes the invitations, music and decor. My “one stop shop” for finding fun and stylish entertaining essentials is Bed Bath & Beyond. I can zip online or in-store to find unique products like furniture and home décor. I let my guests know that we were going to be making Venetian style masks at the party which made everyone even more excited for our little girls get together.

Tip: For this party, I kept my entertaining pieces very classic and neutral so the masks, cocktail, and dessert would be the standouts. This Kate Spade New York Tablecloth adds a playful yet stylish touch without being the center of attention.

Cocktails

Every single one of my parties has a signature cocktail.  To celebrate the start of Mardi Gras season I selected the Hurricane cocktail to serve my guests.  It’s a crowd pleaser plus it’s 100% festive.

Tip: To keep the party flowing, make your cocktail in a punch bowl.  I love this modern punch bowl because it’s super chic but it also delivers on what may seem like endless cocktails! Also, never skimp on serving your cocktail in beautiful glassware. My go-to is always the coupe!

Food

Serving tasty food doesn’t mean spending all day and afternoon in the kitchen prepping.  I stick to simple appetizers that can be warmed up and plated about 30 minutes before guests arrive.  I also keep all of the food to one- or two-bite sizes. This makes it easy for guests to chat and eat, without spilling or getting caught in an awkward moment!

Tip: Every party needs a standout dessert. For this party, I made a King’s Cake using this bundt pan. the homemade icing is another festive touch that adds color to the decor, plus it’s a delish way to end the party.

Dress Code

I’m a pro at dress up whether I’m hosting or attending a themed party.  A themed party sets the tone for the party – cocktail versus casual – but makes it more fab and fun.  It gives guests another thing to look forward to as the party gets closer.   I asked my girls to come dressed up for a cocktail party. I provided the crafts and Mardi Gras beads to help top off their looks.

Most importantly, have fun! As the hostess, it’s always a fine balance between making sure everything is perfect, entertaining guests, and having fun. I always have a friend who is my helper for the evening. She’ll make sure I get something to eat or everyone has a cocktail. This makes a world of difference and ensures everyone has a great time.

My entertaining essentials: Kate Spade Tablecloth | Kate Spade Rose Bowl | Olivia & Oliver Cocktail Glasses | Olivia & Oliver Punch Bowl | Thirstystone Marble Cheeseboard | Nordic Bundt Pan | Kate Spade Tidbit Tray