I have been thinking quite a bit about Mardi Gras and all the beautiful tablescapes I've seen out here in blogland. I love the colors used for Mardi Gras along with all the fun, festive and sometimes even gawdy decor. No offense Y'all but I really do love it! Hehe!
Since I am not from New Orleans, and haven't ever attended Mardi Gras, I didn't realize until this year that the colors themselves actually have some symbolism until I read that on another blog this week. Sorry, I forget who you were but here is the official symbolism of the colors I found online;
Purple Represents Justice. Green Represents Faith. And Gold Represents Power.
(taken from this website; http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/ ) This is a wonderfully informative site about the events, traditions and history of Mardi Gras in New Olreans, check it out!
I have wanted to do a Mardi Gras tablescape for a few years now but felt like it would be kind of silly to do one when; 1.) We don't actually celebrate Mardi Gras, or live in a state that does. Though I did see there was a community near my sons home in Charleston that did this year. Huh? 2.) I am not Catholic, but am Protestant and therefore do not adhere to the more common rituals of penance and various traditions associated with Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Lent.
But...I do think you all may be on to something here! I kinda like the idea of a celebration the day before Ash Wednesday, which for me, while not observed publicly, much like Lent is a day or time of reflection that I've come to recognize as signifying our need for a Savior for the forgiveness of our sins. Technically if I'm correct, Mardi Gras is actually the culmination (or the end) of Epiphany celebrations, but I like thinking of it as the kickoff or the beginning of Easter, if you will. Is that so wrong?
So with all this in mind, I set about creating my very first Mardi Gras Tablescape this year.
I started by pulling out one of my handmade gold colored tablecloths for my round table.
Gold to create a "powerful" first impression.
Next I pulled out one of my favorite pieces of purple fabric to use on the lazy susan. It must have worked because I am really pleased with how well this entire tablescape turned out. Purple is for "justice" all right!
While I was upstairs digging around for fabric, I spotted this purple glass candle holder that I just had to add.
Look closely, I think that's a Fleur De Lis on there too!
Because I really wanted to create a dramatic centerpiece I decided to add all the masks. The purple, green and gold masks all came out of one package from the DT, with a few extra to spare.
My favorite part of the centerpiece was the idea to use my very own mask I purchased from New Orleans many years ago while traveling there with work when I was a travel agent.
It's certainly not one of those more elaborate and detailed masks you can buy down there but is just so special and beautiful to me. I was quite young back then and on a very limited budget too. I love how simple it is and reminds me of someone wearing makeup. It also reminds me that yes indeed, like it or not we all wear a mask to some extent don't we?
Next, it quickly became all about birds, beads, and doubloons.
I already had the two birds in my craft room upstairs.
I purchased these beads and coins from the DT as well.
How fun!
My final addition to the centerpiece was a few small pots of yellow and purple flowers. I already had them as well, purchased from a clearance sale at Michaels.
I really love how this turned one turned out!
I decided to use my Gourmet Butlers Pantry dishes because I think they work very well here. I also think the design on the plate looks sorta frenchy too, right....maybe? LOL!
Since I needed to add some green to my Mardi Gras tablescape I decided to add my green raised wheat plates. You can just think of this as a big heaping plate full of "faith"!
The final topper came with these adorable paper napkins that I purchased from the DT. I also purchased the paper plates that coordinated with them but decided against using those for this setting. I love how these napkins have some white in them to match my dinner plates.
My stainless silver is my wedding flatware.
It is from Oneida and appropriately named, what else? Louisiana!
My glasses are from my mothers mother. I love the gold etched rims. Even with all their wear and tear they are still so beautiful to me!
I am so excited about this tablescape I can hardly wait until the Mr get's home.
Happy Mardi Gras!
I know it's actually Ash Wednesday today and that Mardi Gras ended yesterday but I do hope you will overlook that one little small detail. I'm so limited on time, was off today and since tomorrow is;
Tablescape Thursday at BNOTP
I figured why not go for it. I'm so glad I did too!
I hope you enjoyed your visit here as well. If you did, be sure and leave me note. It's always nice to hear from you. Be sure and pop on by the party to see more beautiful and very talented tablescapers.
Have a great day and great weekend everyone!
