01 Feb 12 Countdown to Mardi Gras: 19 Days, 8 Hours, 28 Minutes

Like the title says, there’s not much time left to prepare for your Mardi Gras party. If you figure shipping and weekends into the countdown, you’re looking at about 10 days to finalize the party. And that includes everything: guest list, Mardi gras supplies – beads, masks, costumes, etc. – and any other last-minute goodies that need to be stocked.

But here’s something for those of you panicking right now: all you need are the masks.

Mardi Gras is not a huge, complicated holiday, like Halloween or Christmas. In fact, it may be the easiest party to prepare for, because all people need are some Mardi Gras masks and a space big enough to party.

You see, Mardi Gras costumes are not always extravagant creations that cost an arm or a leg. They can be as simple as a bunch of beads and a mask. Just throw these puppies on and you’re down for any Mardi Gras party, no matter where or when.

On the topic of Mardi Gras beads, pick some up and hand them out to your guests. They are affordable and cheap, so you can’t go wrong with having a couple handfuls around. If a guest shows up without a mask, the beads are the perfect substitute.