I'm Catholic and I wouldn't find it offensive.  Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent...no meat....Mardi Gras is the day BEFORE Lent when people got rid of all their meat!  I found it was helpful at my Mardi Gras party this last weekend to explain what Mardi Gras was/is.  That way they didn't think of it as a party hardy day only.  I also explained that in Lousianna they actually celebrate Mardi Gras as a holiday and they start celebrating a month early...thanks cajunchelle!  They thought that was all neat info and they were ALL Catholic!!!

 

I'd say to just be safe for your Catholic and protestant guests who observe the no meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays, don't serve anything with meat....fish is good.  New Orleans Crab Spread would be perfect! 

 

Ash Wednesday is a more solomn day in the church, but I think you should still be alright doing this theme.  Just keep it fishy!

 

I'd say if there are guests who are not wanting to celebrate on Ash Wednesday because of their religious beliefs, they are most likely not going to come to ANY type of party anyway.  I don't think it would be offensive. 

 

Anyone else with a different view? 

Michelle

 

 

 

As a Catholic, I would find it pretty hard to fast on Ash Wednesday at a PC show! LOL  Check with your host--no Catholics--no problems--use ideas listed.  If you have a lot of Catholics, you may want to change the date, or some won't show to avoid temptation and rest may not eat.  The rule for fasting is two very small meals that cannot add up to the third regular meal with no meat all day and no snacking between meals.  Some go further and do a total fast, but this is the minimum requirement unless you have health issues.  Didn't know you could learn about Catholicism from a PC loop did ya!  LOL