Elizabeth Leblanc, Executive Director Baty Landis and Sponsor Sweet Dupuy

True to its name, “Games in the Gardens” welcomed guests to Longue Vue House and Gardens with a festive, engaging and safe atmosphere throughout the lush grounds. Flower arrangements created from Longue Vue’s gardens decorated the venue. Patrons enjoyed music by the Harry Hardin Trio on the Drawing Room Balcony overlooking Longue Vue’s Portico Garden and Spanish Court. The Red Stick Croquet Club and Pétanque Lafayette led games of croquet and boules throughout the evening for guests to engage in socially distanced recreation.

Speakers included President of Friends of Longue Vue Marian Gibbs; Executive Director Baty Landis; and Director of Gardens Amy Graham.

Deidre Hall, of Edith & Edgar’s Museum Cafe, presented individualized bamboo plates of garden-fresh hors d’oeuvres using mint, lemon, basil and kale from the Longue Vue Gardens.

Auction items included seasonal flower arranging workshops led by Amy Graham, a behind-the-scenes tour of how the Sterns entertained led by Historian & Curator Lenora Costa and an antique silver gravy bowl donated by New Orleans Silversmiths. Sponsors included JoAnn Christopher; Marian and Larry Gibbs; Elizabeth and James Landis; Barbara and Biff Motley; AOS Interior Environments; Mary Len and Louis Costa; Sweet and Ben Depuy; Rene Fransen; Dodie Spencer Smith; Stephanie Stokes; Shaun and Foster Duncan; and Beverly Church. Immediately preceding the main event, Sponsors enjoyed a preview with caviar and champagne.

This event took the place of the seated, indoor “Design Symposium” traditionally hosted by Friends of Longue Vue each fall. While borne of creative necessity, “Games in the Gardens” was a success, with more than $13,000 raised to support gardens-based education in the Longue Vue Discovery Garden.

➺ Event at a Glance

What: “Games in the Garden,” benefiting Friends of Longue Vue

When: Sunday, October 22, 2020

Where: Longue Vue House and Gardens