FAT TUESDAY FEAST 2011

Here are a TON of photos from my "Fat Tuesday Feast" on Tuesday evening. Let the good times roll...Cajun style!

The invitation set the tone for the event...
My guests were greeted at the door with my Mardi Gras wreath...a little chic and somewhat tacky!

Big time "Merlot Hour" y'all! Here I am modeling the latest addition to my couture apron collection...in the fleur de lis pattern. I skipped the pearls and wore my fleur de lis beads--a gift from my Mississipi friends Kevin and Brett!

Mlle. Coco Chanel loves a good party and of course is dressed for the occasion!

The menu for the feast...

The dining table set for the adults.

The centerpiece is also a little chic and somewhat tacky. I use this fleur de lis pewter bucket for a lot of things...mainly champagne and wine, but also for small Christmas trees and arrangements. Love it!

The placesetting...dinnerware is Fiestaware and the flatware is from World Market. I used serving trays at each setting that I found on Nell Hill's site. Love them!

These serving trays are just fabulous y'all!

Fleur de lis placecard holders that I've had forever...

Harlequin linen napkins adorned with fleur de lis napkin rings...

The sideboard in the dining room was set to serve my "Signature Beverage," Milk Punch. The punch is made with milk, ice cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Bourbon was added to spike the adults' drinks:-)

A little more tackiness...

Do you not just love my new punchbowl?...with the fleur de lis pattern and matching fleur ladle! My bff Teresa Jane gave this to me for Christmas. It's a must-have for us Southern girls who entertain!

Fleur de lis tassels on the lamps...

The breakfast table was set for the children...

The paper harlequin plates and napkins were purchased at Hobby Lobby. I used plastic flatware to coordinate with the colors and the plastic beverage cups are a festive Mardi Gras pattern.

I used a jar that sometimes holds flour, et cetera to hold my centerpiece.

Stuffed it with black shred...

Added some more Mardi Gras tackiness...

Stuck in these little Mardi Gras party favors...

Voila!!! Easy centerpiece! The children just removed all the favors and got to take them home:)


The beverage cups for the children...

Of course, the children had place cards!

The sideboard in the kitchen was decked out for the night as well!

The lamps were adorned with fleur de lis tassels...more gifts from my bff Teresa Jane!

The King Cake for dessert!

Praline pecans...a New Orleans favorite!

Chicory cafe au lait...

Crowns for the King and Queen...

Appetizer...Toffee Crunch Cheese Cake Ball with Jezebel Sauce! Both of these products are available at my Taste of Gourmet site here.

Louisiana Crab Dip...a big hit!

John Paul is ready to party y'all!!!

Red Beans & Rice with Smoked Sausage...

Mini Muffulettas! LOVE these. I used the famous Boscoli Olive Salad spread and it makes all the difference in the taste of the sandwich--loaded with ham, salami, provolone cheese, & swiss cheese.

Cajun Crab Cakes!

Jazzy Jambalaya! Sausage, Chicken, Shrimp, chopped tomatoes, chicken broth are added to a Creole File Gumbo mix, which is available at my Taste of Gourmet site here.

Bayou Beer Bread...also availabe at my Taste of Gourmet site here.

Get your party favors y'all! I always make sure that my guests leave with a party favor. Here are some from this party and other Mardi Gras parties I've hosted.

The children were allowed to take the favors from the centerpiece...

For my friend Lane, I found this cute little dessert plate with the harlequin design in the center...

I added a box of Southern Praline Pie Mix {another one of my Taste of Gourmet products} and a fleur de lis spreader...

Tied it up with a polka dot ribbon...easy, Southern, and memorable for the occasion!

The Creole File Gumbo Mix makes a cute gift, with a wooden stirring spoon and gingham ribbon...

Recipe card for the Jazzy Jambalaya on the back...

Lane wanted some Mini Muffulettas in her to-go box!

Wrapped it up real cute for her!

Now, it's 1:30 in the morning and I need to close...have to get up for Church this morning!

Thank you for stopping by to visit with me and don't forget to enter my cute giveaway for Lydia and Pugs stationery!