NEW ORLEANS (press release) – International House honors seven rituals each year that still find an authentic modern expression, giving visitors a glimpse into a deeper richness woven throughout the cultural fabric of the Crescent City.
Twice a year, International House transforms its lobby décor to reflect the two distinct seasons in New Orleans: summer and winter. To usher in warmer weather, during June, July, and August, the hotel observes the highly practical, deep southern ritual of adopting “Summer Dress.” The heavy rugs are rolled up in favor of sisal; velvet drapery is replaced with gauzy cotton; and staff uniforms of wool suiting give way to seersucker. The foliage adds native banana leaves, palms, fragrant floating blossoms, and spiraling topiary. The custom stems from a time before air conditioning, stately homes along the Mississippi River needed to protect silk and fine furnishings from staining due to the perspiration from the oppressive heat and humidity of the summer months.
Further celebrating the season, a refreshing, “cool” cocktail is served at loa bar of International House – a 2023 Tales of the Cocktail, Top Ten Regional Honoree for Best U.S. Hotel Bar – crafted by award-winning lead mixologist, Abigail Gullo. The Summer Dress libation is a South American take on a Sangria – light and fragrant, stuffed with a bounty of flora and fruit. It features a compelling combination of White Wine Clerico, Apricot eau de vie, and fresh Summer Fruits.
The hotel’s 1906 Beaux Arts façade frames the architecture, music, art, cocktails, and characters which all convey the soul of the city by way of the rituals performed within its walls. Choose to observe from a distance or join the dwellers in these cherished customs not known to most. These traditions have marinated for over 300 years like hambones in red beans and rice, percolated like chicory coffee, and distilled like the whiskey poured into Sazeracs.
International House | 221 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130 | 504-553-9550 | IHhotel.com
