Can't Make it to Mardi Gras? Throw a New Orleans-Style Jazz Brunch Instead

New Orleans is in the swing of celebration season and don't we wish we were all there together? Though it's a little late to book a flight down South, we can still party with the best of them. Gather up a few friends and a fistful of disposable beads. A laissez les bons temps rouler attitude and a few more finds are all you need to throw a New Orleans-style jazz brunch.

Set the Mood

First thing's first, a jazz brunch calls for majorly good tunes — of the toe-tappin', head noddin' variety.

Trombone Shorty
Available at: amazon.com

The New Orleans Cotton Mouth Kings
Available at: amazon.com

Hurray for the Riff Raff
Available at: amazon.com

Treme Soundtrack
Available at: amazon.com

Scent the Air

The intoxicating gardenia and jasmine scent of Niven Morgan's New Orleans candle will instantly transport you to the city's Garden District.

Price: $32
Available at: nivenmorgan.com

Be Inspired

The Big Easy is brimming with culinary talent and attracts many of the world's best chefs. Plan a Southern-inspired menu with their help.

Crescent City Cooking: Unforgettable Recipes from Susan Spicer's New Orleans
Available at: amazon.com

Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans
Available at: amazon.com

Gumbo: A Savor the South Cookbook by Dale Curry
Available at: amazon.com

Break Bread

Italian charcuterie, cheese, and a tangy olive salad piled onto a giant round loaf of Italian bread. Delicious. Recreate the ultimate New Orleans sandwich at home.

Gambinos's Muffuletta Loaf
Price: $25
Available at: gambinos.com

Central Grocery Olive Salad
Price: $23
Available at: amazon.com

Cover the Classics

It's hard to go wrong with a big bowl of red beans and rice. Simmer a pot of Camellia red kidneys (a Gulf Coast staple that dates back 80 years) and serve it over white rice.

Shuck Some Oysters

Order a sack of fresh Gulf oysters and pry them open with a handsome African rosewood knife contoured to fit perfectly in your hand.

Louisiana Gulf Oysters
Available at: louisianasbestseafood.com

R. Murphy Wellfleet Oyster Knife
Available at: amazon.com

Spice Things Up

Turn up the heat with Cochon's take on the classic Cajun condiment.

Available at: linkrestaurantgroup.com

Top It Off with a Carnival Treat

The preferred confection of Mardi Gras season. Sucre's is a refined version of the traditional Danish-like pastry. One lucky reveler will find a tiny plastic baby in their slice; next year's cake is on them!

Price: $20
Available at: shopsucre.com 

Mix a Cocktail

Rumored to be the city's first cocktail, the sazerac is a quintessential Mardi Gras drink.

Available at your favorite local liquor store

Dress the Table

Fill a timeless glass punch bowl with a sweet and boozy concoction guaranteed to keep the party going.

Available at: moma.com

Parting Favor

Send guests off with flair: individually wrapped sparklers in the season's colors.

Available at: topsmalibu.com