Winter can be a dreary time once the holidays are over. However, each year in New Orleans, a huge Mardi Gras celebration is done before the Lent season. You and your friends may be unable to make a trip all the way down to Louisiana for the festivities, but you can create your own Mardi Gras right where you are with these suggestions:

Make "Floats"

One hallmark of the Mardi Gras celebration is the parade of jaw-dropping floats that pass revelers. While you can't necessarily get your town to give you the permission to do that, you can have each person create and bring their own mini-float that you can display outdoors or in a certain spot of your house or the site where you have your party. If you like, you like, you can have a contest.

Give Out Beads

Of course, Mardi Gras isn't complete without the multicolored beads that are given out by those on floats. Since you won't be having the parade, though, you can freely give beads as you see fit. If you want, you can do trivia games or other activities that allow the beads to be given out as prizes. Mardi Gras beads can also be displayed as part of table centerpieces or other decorating that you do.

Make New-Orleans Inspired Food

To really conjure up that New Orleans spirit, you've got to have some fantastic food for your guests. Po' boy sandwiches, andouille sausage, dirty rice and fried catfish are some staples of any "N'awlins" menu. If you don't have much experience cooking this kind of food, ask for help from friends or try out recipes in the days leading up to the event. If a local caterer can help, ask about prices and how soon they're able to bring the food by.

Encourage Masks

Masks are always on display during Mardi Gras. Encourage guests to bring or make their own before arriving, but you can also provide materials so that mask-making can happen at the party itself.

Play Zydeco Music

Lively zydeco music reminds everyone of New Orleans, and if you don't have access to a band that plays that kind of music in the area, all is not lost. Make a playlist of popular zydeco artists and play it throughout the party.

Your Mardi Gras event can liven up any winter. Discuss the event with friends, retailers, and family so it can be a great time for all. Contact a company like Mardi Gras Supplies for more information and assistance.