Got the Snow Shovel Blues in New England? Think 'Big Easy' and Learn How to Host an Authentic Mardi Gras Themed Party

The relentless Northeast has given us dozens of inches of snow lately - so much so that we barely know what to do and where to put it. It can be depressing. But you know what would cheer you up, at home or at work? Yes, a Mardi Gras party!

The infamous New Orleans season will be going strong this February, so why don't bring a bit of it here to New England! Take what you need from the suggestions below, throw yourself a really authentic Mardi Gras themed celebration, and begin parading in the streets...

Invitations: These could be store-bought or created out of construction paper cut into mask shapes. The three Mardi Gras core colors are gold, green and purple. Of course, if you're into the digital, there are plenty of quality themed e-vites, and a customized Facebook event page always works too.

Decorations: Stick with the same trio of colors used in the invitations. Grab yourself some beads, balloons, streamers, and glow sticks. For larger items, check your local supermarket or pharmacy, and for bulk, always check out Oriental Trading.

Food: When in Rome...or N'awlins, rather...A Mardi Gras party menu might feature small sausages, Cajun chicken, shrimp of various styles, red beans and rice, Jambalaya, Po'Boy sandwiches, fresh or canned oysters, and crepes. (Also, fried alligator...Yum!) You can cook yourself, host a potluck, or hire a caterer.

Drinks: Washing down your scrumptious food with equally delicious drinks is imperative. Try serving sweet tea, red fruit punch, and the Mardi Grad staple, the Hurricane. You can create these concoctions with or without alcohol. Use colored plastic hurricane cups and fill them to the brim.

Costumes: Mardi Gras is all about the masks - bold, creative, feathery masks. You can encourage your guests to come in full costume, or in the case of a company party, you may just go with masks and/or beads. If you're at home, you can do an arts and crafts area with where guests can design their very own facial facades.

Music: A key of piece of any Mardi Gras party. If you want to be authentic, think blues and jazz. Though, just like New Orleans life reflects a mixture of various, rich cultural backgrounds, don't be afraid to spice it up with other local selections and your favorite dance music. If you're feeling especially spirited, maybe you'll even consider throwing a mini-parade at your party.

Action: At the party, you can play games or just eat and enjoy one another's company. You may even consider working in a family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras tradition of collecting sets of beads, by coming up with your own appropriate alternative to body exposure - perhaps mini-scavenger hunts, or exposing something else like your age or weight.

Dessert: Be sure to finish off the eating with a traditional King Cake. This is Mardi Gras treat decorated in gold, green and purple, with stars, sprinkles, and a plastic infant inside (if you're bored, Google the King Cake for an interesting read!). You can bake one or buy one. The person who gets the toy gets to be King or Queen of your party and/or win a special prize. For parties with a number of kid guests (or immature, whiny adults), procure several cakes and multiple toys for more happy winners.

Whether for a themed private/family or corporate/staff party, you're sure to enjoy the warm, festive feel of New Orleans' Mardi Gras in spite of the frigid, snowy weather outside your doors.