a little Mardi Gras revelrie...

Is it really almost February?!  How did that happen?  I still feel like we just rounded the bend after Halloween and are heading full-speed ahead to Christmas.  But then I shake off the ol' noggin fog and realize... no, it's mid-winter, almost February, and before you can say "Happy Valentine's Day!" -- it'll be warm out!  How does that happen and, more importantly, can we slow this ride down?



Gosh, I didn't know Father Time moonlighted as the Grim Reaper (check out that scythe)!  I guess everyone was doing what they had to do in ye olde 1880's and 1890's to make a shilling.

Moving on, dear readers, the point of today's post is not to wax philosophic about the passing of time.  Rather, it's to share some images with you that I will be calling upon for inspiration next week in my next entertaining venture (rubbing hands with glee).  We are currently enjoying a small supper club, and when we starting signing up for dates, as quick as I could I snapped up February.  No, no, sillies, not to whip up a St. Valentine's meal (although, don't get me wrong for one second - any holiday honoring pink, glitter, and gifts for really no good reason is fit to be celebrated - and how).  No, I wanted to host February's gathering so that I could put together a little Mardi Gras fun!!

Take a gander as to why... what other holiday is so light-hearted, downright kooky, and anything goes?!

Alligator Mardi Gras costume, circa 1863.  Now that's a costume I can get behind!! (Mask is a little weird though). 



I love this invite!!



... but not enough to have it as an iPhone case.  To each, y'all, to each....

Mardi Gras Queen, you better put down that cigarette!  Oh, who am I kidding... it's obviously 1959 and everybody's doing it, right?!

Things I like about this old map:  (1) it's vintage, (2) it has just enough French (ok, maybe just the title, but whatever) to give it that je ne sais quoi, (3) it highlights the "Old Absinthe House" and "the Haunted House" - I don't recommend going to the Haunted House after the Old Absinthe House, unless you're really ready to get weird with it.... and, (4) once you are done with the Old Absinthe House, the Haunted House, and Mardi Gras in general (and thus find yourself with some scary memories, a bad headache, and a dire need to eternally repent), this map helpfully shows you where the local Convent is.  Can I get an AMEN, my sisters?!?!  

Interesting. 

Looks a bit out there, but then you realize that they have just left the Olde Absinthe House.  Onward, wayward revelers!!

I probably won't serve Minute Rice next week but you never know, I may pull out the trusty Zatarain's.  (Admit it, you just sang Zatarain's in your head.  I love those commercials).

If you go to Mardi Gras and what really knocks your socks off is the hotel's sheets, you've either found hotel sheets equivalent to the Fountain of Youth or you had the dullest Mardi Gras experience in the history of Hurricanes (the rum kind, not the wind and rain kind). 

I love the pointing.  So helpful for bringing in the viewer's attention.

One word.  BEADS!

This is adorable, and also kooky.  Love it.  (My favorites are the soldier in the middle - standing strong, buddy! - and the purple penguin).

We have ironwork on our front stoop.... if I can get my hands on enough beads - without flashing anyone, I'm a mom you know - then I think this would be a fun way to welcome guests to our dinner.

More Mardi Gras cuteness.... love the little animals. 

Alright y'all, I think I'm going go mix up a Hurricane or two and start working on my Muffaletta recipe!

(Oh, and for a few more Mardi Gras ideas, check out my Mardi Gras Pinterest board).

oh.... and one more thing - Laissez les bon temps rouler!!

xoxo

Lindsay