Summer Vibes: Throwing a Festive Mardi Gras Pool Party with Style

Hey there, fellow homebodies! As summer’s golden days warm our hearts and homes, it’s the perfect time to host a pool party that your friends and family will cherish forever. I’ve always believed in making every moment special, whether it’s a sun-drenched afternoon by the pool or a cozy evening gathering under the stars. Inspired by a vibrant birthday event at L'Eau Hill, I’m excited to share some of my favorite ideas to help you create a poolside celebration that's both stylish and unforgettable.

Setting the Scene: The Decor

One of my guests chose a Mardi Gras theme, and we were all in! Creating the perfect ambiance for a Mardi Gras-themed pool party is all about embracing the vibrant colors and festive elements of this lively celebration. For our event, my talented mom and her team at Pixie Dust Events turned L’Eau Hill into a Mardi Gras wonderland, and it was absolutely magical. Here’s a peek into how you can bring this festive spirit to your own backyard:

• Balloon Arches and Centerpieces: The highlight of our decor was a stunning balloon arch, beautifully crafted with a mix of purple, green, and gold balloons—the quintessential Mardi Gras colors. Whimsical elements like oversized golden crowns and delicate floral accents added a touch of elegance and fun. Smaller balloon clusters were scattered around the pool, creating a cohesive and festive look. You can recreate this by ordering balloon decorations from a local party store or trying a DIY balloon arrangement.
  

• Photo Backdrops: No party is complete without a photo backdrop for capturing those cherished memories! We set up a dazzling sequin-covered wall, framed by balloon garlands and topped with a golden "Happy Birthday" sign. This backdrop not only served as a perfect photo op but also tied the theme together beautifully. For your event, consider adding a custom message or the name of your celebration in shimmering letters.
  

• Outdoor Dining Area: Under a white canopy tent, we arranged long dining tables draped with flowing purple and white linens. The tables were set with elegant tableware and vibrant floral centerpieces. Fairy lights and greenery intertwined with the drapes added a romantic and inviting touch, ensuring guests could dine in comfort while still feeling connected to the lively poolside environment.
  

• Themed Props and Accessories: Small touches like Mardi Gras masks, beads, and fleur-de-lis symbols were scattered throughout the space, adding a playful yet luxurious vibe. These props not only enhanced the theme but also gave guests fun accessories to enjoy during the party.
  

• Poolside Details: Don’t forget the pool itself! Floating decorations like inflatable Mardi Gras beads, colorful pool floats, and LED lights transformed the water into a sparkling, festive centerpiece. We used inflatable floats in the shapes of crowns and stars, adding a touch of whimsy and luxury to the pool area.

Essentials for a Comfortable Celebration
To make sure your guests feel comfortable and pampered, here are a few must-haves:

• Ample Seating: Lounge chairs, picnic blankets, and fun inflatable floats are perfect for relaxation.

• Shade Options: Umbrellas and canopies provide much-needed breaks from the sun.

• Towels and Sunscreen: Keep a stash of fresh towels and sunscreen available for everyone.

• Refreshing Drinks: Set up a drink station with hydrating options like infused water, lemonade, and iced tea. For the grown-ups, add some fun poolside cocktails.

A Menu Full of Flavor

Food is the heart and soul of any great party. For a poolside Mardi Gras bash, I suggest delicious New Orleans classics like shrimp po'boys and beignets. For a summer pool party, lighter fare can be just as delightful. Here are some of my all-time favorites:

• Shrimp Po' Boy Sliders: Mini versions of the classic New Orleans sandwich, featuring crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty remoulade sauce on small brioche buns.

• Cajun Chicken Kabobs: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in spicy Cajun seasoning, served with a cool and tangy Creole dipping sauce. Perfect for easy, handheld eating by the pool.

• Creole Pasta Salad: A refreshing and hearty pasta salad with rotini pasta, bell peppers, celery, red onions, and a tangy Creole mustard vinaigrette, sprinkled with fresh herbs.

• Beignet Bites: Bite-sized versions of the beloved New Orleans beignets, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect as a sweet treat that guests can enjoy without getting too messy.

• King Cake Cupcakes: Individual cupcakes inspired by the traditional King Cake, complete with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a swirl of cream cheese frosting, decorated in festive Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold).

Fun and Games

Keeping your guests entertained ensures that everyone has a blast, whether or not you have a pool. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities:

• Pool Games: Water volleyball, pool noodle races, and floating ring toss.

• Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with fun props and a themed backdrop to capture memories.

• Craft Station: For a creative touch, set up a station where guests can make flower crowns or decorate flip-flops.

The Perfect Playlist

Music can make or break the vibe of any party. Curate a playlist with a mix of summer hits and relaxing tunes to keep the energy just right. Here are a few song suggestions that perfectly blend the Mardi Gras spirit with a laid-back poolside atmosphere:

• Go to the Mardi Gras" by Professor Longhair

• Iko Iko" by The Dixie Cups

• Do Whatcha Wanna" by Rebirth Brass Band

• Big Chief" by Dr. John

Adding Special Touches

Elevate your Mardi Gras pool party with personal touches that make the event uniquely yours. These details not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also create lasting memories for your guests. Here are a few ideas that can also be found on our Amazon storefront:

• Custom Mardi Gras Masks: Provide your guests with beautifully crafted Mardi Gras masks as they arrive. These can be personalized with their names or initials, making for a delightful keepsake. Check out our selection of custom masks on our Amazon storefront to find the perfect fit for your party.

• Themed Drinkware: Elevate your beverage service with themed drinkware that complements your Mardi Gras decor. Think gold-rimmed glasses, vibrant tumblers, or even personalized cups featuring your party’s logo or a fun Mardi Gras design. Explore our range of themed drinkware options on Amazon to find something that will wow your guests.

• Festive Pool Floats: Add a splash of fun to your pool with themed pool floats that reflect the spirit of Mardi Gras. From crown-shaped floats to floats in the colors of purple, green, and gold, these playful accessories will ensure your pool is as much a part of the celebration as the rest of your venue. Browse our selection of festive pool floats on our Amazon storefront to find the perfect ones for your event.

• Mardi Gras Bead Necklaces: No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without the iconic bead necklaces. Provide a variety of beads in different colors and styles for your guests to wear and share throughout the party. You can even create a fun game or competition involving the beads to keep the energy high and the interactions lively. Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of Mardi Gras beads that can be delivered right to your door.

Conclusion: Your Summary Party Awaits
Creating the perfect pool party is all about combining thoughtful details with a laid-back vibe. At Homebody & Co., we’re passionate about crafting experiences that bring people together and celebrate life’s precious moments. As you plan your summer soirée, remember that the best parties are filled with laughter, connection, and joy.

We’d love to see your summer celebrations! Share your pool party photos with us on social media using #HomebodyPoolParty.

If you're ever in Atlanta or looking for the perfect venue to host your next milestone celebration, consider L’Eau Hill House. And stay tuned to our event page for an upcoming fall event where we’ll be teaming up with Pixie Dust to teach DIY table styling—a perfect way to bring a touch of elegance to your own gatherings.

xo
Erika
Founder, Homebody & Co.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Amazon storefront (click here) for all your pool party essentials.

Looking for great vendors in Atlanta?

*Venue: L’Eau Hill House

*Decor: Pixie Dust Dream Events

*Catering recommendations in Atlanta: Big Easy Grille, Creole Orleans, Creole Vegan, and Everything Nola Cafe.