Wondering What to Wear to a Mardi Gras Party?

Beads, feathers, a fabulous mask and a smile are a good start. Remember the bright colors of the holiday - purple, green and gold - are also key.

Debauchery reigns supreme, so anything you do in excess takes the (king) cake. Think pirates, showgirls, court jesters, anything your wildest imagination can dream up.

Create a Mardi Gras mask-making station so unadorned revelers can add their own touches to masks and join the costume contest with pride. Provide plenty of supplies such as feathers, sequins and glitter, and have a prize for the person whose mask is voted the best.

Crown the best-dressed male and female the King and Queen of your own Mardi Gras krewe.

If in the area, capture some of the Big Easy's culinary chic with some of Frank's savory down-home Southern Louisiana dishes like Brigtsens' New Orleans BBQ Shrimp with Shrimp Calas followed by spicy crawfish beignets from my new friend and super-talented chef, Susan Spicer, of Bayona, a restaurant located in a 200 year old Creole Cottage nestled in the historic French Quarter.

Whether you're a local or reveler from afar, celebrate Mardi Gras as it was intended! Splurge and feast on spicy, sassy and decadent dishes like Louisiana Hot Crab Cakes spiced with hot-sauce, Bead-Worthy Jambalaya jazzed up with savory sausage and mouth-watering desserts.