Use a Mardi Gras theme to make a birthday special.
Mardi Gras celebrations are joyful events filled with fun and excitement. Usually held in the spring, this exciting theme can be easily used for a special occasion or party any time of the year. A "Sweet 16" birthday is a perfect example. This milestone birthday lends itself to the romance and mystery that Mardi Gras epitomizes. Starting with the invitations, prepare your guests to have a memorable time by giving them hints of what they can expect. Does this Spark an idea?
Colorful Invites
Bright colors enhance patterned paper for your invitation.
Purple, green and gold are the main colors associated with Mardi Gras celebrations. Use these colors easily by choosing patterned paper that features these colors prominently as the background for your invitation and for enhancements. Add splashes of bright colors in yellow, blue and shades of red to add pizazz. For example, cut a piece of patterned paper to the size you wish to use. Write the party information on the card, then decorate it with colorful feathers and sparkling glitters.
Mysterious Masks
Add a mask to the invitation for the party.
Enhance the mystery by using the traditional Mardi Gras mask as a main symbol for the party. Add decorated miniature masks to the card or use a rubber stamp for the card that features masks or people in masks. Use bright colored glitters to enhance the masks. Add a mask to the invitation with instructions for the guest to decorate it before wearing it to the party. Continue the theme and have it become a costume party with the "unmasking" to occur at midnight.
Chains of Birthday Wishes
Colorful chains of beads can make an exciting invitation.
Brightly colored beads abound during Mardi Gras Celebrations. Make use of this tradition and create an invitation that is sure to grab everyone's attention. Create some small cards that include all the party information. Add these cards to a couple of bead chains, then send them out in either a mailing tube or padded envelope. Include some fun instructions such as each guest must dress in the color of her beads and that guests must wear the beads to the party.
Simple and Elegant
Create a simple and elegant invitation by using purple- and green-colored velum papers clipped together with a beaded tassel or decorated mask. Use a gold gel pen to write the information about the party on each page of the velum invitation. Add gold glitter around the edge of the top page to make the invitation sparkle.
Tags: Mardi Gras, patterned paper, Mardi Gras celebrations, mask invitation, party information