A Masquerading Mickey and Minnie Mouse Emcee a Mardi Gras Party

Disney Sketchbook Holiday Series of Tablescapes

If this is your first time to my website – Welcome to the lake!! I’m glad you’re here! If you have been here before – Welcome Back! I hope you are having a wonderful 2024!! Those of you who have visited my website before are likely already familiar with the “Disney Sketchbook Holiday Series” – which started with a summer “Drawing Disney Tablescape” and morphed into a challenge I set for myself to see if I could do a tablescape for each Holiday using the Disney Sketchbook Dishes and Serving pieces, and often reusing the Disney flatware, mugs, glasses and napkin rings and sometimes even reusing the Disney Plush Character centerpieces as well.

Above: The 4 most recent Disney Sketchbook Holiday Tablescapes – A Valentine’s Day Tablescape with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mickey and Minnie and their Dragon Friends Celebrate the Lunar New Year, Mickey and Minnie Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tom Turkey!! and Mickey and Minnie and Friends’ Snowy Christmas Tablescape (to see more of the Disney Holiday Tablescapes, click on the preceding links, and/or scroll to almost the bottom of the post and see the “Other Posts I hope you will like” section).

The idea is to be able to use one set of dishes, to create about 13 different holiday tablescapes. The goal is to not have to purchase 13 pricey sets of dishes to celebrate the holidays, and also to not have to find a way to store 13 different sets of dishes. (Not that I’m against having lots of sets of dishes…as I LOVE dishes…and I guess that kind of explains my storage problem, doesn’t it?!?) Anyway, my hope is that these tablescapes will inspire Disney enthusiasts, friends, parents and grandparents to plan some “holiday kids’ tables” or tables for “kids at heart”. 

Mardi Gras Tablescape for February 13, 2024 – “Fat Tuesday”

Featured Plates – Choose Disney?? Choose Mardi Gras??

My first decision on this table was whether or not to go with the Zrike Disney Sketchbook dishes, which are my “go to” dishes on most things Disney. However, I also have a set of Mardi Gras salad plates that I love to use. I went back and forth on this decision because I love that the sketchbook Disney dishes demonstrate how it is possible to use one set of dishes for many different tablescapes, but I also love the Mardi Gras dishes, because they represent the colors and flair of Mardi Gras. In the end I chose to do this post with both choices of featured plates.

above left – Mardi Gras plate as the “featured plate” & above right – Zrike Disney Sketchbook as the “featured plate”. I would love it if you could comment in the comment section and tell me which of these featured plates you like the most. To get to the comment section, please scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post.

Road Block on the Tablescaping Road

Early in this tablescape I hit a road block. I have long wanted a purple tablecloth for my tablescapes, and was so excited to find a gorgeous one, that matched Mickey’s hat and collarr and looked great, and most importantly fit my “hard to fit” table (I use a 70″ X 126″, or 70″ by 132″; and for a long tablecloth a 90″ X 150″). I was so excited to use it. However, even with steaming. the wrinkles and huge creases would not come out.

So I had to think through my options, of tablecloths I own, and ended with a fuchia tablecloth. Fortunately both Mickey and Minnie have this fuchia color in their costumes, so I think it does work. But it was sad to have to abandon my purple tablecloth – BEWARE OF SHANTUNG SILK!! If you happen to have secrets to dealing with this fabric, or an idea of where to buy a purple tablecloth in the above sizes, I’d love it if you could share that with me in the comments – thanks so much!! (scroll all the way down in this post to get to the comment section.)

Plate Stacks

For both types of featured plates, the plate stack starts out the same:

The tablecloth is underneath the plate stack. This tablecloth is by Kate Spade, and the pattern is Larabee Dot.

The first plate in the stack is a gold glitter charger by Sparkles Home.

The next plate in the stack is Muirfield Magnificence dinner plate.

The final plate in the stack is the Muirfield Magnificence – “Mask” Mardi Gras plate. Muirfield Magnificence dinnerware (as well as Royal Gallery – Gold Buffet dinnerware, and Muirfield Celebrity dinnerware) were sold in the Federated Department stores during the 1990’s. Its my understanding that they were available at Christmas time and featured salad plates were released periodically for various holidays. I love this idea of having a dinner plate, bowls, cups, etc. that only need a new salad plate for a particular holiday, to make them look like a whole new set of dishes.

The Muirfield Magnificence- “Mask” Mardi Gras dishes feature 4 different Mardi Gras masks.

Place Stack for the Zrike Disney Sketchbook Plate Option

For the Zrike Disney Sketchbook plate option, all the plates in the stack are the same, except for the top one. (see below) The Zrike Disney Sketchbook plates feature Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto,

Place Settings

Other items in the place setting are the Mickey and Minnie mugs,

Oneida Golden Affection Flatware…

two napkins at each place setting from Amazon -a gold satin napkin and a gold organza napkin, and a gold crown napkin ring (also from Amazon). Each place setting also includes a gold goblet from Homegoods.

Table Decorations

In addition to Mickey and Minnie, other table decorations used are various Mardi Gras Beads- the basic ones are from Amazon. The 2 necklaces that look like stained glass (the one with diamond shaped beads and the one with stained glass look jesters) are on loan from Susan, and are from Alabama – home of the United States’ First Mardi Gras Celebration. The painted jester necklace was a much enjoyed gift from my next door neighbor Cindi and is from Louisiana. Along with the beads are Mardi Gras coins. It is my understanding that coins, beads, candy and moon pies are all thrown to parade watchers from Mardi Gras parade floats!

Mardi Gras Tablescape – Mickey and Minnie – The Main Characters

This is my second Mardi Gras tablescape. I’m excited to be including Mickey and Minnie as the key centerpieces. If you haven’t seen Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed for Mardi Gras before – you aren’t alone, below is their story.

“Houston, We Have A Problem”…

I started working on this tablescape early because I already knew that there would be a challenge associated with it. When I had started gathering plush Disney characters, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse Greeters for my tablescapes, I was surprised to find out that CVS, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, shopdisney.com and eBay did NOT carry a Mickey and Minnie Mardi Gras plush or greeter. Occasionally the Disney store and eBay carry a Mardi Gras Beanie Mickey and Minnie (about 8″-9″ tall). However, I don’t usually buy the beanie size for my tables as that size doesn’t seem to stand out enough. I usually get either the 15″-18″ size plush, or the 22″-24″ greeters. Since they were not available I realized that we would need to make outfits for our 24″ greeters. Please note that not all greeters are suitable for new outfits. It all depends what features are part of their bodies. Those with permanent hats, Santa beards, etc. do not usually work for redressing. I bought a Christmas set from eBay to dress a few years ago. To dress them in new outfits, I first removed sweaters and Minnie’s bow.

Above is a Mickey and Minnie Mouse pair like the ones we use to redress for various other holidays. However, the below set, though adorable for Christmas, possibly have hats that can’t be removed and ears that are likely connected to the hat rather than the head. Both would probably not be useable for other holidays.

As I do with all projects that require sewing, and pattern design, I proposed a “mission” to my friend Susan, to see if she was interested making them with me, and doing the design. We have dressed this Mickey and Minnie pair for “Cinco de Mayo”, and for “Back to School”.

Susan is always the brains in making the pattern and in doing all the complicated sewing, and sometimes all the sewing. For this project we were able to find an “Masquerade Ball” dress for Minnie from my North American Bear – Alice Vanderbear outfits. Suprisingly the Alice outfit fit Minnie, and we were left with only needing to make a Mardi Gras outfit for Mickey.

Below: Mickey with experimental/sample collar and hat, as Susan develops the pattern.

We brainstormed, and decided on black pants, a yellow-gold shirt, a jester collar and a jester hat… and then the challenges began. Both the jester collar and the hat, were very difficult to design. Under Susan’s direction I was able to make the pattern for the pants, and Susan made the pattern for the much more complicated shirt. She had to head home but we both worked individually, periodically, on our parts. The Jester hat and collar were so complicated that Susan made a pattern, and a sample for each using extra material she had, and saved the new fabric for the final garment, which she also made. I did the masks, and Susan did the much, much harder jester pieces.

Below: Susan with completed Mickey and Minnie

below – Susan with the finished Mickey and Minnie. Close-ups of Mickey’s outfit, showing Susan’s design and detail.

below – Mickey and Minnie and I. Mickey and Minnie are wearing the masks I made for them, and Mickey is wearing the outfit Susan made for him. He definitely would have had no Mardi Gras costume if it would have been up to me! Thank you Susan!!!

Around the Dining Room

Do you like prefer the tree with the beads (above) or without the beads (below)? I’m unsure if I like the beads but I do think the tree needs something else… perhaps some additional larger ornaments?

Mardi Gras ornaments are from Amazon.

I love the way the garland on the Chandelier catches and reflects the light (above and below) …

and the way the wreaths on the doors, catch the light and sparkle too! (below)

The View from the Dining Room

Below: sunsets during the four days of tablescaping

Wishing You a Happy Mardi Gras!!!!

I hope you enjoyed this Mardi Gras Tablescape!!! Do you celebrate Mardi Gras? Are there any Mardi Gras Parades in your area? I’d love to hear about any traditions or plans you have for celebrating! Please share them in the comment section at the bottom of this post if you have time. If you are a Mardi Gras party goer, please let me know what city’s parade is your favorite. Attending a Mardi Gras parade, and Mardi Gras Ball are on my bucket list. As I grew up in Ohio, I am not even sure I knew about Mardi Gras when I lived there, but it is a big thing in Texas, especially in Galveston. If you would like to know more about Mardi Gras, please check out the links in my first Mardi Gras post- Mardi Gras Masquerading Bears, Beads, and Masks…But Where are the Moon Pies??

Table Details and Origins for Mickey and Minnie’s Mardi Gras Tablescape

Table Details and Origins 

Gold Glitter Chargers – Sparkles Home

Dinner Plates and bowls – pattern “Muirfield Magnificence” – often available on eBay and Etsy

Salad/Dessert Plates – pattern “Muirfield Magnificence Mask” sometimes available on eBay or Etsy and antique shows or stores (interesting to note – their is a set of plates almost identical to these mask plates, with the exception of the gold border, thesse plates are called “Muirfield Celebrity mask” and in my opionion they are equally beautiful. However, the border size and designs are different, which may limit how you want to mix and match these two different sets of plates.) You can see the other two patterns and compare at replacements by clicking the following – Muirfield Celebrity Mask and Muirfield Magnificence Mask 

Jester hat – Amazon

Mardi Gras Coins – Amazon

Mardi Gras Beads – Amazon 

Fancy Mardi Gras Beads – diamond shaped and stained glass look – Alabama Maridi Gras Celebration

Fancy Mardi Gras Beads- painted jesters – Louisiana Mardi Gras Celebration

Masks on Table – Party City, and Dollar Tree – some from 2024, others from earlier years

Crown on table – Amazon or Party City

Minnie’s hat – Party City about 3 years ago

Garland on Chandelier – Amazon – no longer available 

Gold Goblets – Homegoods (about 3 years ago)

Minnie’s dress – Alice Vanderbear Outfit from North American Bear Company “Masquerade Bal Masque” – discontinued but ofter available on eBay and Etsy 

Mickey’s Jester Outfit – made by Susan

Mickey and Minnie Masks – made by Patty

Crown Napkin rings – Amazon 

Crown Favors – Amazon

Kate Spade Larabee Dot Tablecloth – originally available at department stores, now available occasionally on eBay

Alternative fuchia Kate Spade tablecloth was available at Home Goods this year in December and January of this year, it was almost the exact color but with hearts instead of dots.

Flatware – “Community by Onieda – Marquette” pattern is currently available at Amazon. 

Mickey and Minnie Greeters – eBay – one set like mine is available on eBay currently. New greeters are often available seasonally at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Target, and eBay (if planning to make costumes for them, choose ones that do not have sewn in costumes that cannot be removed easily)

Sparkly Mardi Gras Wreaths were a very inexpensive find at Michaels about 3 years ago , post Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Ornaments on Tree – Amazon

Winter Birch Tree – Amazon

Mickey and Minnie figural mugs – Homegoods – availible periodically at Homegoods in approximately 2018 – 2022

Posts I Hope You Will Like….

If you are planning a Valentine’s Day meal or party, you may enjoy the following Valentine’s Day Tablescapes…

A “Sweet” Valentine’s Day Table at Sunset

A Sweethearts® Tablescape for My Sweetheart

“Will you Be My Valentine?” Romantic Valentine’s Day Tablescape

If you liked this Minnie and Mickey “Disney Sketchbook Holiday Series” Tablescape, I think you may like the following …

A Valentine’s Day Tablescape with Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Mardi Gras Tablescape – Masquerading Bears, Beads and Masks; but where are the Moon Pies ???

Mickey and Minnie and their Dragon Friends Celebrate the Lunar New Year!!!

Mickey, Minnie and Friends’ Snowy Christmas Tablescape

Mickey and Minnie Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tom Turkey!!

Link Parties 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Masterpieces of my Life hosts the “Home Imagined Link Party” on Tuesday every other week. This is a relatively new link party for me to attend, and I am really enjoying it the many home projects and decor ideas found here! 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters”and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Thank you so much for stopping by!!! I’d love to hear from you! If you have time, please stop by in the comment section at the very bottom of this post. Your comments mean the world to me !!!!

If you are stopping by in February, I’d like to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Lunar New Year! Happy Mardi Gras! Happy President’s Day and a special Martin Luther King Day! – It’s a Busy Month!!! I hope all your holidays are happy ones!!