“I love that you can go from hosting an intimate, 10-person gathering in one part of town, to a 5,000-person event in another,” says Danielle Lee, partner and CFO of My House Events, a full-service event production company in the city that specializes in thoughtful, design-forward celebrations, with a strong focus on catering and guest experience.
“New Orleans truly is a city that loves to entertain,” she continues, “and we love seeing that come to life in so many different forms.”
This summer, we encourage readers to plan an event that pays it forward. Consider making sustainability the key goal, from the food you serve to the flowers that add that personal touch.
My House Events is known, not only for great event strategy, but also for making an economic impact and helping the community. Can you tell us a little bit about that? Our mission is to support chefs — especially women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ chefs — by creating meaningful opportunities through events. During Super Bowl week, we were involved in over 20 events and generated more than half a million dollars in revenue for our chefs, 88% of whom were mission-aligned. Additionally, we donated 2,124 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank and used 100% compostable disposables in events.
If we want to throw sustainable events this summer, what are key things to keep in mind? First, supporting our local farmers and fishermen. Many of our chefs feature seasonal, locally grown produce from southeastern Louisiana and sustainable Gulf seafood. When we’re able to use what’s in our own backyard, it not only creates a more sustainable approach but also a uniquely regional experience.
Second, disposables are necessary, make every effort to choose biodegradable options like palm or bamboo.
Third, reduce food waste. Donate leftover food to community fridges or, when there is a larger surplus, to local food banks.
Where do most people go wrong in trying to make their lives and their parties more sustainable? What’s the hurdle that we often don’t see? We see a lot of glass ending up in the trash. If glassware isn’t in the budget, opting for biodegradable alternatives is a great solution. There are some really good-looking options available now. Actively working to lessen what goes into landfills is a simple but important rule of thumb. We love partnering with Glass Half Full for events, as they can help recycle glass.
Got any fun party ideas for us? Incorporate a Gulf sushi bar — it keeps things local and really showcases what the region has to offer. Greta’s Sushi, who we love working with, always creates a beautiful spread. Through our oyster bars, one can ensure that shells are returned to help restore the coast, and for items like personalized to-go cups, there are increasingly more sustainable options.
Why is thinking sustainably so vital for our city in particular? We’re a small city, with a unique set of environmental challenges working against us. Anything we can do to help support and strengthen our community in the face of those challenges? It’s essential.
