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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Happy Mardi Gras Ya'll!


Because I'm originally from Louisiana, the beads start swinging & the masks come out in February at our house. Mardi Gras refers to the "events of the carnival" starting on the Epiphany & ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fattier foods before the ritual of fasting for the Lenten season.
I thought that I would share some of my Mardi Gras decorations to get you in the mood to "party"!

 This centerpiece is the highlight of my kitchen on the island.  Traditional green, purple,and gold colors are featured with masks, fleur-de-lis, & beads.

 The traditional Jester figure is a classic feature in Mardi Gras decor due to the fact that Jesters entertained French Royalty.
We will keep this blog "kid friendly", so NO showing of the "you
 know whats" to get some beads thrown to you...















 Fleur-de-lis have become very popular in decorating today; however, being from Louisiana, I consider this symbol a part of my heritage and have used them in decor for many years. 


This hammered copper fleur-de-lis hangs above my stove top in the kitchen.


This is a Frankoma piece from Oklahoma that I found years ago &  it matches all of the pottery that I collect perfectly!
 This chippy concrete statue welcomes those entering our front door....



The style of the fleur-de-lis has changed over the years, but it is suppose to represent a lily. This one sits above my cabinets in the kitchen.
 In New Orleans especially, many of the wrought iron fences and gates adorn the fleur-de-lis.  This great chippy green one was found on one of my trips to Louisiana.  It sits among many architectural pieces on my mantle in the great room.
 Another piece of wrought iron from an old fence....






Let's get the party started with toasting of good cheer!!!  My wine corks even reflect this French symbol.




These canisters typically set in the center of my island in the kitchen, but were moved for a brief time.  Don't you love the rusty tops?  My mother gave these to me and they are some of my fav...






Mardi Gras flag whipping in the Alabama breeze waving at all my neighbors....
So Have a Happy Mardi Gras & if you have never been to a parade...what are you waiting for????

16 comments:

  1. Fun times! I don't think I've ever seen your house decorated for Mardi Gras.

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  2. You have created a really beautiful Mardi Gras centerpiece. All the traditional colors of Mardi Gras just say "party" to me.
    I am a big fan of the fleur-de-lis. You have some wonderful pieces in your collection.
    Happy Wednesday!
    Jane

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  3. Hi Tiffany,
    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for becoming a follower! I've been looking around you blog and realize our taste are simular. I love architectural pieces and have them all over the house. I'll have to do a post about them soon.

    Also, thank you for mentioning Elizabeth Ann's on your blog. I hope you have a chance to come by Encore and check out my new home. Don't forget your coupon when you come.

    Ok, I'm headed over to become a folwoer of your blog.

    Joyfully,
    Elizabeth Ann

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post Tiffany! I love Mardi Gras. I guess being a Louisiana native, you would have an affinity for it! Love the fleur de lis motif as well. I think that Frankoma pottery tile is to die for. Glad we weren't in the store at the same time or we might have had to wrestle for it! LOL! Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  5. Isn't it funny how we're drawn to things that hold special meaning or memories for us? Your Louisiana heritage definitely had its influence, didn't it?

    Thanks for linking to the party. I hope to see you linked up to my "Funny Faux Pas Follies" party, as well.

    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello there,
    Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a swet comment...I am already a follwer of yours :) and I wnet to other blog you spoke of and became a follower there too...i hope you have a wonderful Friday!

    Sheila

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  7. I would love to go to Mardi Gras someday! "Gone With The Wind" has been one of my all time favorites.

    Have a great weekend!
    Jackie

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  8. Hi there! Appreciate you stopping by tonight. I'm actually already a follower here. I visited last week and commented on your great post about your vintage hardware. I can't reply to your comments because you don't have your email set up in your blogger profile. You might want to add that so we can respond to you when you leave a comment. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tiffany,
    Well being a former NOLA resident myself I loved this post! Now I'm craving a Hurricane or at least a piece of King Cake. Yes, those canisters from your Mother are amazing! Also loved your previous posts. The doorknob collection has me green.
    Lisa

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  10. Hey There Tiffany ..I've arrived ..and I've made myself a follower....

    Thanks for following my blog and I look forward to reading your posts and peekin at your pictures..

    And I must say between being a southern girl and now a mid-western girl ..How's that accent ? LOL !!!

    Hugs and Blessings ..Sara

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  11. Love all the fleur-de-lis! And Mardi Gras! I have only been to New Orleans once! It was New Years for the Sugar Bowl and you can just imagine! lol We had a blast!! I want to go back!

    Lou Cinda

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  12. Love the bedroom toile and the fleur-de-lis. I collect them, too! And thanks for joining in my Do You Toile? Party!

    xoKathleen

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  13. Hi Tiffany,
    So fun to discover your wonderful blog, love the name. The Fluer de Le is the trademark of my business, victoriantailor.com, and when you mention Scarlet, I can relate, I also am a Civil War reenactor, I look forward to following your blog.
    Celeste, The Victorian Tailor

    ReplyDelete
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