Hello Carnival Krewe! “You are cordially invited to an evening flushed with royalty honoring A Jewel of Cleopatra’s Nile.” 💛💜💚 Yep, that is right! Mardi Gras is right around the corner. So, if you did not know. Well, now ya’ do!
With that being said, there is only three short days left before the Krewe of Cleopatra rolls on down the avenue. With Cleo’s lovely krewe gearing up for Friday night, I thought it would the perfect time to share with you all a dinner I planned when I had the honor of representing the Krewe of Cleopatra as a Jewel of the Nile during Mardi Gras 2017 – “Cleo, Las Vegas”!
Pictured Above from Left to Right: Jewel of the Nile | Stacy Guidry, Jewel of the Nile | Brittanie Breaux, Las Vegas Show Girl | Paper Doll Promotions, Queen Cleopatra XLIV | Abigail Breland, and Jewel of the Nile | Brittnie Hamel
Once finalizing the venue, I started on designing the invitation suites, menu cards, and favor tags. I wanted to capture the parade’s theme, but in true Mardi Gras spirit. So, I decided to design the invitation to appear as an actual playing card. The playing card would capture the Las Vegas theme. Once doing so, I chose those three famous carnival colors – purple, green, and gold. Nonetheless, it had to look regal! The back of the invitation was finished off elaborately like most playing cards and included my initials. I think Deb with Cloud 9 Factory on Etsy and I captured the essence of it all so perfectly! What do you think?
Once the design of the invitation had been finalized, I took the time to sit down with the venue regarding the most important detail – the menu. I wanted to pay attention to every detail about this event. So, it was very important that each food item had its own name that coordinated with the theme. I was so pleased with the thought and creativity behind each dish!
But, lets talk about the cake honey! Oh, the sweetest part of every event. Melissa, with Melissa’s Fine Pastries, did an excellent job of executing this cake! It is festive, yet regally elegant all at the same time. I will just go ahead and let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Like Marie-Antoinette once said, “Let them eat cake!”
I absolutely love having florals at every event! I think they add the perfect touch and finish off the overall design. When I am designing and planning an event, I begin with an imaginary photo that I have envisioned in my head. The first thought that came to mind.. was lavish! The table has to not only be elegant and royal, but lavish and full! I could not picture my guests dining any other way. I envisioned various carnival colors throughout, dramatic draping florals, and arrangements dripping in crystals!!! I ended up finding the floral pedestals on Pier1’s website. As a matter of fact, the floral bases are actually candle pillars. I know, creative.. huh’? My cousin, Christina, did just FABULOUS.. as she always does. Honestly, they turned out even more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed of!
Below, are the plate settings and mini king cake hand soap favors. I thought this little touch was not only cute, yet necessary as a way of thanking my guests for joining me on this celebratory evening! I styled and personally hand wrapped each of these little cuties to coordinate with the party’s overall decor. Needless to say, everything was drenched in glitter and romantically surrounded by the subtle flickers of candles. Swoon worthy!
The evening was nothing short of AMAZING, filled with revelry, and fit for a Queen and her Royal Court of course! I hope you enjoy these carnival inspired details just as MUCH as I enjoyed styling it all! If you happen to be in New Orleans on Friday, February 22, 2019, join in on celebrating Mardi Gras as the Krewe of Cleopatra “animates” the cities streets throughout the Big Easy. All Hail Cleo! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
Royally Yours, Britt
XOXO.
Invitations, Menu Cards, and Favor Tags | Cloud 9 Factory on Etsy
Mini King Cake Soap Favors | Cindy’s Bath Creations on Etsy
Venue | The Saint Hotel
Cake | Melissa’s Fine Pastries
Florals | Christina Williams McGrath at Plantation Decor Inc.
Event Dinnerware & Seating | ELEMENT
Las Vegas Show Girl | Paper Doll Promotions
Dress | Mac Duggal at The Red Carpet
Hair | Lacie at So Lacie Salon
MUA | Jacky Martinez
Party Planner & Design | Yours Truly!
Photography | Theresa Elizabeth Photography
Happily Ever Breaux 