Sara Hillery Interior Design
While we may be miles away from New Orleans, the spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well in Richmond, Virginia!
As a New Orleanian and proud member of the Krewe of Hermes, my husband couldn't let this year’s Mardi Gras festivities pass us by without celebrating in our own way. We wanted to bring the magic of Mardi Gras to our home and host a dinner party for our friends in Richmond to introduce them to some of our family’s most beloved traditions. So tonight, I am celebrating Mardi Gras in style with a dinner party filled with delicious food, great company, and cheer.
Sara Hillery Interior Design
To start, I set the table with dainty floral plates, green wine goblets, and lavender napkins to reflect the traditional Mardi Gras color scheme. I love the freshness of the Wedgwood Avon Lavender salad plates and layered these on top of Wedgwood Traditions dinner plates.
Previously purchased gold chargers and blue placemats from my personal collection anchor the table setting. The glassware includes green wine goblets handmade in Poland coupled with vintage and collected antique glasses. Polished Chantilly silverware adds high shine to the muted tablescape while gold metal masks introduce intrigue to the scene.
Sara Hillery Interior Design
For greenery, I placed fern leaves and a preserved boxwood ball on top of a lavender runner. I handpicked flowers including Lenten roses, Hellebore flowers, baby’s breath, daisies, and purple Aster and added these blooms to various antique silver bud vases collected over time. Finally, I sprinkled in a few figs throughout the table to add interest and depth.
Meanwhile, sparkling beads, doubloons, and parade throws adorn the floating shelf in the Dining Room’s alcove, paying homage to the iconic traditions of Carnival.
Sara Hillery Interior Design
Tonight’s Cajun-inspired dinner menu is fit for a king and includes chargrilled oysters, filet, green beans, rice, and a bowl of my husband’s famous gumbo- a dish as flavorful as it is comforting. And of course, we are indulging in Randazzo’s classic king cake paired with Bluebell vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Here is to a night to remember as we celebrate Mardi Gras with good friends and good food, even from afar. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!
Luxury entertaining and tablescape design inspiration by Richmond interior designer Sara Hillery Interior Design, featuring Mardi Gras–inspired dining decor, seasonal Southern entertaining ideas, and culturally inspired event styling for at-home celebrations.
