🎭 Mardi Gras Decorating Tips for Galveston: Homes, Golf Carts, Parties & More! 🎭
Mardi Gras in Galveston is a celebration like no other! As the third-largest Mardi Gras festival in the U.S., the island comes alive with vibrant parades, masquerade balls, and plenty of festive decor. Whether you're decorating a historic home, sprucing up your golf cart, or throwing an unforgettable Mardi Gras party, choosing the right decorations will make all the difference.
And don’t forget—Ball High School in Galveston repurposes old and faded beads into artwork! So instead of tossing them after the celebrations, consider donating to this fantastic local initiative.
Now, let’s dive into the best ways to decorate for Mardi Gras in Galveston while also making smart decoration choices that last!
🎭 Decking Out Historic Homes for Mardi Gras
If you're lucky enough to live in one of Galveston’s stunning historic homes, Mardi Gras is the perfect time to show off! Many of these homes feature intricate balconies, grand porches, and vintage charm, making them ideal for festive decorating.
Decoration Ideas for Historic Homes:
Drape Purple, Green & Gold Banners – Fabric banners last longer than plastic ones, especially under the sun.
Add Oversized Beads & Masks – Choose UV-resistant plastic or painted metal decorations to withstand the elements.
Use Mardi Gras Lights – Swap out porch lights with purple, green, and gold bulbs for a magical nighttime glow.
Floral Arrangements – Wreaths and garlands made of artificial magnolia leaves, beads, and feathers can be reused for years.
Balcony Bead Toss Setup – Stock up on thick, durable beads that won’t easily crack when tossed to parade-goers.
☀️ What to Consider When Choosing Decorations
✔ Fabric vs. Plastic: Fabric banners and ribbons hold up better over time, while cheap plastic banners fade quickly in the sun.
✔ Outdoor-Grade Materials: Look for weather-resistant decorations that won’t fade or become brittle in Galveston’s humid, salty air.
✔ Reusable vs. Disposable: Invest in metal or wood decorations that you can store and use for multiple years instead of thin plastic decor.
🚗 Golf Cart Decorating for Parades
Golf carts are a huge part of Galveston’s Mardi Gras culture! Whether you're cruising The Strand or joining a parade, here’s how to turn your cart into a mobile party:
Themed Covers & Fringe – Waterproof vinyl fringe lasts longer than paper-based ones.
Light It Up – Battery-powered LED string lights are a great investment for multiple seasons.
Bead Curtains – Stick to UV-coated plastic beads so they don’t fade too quickly.
Feathered Masks & Props – Use zip ties instead of tape to attach decorations securely for wind resistance.
Speaker System – Waterproof Bluetooth speakers will keep the party going even if there’s a little rain!
☀️ What to Consider When Choosing Decorations
✔ Sun-Resistant Paints: If you’re using painted decorations, choose UV-resistant paint so they don’t fade after just one season.
✔ Wind-Resistant Decorations: Use zip ties instead of tape to secure lightweight items so they don’t fly off during the parade.
✔ Storage Considerations: If you plan to reuse decorations, choose foldable or stackable items that store easily.
🎉 Throwing a Mardi Gras Party in Galveston
Planning a Mardi Gras party? Whether it’s a small backyard gathering or a full-scale masquerade ball, these decor ideas will make your event unforgettable:
Bead-Covered Centerpieces – Use glass vases or metal bowls for durability.
Masquerade Mask Decor – Choose hand-painted or wooden masks for long-lasting elegance.
Fleur-de-Lis Everywhere – Metal or acrylic decorations will last multiple years.
Purple, Green & Gold Balloons – Foil balloons hold up better than latex in outdoor settings.
Mardi Gras-Themed Food Display – Keep tablecloths from flying away by using weighted clips or heavier materials.
DIY Bead Chandeliers – Stick to plastic-coated wire to avoid rust.
☀️ What to Consider When Choosing Decorations
✔ Foil vs. Latex Balloons: Foil balloons last longer in Galveston’s wind and humidity.
✔ Heavy vs. Light Decor: If hosting outside, use weighted decorations to keep things from blowing away.
✔ Dishware & Table Settings: Invest in reusable Mardi Gras plates and cups instead of flimsy disposable ones.
♻️ Give Beads a Second Life: Support Ball High School’s Art Program!
Mardi Gras beads are fun to collect, but they can pile up quickly! Instead of letting them go to waste, donate them to Ball High School in Galveston, where students repurpose faded beads into stunning artwork. This initiative helps keep beads out of landfills while supporting local artists and students.
Many collection spots pop up around Galveston after Mardi Gras, so keep an eye out and contribute to this creative cause!
🎭 Final Thoughts
Mardi Gras in Galveston is all about fun, creativity, and community! Whether you’re decorating a historic home, sprucing up your golf cart, or throwing a party, making smart choices about decorations will help you save money, reduce waste, and enjoy your festive setup for years to come.
And don’t forget—give those extra beads a second life by donating to Ball High School’s amazing art program!
How are you decorating for Mardi Gras this year? Let’s chat in the comments! 🎉💜💚💛
