Now that Valentine’s Day is over and the romantic’s of the world have settled down, it’s time for a different kind of celebration!  Carnival started in New Orleans on January 6 and the fun has been leading up to the mother of all parties – Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday!  From parades and parties to beads and boas, New Orleans Mardi Gras is known as the biggest party in the world.

Many people love being in New Orleans during this time and reveling in the party atmosphere.  Mardi Gras is known for its Cajun cuisine, rhythm and blues music and dressing up in just about anything that’s feathered, sequin or metallic.  Purple, green and gold are the signature colors to be found all over the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.

There are many ways to celebrate Mardi Gras.  A lot of people enjoy the loud music and noisemakers with beads flying all over, but I on the other hand like to celebrate it just a little bit quieter.  For the past couple years my girlfriends and I get together and celebrate Mardi Gras (actually we look for any reason to get together).  We keep with the Cajun theme by having everyone bring an appetizer of gumbo, crawfish boil and jambalaya.  Whoever is hosting the party decorates in the theme colors of purple, green and gold but more importantly they supply the wine (you know how it is when the girls get together, you have to have a few bottles).  But the best part for us is that everyone brings a bottle of wine enclosed in either a wine bag or box and when we leave we each get to pick a bottle to take home with us.     

This year I’m hosting the party and I’ve already stocked up on plenty of Elk Creek Vineyards red and white wines!  I’ve even bought a bottle of their Elk Creek Vineyards Estate Cabernet Franc for my “gift” wine.  I’m going to stop by the gift shop at the Winery and pick up one of their great wine boxes for the perfect finishing touch.