Mardi Gras is that time of the year when you get to flaunt your best costume and let go of yourself. It is a time of celebration and the season of parades, balls, masquerades, wine and cake.

The meaning of Mardi Gras in French is "Fat Tuesday" and it falls somewhere between February 3 and March 9, depending on the lunar cycle. Mardi Gras is a final party before the sacrifices of the season of Lent.

Mardi Gras originated in France and traveled to New Orleans in the late 17th century, and today it is celebrated with great pomp every year. The people of New Orleans added the tradition of holding balls and hosting parades to this festival to make it more colorful and enjoyable. The trend of presenting beads to your guests was not originally present in the tradition until a factory in China sold beads to the people who were parading from France to New Orleans.

Before you can organize a Mardi Gras party, you need to plan everything beforehand. Purchasing beads, masks and other gifts would be of great significance, as these are important symbols representing this colorful festival. Mardi Gras decorations comprise masks hanging from the ceiling and beads draped around the house. Also consider purchasing special gifts for the children who would be coming to your party.

You don't have to go searching all around the world for the perfect Mardi Gras gifts. You could purchase beads, masks and other gifts for your guests either from your local party supplies store or from costume stores specializing in Halloween and Mardi Gras costumes.