masquerade mask Mardi Gras table

We are a week away from Fat Tuesday, and setting a pretty table for any occasion is always a favorite around here. This table design is inspired by the masquerade mask tradition during the Mardi Gras celebrations.

Mardi Gras is celebrated with much fanfare, including parades where the different krewes throw loot to the spectators. The King and Queen of each krewe also host individual masquerade balls, where cast disparity is prevented by wearing masks. . Everyone is equal behind the masks.

For an easy Mardi Gras table idea check out my table styling from last year here {an easy Mardi Gras table scape idea}. The post is also full of information about the history and customs of Mardi Gras, if your curious or interested.

Place settings for the masquerade mask Mardi Gras table

On this table styling, a masquerade mask at each place setting sets the mood for the festivity. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras shine on the masks, including green, purple and gold.

The plate stack starts with a silver tray followed by dinner and accent plates from the Lenox Citation Lace collection. This is our wedding china. I love how neutral this china is, lending itself to so many looks and stylings.

The flatware is Camusso Sterling silver, which was a wedding gift from my parents. You can read all the details on this beautiful set here {metals II – Sterling Silver}.

Complimenting the whimsical feels of the masks, the glassware is assorted. A gold rimmed water glass, a Waterford cut crystal wine glass and a French champagne flute complement each place setting.

A bread plate and bread knife adorn each place setting, which are long lost customs. This elevates the table design and gives the guests an added specialness detail to the meal.

A simple flax napkin with a pretty edge is tucked in the masks at each place setting. The napkins blend nicely with the plates, allowing the masks to be the stars of the show.

Mardi Gras centerpiece

The floral arrangement in the gold urn echoes the Mardi Gras colors with green eucalyptus, yellow tulips and purple stock flowers.

The gold symbolizes power. The green represents faith. The purple justice.

The flower arrangement wears a feather boa in the same colors as an added playful detail. The flowers are surrounded by gold foiled votives to set a glowing ambience.

Feathers, beads, sequins, and so, so much more are used throughout the parades and festivities in New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is celebrated. All the celebrations are truly over the top.

Serving pieces are scattered down the center of the table to accommodate all the delicious and decadent food associated with the holiday.

NOLA & the Mardi Gras celebration

I hope to make it to New Orleans one of these days. It is on my bucket list. The trip does not have to be around the Mardi Gras festival, but oh boy that would be fun.

The history, the architecture, the cuisine, all of it is incredible. Another fun time to visit would be for Jazz Fest, which runs around April or May.

Did you know Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday? This is in reference to the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday. This rolls us right into the spring Easter holiday traditions.

“Mardi Gras is a state of mind.”

Ed Muniz