Call me basic, but autumn continues to hold first place for me as a favorite season. When fall hits the cooler temperatures and seasonal scents are irresistible, it’s second only to spring in my book. The weather is not too cold, but chilly enough — especially in the evening — for cozy clothing and comfy pursuits. After a hotter-than-hot New Orleans summer, there’s little I can think of that’s more inviting and invigorating than being comfortable outside for walks, a porch sit, time spent in the garden, dining al fresco or perhaps even a picnic.
It’s with that last bit in mind that we rounded up a collection of chic and highly functional picnic baskets in “Price Mix” (page 76) for when the weather is so gorgeous it begs you to gather around a picnic table or blanket in your favorite park. Champagne and fried chicken at Audubon Park, anyone?
Meanwhile, in “Trendwatch” (page 34) we also have you covered — literally — with soft, autumnally-hued throw blankets, as well as toss pillows, to help with your seasonal shift in décor.
As you plan your get-togethers, be sure to check out the turkey ramen recipe by Zac Hill, the sous chef at Union Ramen Bar on Magazine Street in “Gatherings” (page 24). This flavorful, hearty Japanese staple is crafted using American staples for a twist sure to dazzle your guests in the cooler months.
Finally, the gardeners among us are also rejoicing as we swap out those summer annuals for their heartier fall counterparts, plant fall veggies and otherwise prepare our greenspaces and plots for the new season. If like me, you’re always eager to find new ways to draw wildlife to your yard, don’t skip “For the Garden” (page 28), which in this issue details how to turn even the tiniest yard into a wildlife refuge benefitting Louisiana’s diverse and wonderous ecosystem.
As always we have stunning interiors and our annual Design Masters feature celebrating New Orleans’ vastly talented home industry professionals, so grab your favorite autumnal beverage, a throw blanket and cozy up with another issue chock full of inspiration.
Cheers!
Mix it Up
I’m extremely proud and excited to share a project I’ve been working on over the past year with Molly Kimball, registered dietitian, and the founder and director of Ochsner’s Eat Fit NOLA (and other Eat Fit programs). I served as the executive editor of a new zero-proof cocktail book authored by Kimball, who partnered for it with mixologist and beverage industry whiz Ethan Skaggs. “Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails” is a gorgeous, full-color book featuring more than 50 recipes, guides to barware, bitters, glassware and everything else you need to craft a fully sensorial zero proof cocktail; this book is an essential — and beautiful — resource for every home mixologist’s library. Proceeds from book sales help fund Eat Fit programming, so you can get a fabulous book and help support worthwhile health and health education initiatives. The book publishes in November will be available at your favorite online booksellers, local bookstores, cookshops and other retailers, but is available for pre-order now online at ochsnerstore.org/eat-fit-cookbooks/.
