The Preservation Resource Center’s Julia Jump is 35 – wow! You won’t want to miss this incredible event featuring entertainment by Deacon John and the Ivories. Thanks so much to our cover models: the ever-fabulous Deacon John Moore, co-chairs Mandi Frischhertz and Carol Starr and PRC president Anne Redd. This year the gala will be at the newly refurbished French Market on March 23 at 6:30 p.m., and you’ll get to bid on incredible auction items while tasting treats from New Orleans’ finest restaurants, all for only $125 a person! The PRC was founded in 1974 to promote the preservation, restoration and revitalization of New Orleans’ historic architecture and neighborhoods.
Now that all of the hoopla of Mardi Gras is over, you can concentrate on making your home or apartment the best that it can be. “What’s Hot” this month features home décor and includes objects from stoves to martini glasses – everything to create your personal sanctuary. Once that’s completed, it’s time for a party; this month our feature is on home entertaining to keep your next event stress-free. We have tips, tricks and items to make it as “easy as apple pie.”
You have probably noticed that Magazine Street has freshly paved roads and a new look, so in our special section we’ll take you there so you can find almost anything you desire. We visit old favorites and show you fresh faces – stores, restaurants and markets. The best of Magazine Street will take you days to discover, so take your time and have fun!
Speaking of fun, this debutante season was filled with fabulous parties, and in this issue we give you a glimpse of three fantastic parties that celebrated these beautiful girls and their friends and families. Two took place at the New Orleans Country Club and one on New Year’s Eve at the Bourbon Orleans! There were great flowers, music and food at each one.
Everyone has been asking about my column on vintage weddings; it’s back this month with the beautiful wedding of Mary and McDonald Stephens. The wedding was in North Carolina, but as all of you know Mary and McDonald Stephens have lived in New Orleans their whole lives.
We have another anniversary – this time it’s the 75th anniversary for Wren’s Tontine and Shade Shop at 1533 Prytania Street! The third generation, daughter-in-law Blythe Wren, is at the helm, and she says that “tontine” refers to the fabric in the blackout shades that their company made for the streetcars in the 1940s and still makes today. They also do lots more: upholstered headboard and window treatments that include pleated, honeycomb, woven wood, balloon and Roman shades and more. They have fabulous fabrics from which to choose, and they offer color consultation as well. Go by and see Blythe today!
We all love chef Susan Spicer, and she asks, “Where can you go to find Paris right around the corner?” You will be treated to a three-course lunch with complimentary champagne on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays all during the month of March at Bayona. Spicer has also created a new luncheon menu, but you can always get your old favorites.
We wish to apologize for errors present in the Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses “Fall Gala” write-up on pages 28-29 of our February issue. The errors have been corrected on our website, MyNewOrleans.com, and we hope that you will go there to read how wonderful the gala was.
Do not forget the “Night to Make It Right” gala with Brad Pitt and Ellen DeGeneres and lots of major stars and fabulous musicians at the Hyatt on March 10. Thanks, Brad!
Bev with Development Associate for New Orleans Museum of Art Volunteer Committee (NVC) Fundraising Kristen Jochem, NVC Chair Elizabeth Ryan and co-chair Gwathmey Gomila for the 26th annual “Art in Bloom – New Orleans: Life in Color,” March 14-18. For more information call the NVC office at 658-4121, or visit noma.org/pages/detail/194/Art-in-Bloom-by-Whitney-Bank.
