WASP Wednesday: Mardi Gras

Well, I am so glad to be back on my game! I fell TERRIBLY ill last week and only started to feel somewhat better yesterday. It was simply dreadful as NO medicine would work, but this made me realize how the people in Haiti and in any third world country must feel with no medicine. We are VERY blessed in the US! Please be patient with emails as I am now very behind and have an extremely busy month ahead of me. I will get back to you when I find the time.

This week Muffy and I are celebrating Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, on WASP Wednesday!!! As you know WASPs are all about tradition, they love a reason to throw a good party and dress up so Mardi Gras never disappoints a WASP household!

Fat Tuesday has a history and its' own unique traditions all over the world. It arrived in the United States by way of the Le Moyne brothers who were sent by the French King, King Louise XIV, to defend their country's territory in the late 1600's. This territory is best known today as Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Madri Gras celebrations officially took place in 1703 in Mobile, AL (the first capital of French Louisiana), but were later moved to New Orleans. So, while Madri Gras may not seem like the most traditional of holidays it dates way back in our nation's history and of course that is reason for celebration!

Now on to the details!

First off is an outfit for Madri Gras...what does a WASP wear you might ask?

Well a MASK of course!

Mardi Gras participants have hid behind their masks for decades- it is as for for one day anyone could be someone else. Masks come in many shapes and forms so they can match just about any WASP outfit. Hand painted feather masks are worn with ball gowns while the WASP family party might have a make-your-own-mask station for the more casual set.

Beads are of course another MUST for a WASP party.

Beads can be worn, but they can also be used as decor...think bowls of pearls and strands strewn about the home for a added bit of festivity. The traditional colors, gold, purple and green are worn (and can also be found anywhere and everywhere in the day's decor!).

Finally, WASPs love a good, flavorful meal and classic, New Orleans Mardi Gras cuisine never lets down. While clubs always throw magnificent Mardi Gras parties sometimes the WASP opts to stay home (and off the road!). A king cake is often ordered (Randazzos of New Orleans is fabulous!), but the WASP will whip out all her All Clad and get busy putting her Viking to use while making the rest! Think Shrimp Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice filling up all the silver serving dishes and served on lovely china!

It just does not get much better than good food, a room full of fellow WASPs aka fun fellowship and a reason to celebrate!!