INSPIRATION: Colorful miniature masks found on clearance after Christmas at Pier 1
If you’re looking for some last-minute Mardi Gras inspiration, you’ve landed at the right spot!
(Click on any photo, then click again to enlarge/enhance it.)
I’m all for fun where Mardi Gras is concerned, but we tend to go a little more upscale in the decor for certain friends & family…and you know who you are! 😉 This gold crinkle taffeta tablecloth from YourChairCovers.com serves as a beautiful foundation. The crinkles remind me of ruching on some bridal gowns. Very elegant AND no iron! Gotta love it! If you want to go for a posh Harlequin look, I suggest the eggplant (purple) pintuck from LinenTablecloth.com. You can’t go wrong either way!
The royal purple Bormioli Rocco “Inca” glass charger anchors the place setting and is topped with an American Atelier “Florentine Scroll” dinner and salad plate. I chose this pattern because of the frenzied flourish of scroll work around the rim and in the center…for what is Mardi Gras if not frenzied and full of flourish? 🙂
There will be food. LOTS of it!!! I always overdo. I can’t help myself. At least there are great leftovers which = time off from the kitchen for at least a day. I created these menus on my desktop. The fun multi-colored background layer are actually postcard invitations I’ve had for years just waiting for the right moment to make their debut. Notice how here, too, there is frenzied scrolling. I added various colored faux gemstones for a more 3-D look and…let’s be honest…because the blingier the better!!!
These things really excite me! I have literally had them for 20 years and NEVER used them. NEVER!!! I don’t know why. I have about 20 of them, purchased at a wholesale place in a “grab bag.” I suppose they’re actually feathered tassels of some sort, but I never let “intended use”get in my way. 😉 They’re quite full, very luxurious to the touch. They really add a lot of texture, color and sheer drama to the place setting!
I use this Pier 1 gold-rimmed purple and green stemware just about every year for Mardi Gras. It’s perfect for the occasion and never gets old to me. It also comes in handy at Christmastime or when I want to go for an exotic look. I bought the intricately-designed glassware in several colors at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago (used HERE in a celebration of Diwali) after deciding the World Market price was just way too crazy for me. It has a wonderful vintage look, and notice…scroll work!
These miniature mask ornaments were the inspiration for this Mardi Gras table for 6. I found them while sifting through the 75% off area at Pier 1 this past January. While purple, green & gold are the traditional Mardi Gras colors, I’ve added a few more just to kick it up a notch!
These purple glass cabaret lamps are yet another Pier 1 clearance purchase from about 15 years ago that I have never used until now. I got them in purple, red and clear. What was I waiting for??!??!!! Placed at each individual place setting, they add kind of a nightclub feel to the table.
The centerpiece consists of two very dramatic aubergine “Moran” glass vases from Z Gallerie. The 31″ vases are filled with the beads that make Mardi Gras the decadent good time it’s known for and then topped off with glittered palm leaves.
Feathers are a big part of the Mardi Gras celebration from the clothing, to the often elaborate/whacky headdress, to the decor. So I spread them around the room from the table to the buffet top! Here they fan out at the base of this aloof ceramic Jester mask rescued from the clearance section at Home Goods a couple of years ago. I added a handful of beads for color, texture and fun. In retrospect, I probably should have blinged him out a bit more. Well…there’s always next year, God willing!
These fanciful Mardi Gras fairies were included in the same grab bag as the feathered tassels from years ago. I forgot they even existed. They somehow slipped past my trusty computerized catalog system and were still neatly tucked into the original packaging!!!
No, Ramon didn’t pick up some bag lady and bring her home. This is me after a long day of cooking and cleaning, and I apparently have no shame! Isn’t that head a mess? At least I’m wearing Mardi Gras purple! I did a trial run of the food for Fat Tuesday next week. I ended up adding crab and shrimp to this pot, but next week’s guest list includes someone who claims she’s allergic to shellfish…and you know who you are! 😉
I hope you’re all ready for Fat Tuesday with menu and drinks and games already decided! It’s going to be a blast…and then Lent. What are you giving up this year?
Other Mardi Gras tables or tables suitable for Mardi Gras on this site:
Mardi Gras Madness
Mardi Gras Lite
Mardi Gras Mojo
The Peacock Effect
I’m joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch again this week for “Tablescape Thursday”, and I hope you’ll come with! You’re bound to find loads of ideas from lots of other talented tablescapers (especially those Southern gals…and you know who you are!) for a great Mardi Gras celebration.
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
Loved this tablescape! The menu looks awesome! I did a Mardi Gras table too on frenchgardenerdishes.wordpress.com you might enjoy. Isn’t a fun theme?
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Ya killing me girl, this post is so much fun!!! First off I have to tell you that the feathered tassels are off the hook and so perfect for this table. How on earth did you keep them that long? You have also solidly convinced me that floor length tablcloths are the way to good. Crinkled taffeta, yes please! I hate ironing tablecloths and am always afraid I will scorch them. Loving the tall vases too. I’ll have a side of beignets with my gumbo please, and thank you.
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I have agree with Sandra… You’re killing me with this post.. Everything is so dramatic and you really let the purple shine. Those tall vases with the gold are “too die for”. I’m sneaking in through the back door to join the party..! Love this post!!!!!!!!!! oh and did I mention how much I LOVE!!! this post?
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So pretty! Love the chargers and the menu came out great! Everything looks festive and fun! I think Alma got those masks. New Year’s Day we were in Pier One and they had a few left and I think she said she had bought them. Wonderful table, so full of color! Happy Lent, lol!
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How very festive ! When’s dinner ? The menu sounds delish
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Looks so festive and that gumbo looks so delicious, Alycia. I want me some crab!….Christine
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Wow you have some of the best decorating accessories! I will do the Mardi Gras celebration through you! I have zip for Mardi Gras. Love those purple feathered tassles too! I’m imagining a partygoer parading down the avenue dressed up and waving those like little flags! You look just fine in that picture and I want to go on record that Ramonis spoiled by you!! 🙂
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* Ramon is
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so festive, beautiful table and great menu
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I’m ready! Just say the time and set my place. Must have a little Sangria to sip on as well. 🙂
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Such a beautiful Mardi Gras table, friend! I am now completely smitten with the cabaret lights, and will for sure be on the lookout for them 🙂 Also love the use of your majestic centerpieces–so cool! And your menu sounds amazing.
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What a terrific table!! I love all your elements, and especially like your explanation of your choices. You have elegance and whimsy all together. I love your masks (especially the individual ones at each setting!) and your plates are exquisite. Also LOVE your tablecloth. This was just such a delight to look at! Thanks for sharing, and I hope your celebration turns out well.
Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
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Lovely table Alycia.Nice colour combo.You look tiered.You need some zzzzzz…I suppose. very festive with all those beautiful things that you have used.Have a lovely day and do drop in at mine.Love sujatha…:):)
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I think that is a cute picture of you. Ever wonder why you never see a picture of me? Well, I am the most no photogenic person on earth. I think I may add that t o one of my posts. It is true, no matter what it is horrible. My family even wonders what happens to me in pictures. I love the colors and boldness of Mari Gras. Everything is perfect as always and the glassware is so gorgeous that you used.
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Wow! Your fabulous tablescape makes me want to celebrate Mardi Gras. LOVE, LOVE the feather tassels…whoo hoo, and the little cabaret lights…very sexy. 🙂
The crab dish looks sooo good. Would you believe I’ve never cooked crab? Gotta branch out with my cooking.
The pic of you is so cute…bag lady. 🙂
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I’ve got goosebumps from getting all excited over this post.. I don’t know how you think of all these fantastic table settings but I’m sooo glad you do. You must have fantastic dreams floating around in your head and when you wake up – BAM! it all comes to life. and ps.. the baglady thingy.. don’t even let that phase you..it’s called “raw” beauty.. 😉 enjoy the gumbo..
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Wow, I love your table. It is amazing and fun to hear about all the things you have had for years and have never used them! It is fun to feel good you didn’t spend any money isn’t it! That is not at the present time but now it feels free. Does that make sense?!!
Those cabaret lamps and green and purple glasses trimmed in a great gold design are fabulous. I am always impressed with your printed menus and the added scattered jewels are so festive and pretty.
I hope your friends have you over too. They may feel slightly intimidated since you always have such great tablescapes and your food looks delicious. Wish I had a taste!
Almost forgot to mention your beautiful tablecloth. Wow!
Have a great party.
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What lucky friends you have. They must be counting down the days to your party! A fantastic menu and I wish I lived closer so I could beg for leftovers 🙂
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Always, always you make everything seem like such fun, and I’m glad you brought some of your things out of the closet to make this a perfect table. Mardi Gras done Alycia style is just perfect.
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Stunning! So you must have a warehouse at your house. I can’t imagine having enough room to store 3 sets of the tall vases among with everything else you have. Amazing! Dianne
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Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Alycia! Your menu sounds divine and I adore the bling you added to your menu cards! All the scrolling details on the stems and the chargers are so festive too. I’m sold on your crinkled texture tablecloth, anything that doesn’t require ironing in my book is a winner and it’s elegant to boot! Love your photo, you look so cute in the kitchen 🙂
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Love this table…what a great idea. That tablecloth is wonderful, and so is your menu.
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Alycia, I love this table! And the menu is making my mouth water! What time is dinner again? My husband and I are planning a trip to Venice in October (this year we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary) and I’ve been looking at a lot of pictures of Venician “Carnevale” masks. I’m fascinated by them and seriously worry about the temptation to star a new collection, after all, I I do want to celebrate our 31st anniversary . . . I think this is one of my favorite tables! You’ve captured the spirit of New Orleans delightfully!
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Oh Alycia, what a festive Mardi Gras table! I love the crinkle tablecloth and those scrolled dinner plates. Your centerpiece is dramatic and those little tea light lamps add the right ambience for celebration. Your menu is fabulous and YOU are darling and look so proud of your accomplishments and you should be! You’re a whirl of artistry and creativity. I’ll bet Ramon enjoyed every bite of that pre-Mardi Gras meal. I know I would have!! xo
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Now you know, I’d L-O-V-E This tablescape! The colors, dishes and stemware are just popping! and I am so happy you found those adorable Mardi Gras fairies, that’s such a wonderful surprise isn’t it.
And those feathered tassels….I’d wear them earrings, hang one from my car mirror, jar filler….those are too damn cute!
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Oh my Alicia! Beautiful table for Mardi Gras and my mouth is watering at your menu!! Love crab cakes and seafood, being from Maryland originally. Love any kind of Southern food as hubby is from North Carolina and the food can’t get any better than that.
By the way, you look great in this photo. Most all of us look like this after cooking and decorating. Shows how hard you worked! We all don’t go around the house looking like June Cleaver. lol,
Keep on keeping on. Blessings, Carol
Thanks again for all the inspirations!
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Well, someone who looks that cute with her hair mushed a tad after a hard day of work deserves to be on anyone’s blog!! Your smile always makes me smile. 🙂 Alycia, you nailed it with those hundreds of beads in your glass vases, and the glittered palms are beautiful! Is there such thing as Cabana Mardi Gras? I love it! You must know I’m salivating over those tassels, and I cannot believe you’ve had them hidden away all this time. I love your gold-rimmed stems – gorgeous and perfect! I knew your Mardi Gras table would entice, and this is over the top. Great job, and happy eating on Fat Tuesday – shellfish or not!
Blessings!
Kim
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Yowser! You did it again, my friend! I’m dying for an invitation to this party. Please note: I have no allergies, real or imagined. The decor is perfection and truly nods to the abundance and over the top feeling of Mardi Gras. But that menu!!!! OMG! I once paid a fortune at a silent auction to win a “Mardi Gras dinner for 8”, only to find out that it was only the instruction for a dinner, no food and no preparation. Oh, man. That was a let-down. You can’t really make a stink and ask for a refund when the auction is for charity, so I told her to forget it and deducted every cent of the donation. I could have just come to you for these yummy recipes. Seriously! I want to make this!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
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Oh I love that picture of you as you are smiling and that means that you are feeling better and enjoying cooking and setting those fabulous tables…and did you notice I did not mention enjoying the cleaning thing!…What a great feast your guests will have….lucky guests!!!…oh, and so love the menus!!!
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Hi Alycia, what a colorful and fun table. You have some great piece and I know you love the bargain p[rices of some of those fun accent piece. What a great picture of you holding that yummy dish. Eye candy for sure with all of your Mardi Gras accent pieces.
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Seriously Alycia, how the heck do you do it all?! I am in awe of your talents. I love you table settings. Don’t get me started on the food. I’m juicing. Blah! The Mardi Gras theme is wonderful. I love how you mix items and make everything look marvelous. I’m planning a birthday party for myself and my husband in August, you best believe I’ll be emailing you for tips and tricks. PS. You look gorgeous! You remind me so much of myself when I’m getting ready to entertain. The house and food all set, then I’m running to hop in the shower as guests arrive.
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Oh Alycia everything is just beautiful!! The plates, the stemware, just everything is so beautiful. And those feathered napkin rings are so over the top. You are certainly the most creative tablescaper out there in blogland. The center pieces are stunning. They remind me of the gorgeous head pieces you see in the Mardi Gras parades. The menu sounds marvelous, I am so ready for crab cakes and gumbo this week.
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Lent…I traditionally give up eating liver. :-). So many great details here…the individual shaded candles, the feathered tassels, the goblets, the blingy menu cards…I think that you have raised frenzied scrollwork to a state of the art level. So glad to finally have a spot of time to visit some of my favorite blogs. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay
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Well, first of all, I want you to know I AM NOT ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH!! May I join you at your beautiful table?? It’s awesome, Alycia!! The miniature masks are so beautiful, I love, love, love the crinkle tablecloth, and the feathers…oh, my…… Oh, and the goblets, and the chargers, and the….it’s beautiful, I tell you!!! Happy dining with your picky guest! Tell him/her you know someone who will gladly step into that spot at the table! 🙂 ~Zuni
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I’ll go over all those delightful details as this isn’t my first Mardi Gras at Chez Amycia and just say how gorgeous and happy you look at that Ramon’s pic… I hate when they catch us like that but one can never argue that’s what we are and in your case you look good enough to eat ahah 😉
Happy Dining and May they realize the blessing it is to have you in their lives… no one is alergic to that is there? If there is I’ll take his place 😀 ahahahah
Enjoy and Have Loads of Fun!
Teresa (wondering why after Christmas there would be a clearance for Mardi Gras masks ;))
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What a beautiful table setting, Alycia!
The colors are amazing and everything looks so cheerful and inviting.
Love the gorgeous little masks and the crab dish is simply stunning!o
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Love it, Alycia. I have absolutely nothing to decorate with for Mardi Gras but you have it going on. Love the colors and your interpretation.
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You are rockin it Alycia! You’ve got the Mardi Gras fever for sure, and your menu is fabulous both in dishes and looks! I am amazed that you just brought out those purple feathery things after 20 years, wow! love that confidence! Your party is going to be a blast~as for giving something up, I think I will give up snow, and cold, and being sick for Lent, that sounds good to me!
Jenna
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What a beautiful setup!! I can almost feel like I am there, it’s just so festive!!~ 🙂 I love parties, and this is just so gorgeous!! 😀
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I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras party. I think it’s about time, don’t you? Can I come to yours? I am not allergic to shellfish and will eat anything you fix with gusto! …………. what a fabulous table Alycia!! You outdo yourself every single time. Love the mask. When I was in Venice I could not help but buy a beautiful mask.
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You are so funny! Where did my invitation go? I hate it when it gets lost in the mail or blows off the door!!! What a fabulous table and I think the purple tassels are absolutely the bomb! You always set such a luxe table but Mardi Gras is the one you can go all out on with colors and feathers and those incredible masks. Your menus are beautiful and the menu items look fabulous too.
(I would even be willing to come as the servant girl!)
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