The Peal: March 2026 by Gambit New Orleans

FASHION | LIFE | DESIGN

New chapter in New Orleans music history begins with the city’s frst opera festival

March 24-29

BY AMANDA MCELFRESH | AMCELFRESH@THEADVOCATE.COM

This ar ticle is brought to you by the New Orleans Opera Festival.

Wi th in fu en ce s fr om ar ou nd th e wo rl d, Ne w Orleans has a soundscape unlike any other. Opera has it s place in this rich cult ural tape st ry, wi th de ep ly hu ma n st or ie s to ld th roug h po we rf ul vo ic es an d em ot io na l ar cs .

Th os e laye rs wi ll be on fu ll di sp lay du ri ng th e fr st Ne w Or le an s Op er a Fe st iv al , pr es en te d by th e Ne w Or le an s Op er a As so ci at io n an d ta ki ng pl ac e Ma rc h 24 -2 9 at mu lt ip le Fr en ch Qu ar te r ve nu es

“W e ho pe to sh ar e mo re of th e ab un da nt , subver sive, competitive and innovative histor y of op er a pe rf or ma nc e in Ne w Or le an s (2 30 ye ar s and co un ting!) and p la ce th is vi ta l piece of ou r be au ti fu l ci ty ’s cu lt ur al la nd sc ap e in to a bold er, cl ea re r co nt ex t,” wr ot e Li la Pa lm er, ge ne ral and ar ti st ic di re ct or, in En De ho rs , a Ne w Or le an s Op er a As so ci at io n pu bl ic at io n. Th e pe rf or ma nc e sc he du le is as fo ll ow s:

Di al og ue s de s Ca rm el it es

Sh ow s ar e 7: 30 p. m. Ma rc h 24 an d Ma rc h 26 , and 2: 30 p. m. Ma rc h 28 . Va le nt in a Ce sc hi is th e di re ct or and Jo sh ua An and Sl at er is th e co ndu ct or Al l sh ow s wi ll be at th e Ur su li ne Co nv en t in th e Fr en ch Qu ar te r, th e ol de st buil ding in Lo uisia na

Th is po we rf ul tr ue st or y is se t in 17 89 Pa ri s and re co un ts ho w 16 nu ns we re exec ut ed by guillotine In 1836, one of three sisters who were away at the time published the mart yr s’ stor y.

Go ld a Sc hu lt z: Da rk Ma tt er (s )

So ut h Af ri ca n

so pr an o Sc hu lt z wi ll

be ac co mp an ie d by pi an is t Jon at ha n

Wa re fo r a Ma rc h 25

pe rf or ma nc e at Th e

Ci vi c Th ea tr e. Th e show weaves together

St rau ss , Br ah ms an d

Cl ara Sc hu ma nn, of fe ri ng a ch an ce to ex pe ri en ce on e o f to da y’ s mo st co mp el li ng vo ca l ar ti st s at th e he ig ht of her ar ti st ry. “I ’v e co me to op er a an d to so ng re pe rt oi re be ca us e I li ke st or ie s an d I li ke he ar in g ab ou t ot he r pe op le and I li ke te ll in g ot he r pe op le ’s st or ie s,” Sc hu lt z to ld Vo ca l Ar ts DC

Da rk Ma tt er (s) wi ll fo cu s on da rker mo me nt s of ex is te nc e, in cl ud in g ni gh tt im e, ph an ta sm s an d in te ns e em ot io na l ex pe ri en ce s. Wi th in th es e de ep th em es , Sc hu lt z wi ll cr ea te an un mi ss ab le pe rf or ma nc e.

Sh ow Bo at in Co nc er t

Pi lg ri ma ge

Th is jo ur ne y th ro ug h pa ss io n, fa it h and th e human spir it will begin on Ma rc h 29 at se cr et historic French Quar ter lo ca ti on s th at wi ll be announced prior to the pe rf or ma nc e. Ca rl is le

Floyd ’s Pi lg ri mage and Kaija Saariaho’s L’amour de loin intertwine, guiding li st en er s th roug h an od ys se y of lo ng in g an d sp ir it ua l re bi rt h.

“O pe ra in th e op er a ho us e is of te n ab ou t re ac hi ng, th roug h mu si c an d ar t an d co st um e an d li gh t, fo r tr an sc en de nc e,” Pa lm er wr ot e.

“H ow po we rf ul co ul d it be if pe op le we re to en gage th is tr an sc en de nt id ea at th e pa ce of th ei r ow n bo di es , in li ne wi th th e tr ad it io ns of th e ci ty, of mu si c ma ki ng in mo ti on? Th at pu ll , th at ho ok th at dr aw s yo u down a pa th , is wh at th e fe st iv al is re al ly tr yi ng to ex pr es s.”

Step aboard the New Orleans Riverboat on March 28 as the sun sets over the Mississippi and the music of Show Bo at co me s to li fe on th e wa te rs th at in sp ire d it Cr ea te d by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, Show Boat premiered in 19 27, we av in g sw ee pi ng ro ma nc e wi th honest re fections on race, identi ty and a changing Amer ic a. This perfor mance will be a rare chance to experience New Orleans’ rhythm, ro ma nce, and de ep co nn ec tion to th e migh ty Missis sippi while celebrat ing one of Amer ic a’s most in fuential musicals.

Visi t ww w. ne wo rlea nsoperafes ti va l.co m to pu rch ase ti cket s and lear n mo re.

Michaela Bechler

Dora Sison

DIRECTOR Sandy Stein

Lauren Cunningham, Alyssa Hauptmann, Bennett Geston, Abigail Bordelon, Kelly Sonnier, Charlie Thomas CONTENT PRODUCER Marigny Lanaux CONTRIBUTORS Misty Milioto, Sarah Ravits TRAFFIC MANAGER Jason Whittaker

CREATIVE Emma Da Via

Maria Boue, Gavin Donaldson, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White

PHOTO BY KAT KIMBALL

Al EVERYTHING FRESCO

With daylight savings (March 8) and the first official day of spring (March 20) on the horizon, it’s an ideal time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air — especially before it gets too humid! From a garden party fundraiser to events in honor of Women’s History Month, there’s no shortage of local happenings, so be sure to explore our picks in New + Now. Literature lovers can’t miss the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University, a fest with more than 100 authors, journalists, and influential figures in attendance. Learn about the four-day fête in Out & About. Speaking of books, flip to Homes with History to read about New Orleans Garden District: Profiles in Preservation, a beautiful new coffee table book filled with photographs, illustrations, and personal stories that celebrate the Garden District neighborhood.

After the bustling holidays and Carnival season, vacation may be at the forefront of your mind, and if you’re itching to plan a trip, you may not have to travel far. Word of Advice highlights some Louisiana gems, including a vineyard, national forest, and crystal-clear lake with a beach!

Currently reading:

Happy Bad , the debut novel by local author and journalist Delaney Nolan

Currently watching:

“ Searching for Italy” with Stanley Tucci. My fiancé and I are about to travel there, so I’m trying to learn a bit about the different regional foods.

New favorite recipe:

I’d never made a gumbo in my life because I thought it would be too intimidating, but I decided to try out a recipe from The Mississippi Vegan cookbook by Chef Timothy Pakron, who lives right here in New Orleans. It turned out to be so good, and even my meat-loving friends and family loved it. Thank you, Timothy!

— Sarah Ravits

The upcoming weeks are a great time for hosting en plein air, and all the inspiration you need can be found in Al Fresco Affairs. Beatriz Ball and her team designed two stunning tablescapes — one is fit for a romantic candlelight supper, while the other was designed with a poolside lunch in mind and graces this month’s cover. Both are a chic display of Beatriz Ball pieces (many of which are made of break-resistant materials like melamine and acrylic) supplemented with finds from Judy at the Rink. Prepare for the arrival of spring by shopping from Take it Outside and Hop to It — both stories feature a curated selection of fashion and home items perfect for the season. Lastly, don’t forget to meet the adorable Shop Dogs of B. Viz Design. Thank you for reading and supporting The Pearl ! We hope this issue serves as your go-to guide for outdoor living in New Orleans and beyond. — Marigny Lanaux

Now Ne w +

And...Scene! Small BITES, Big IMPACT

BY MARIGNY LANAUX & SARAH RAVITS

Those who enjoy cinema can’t miss the 29th French Film Festival presented by the New Orleans Film Society. This international language festival will run March 19-24, containing a dynamic lineup of French films that will have English subtitles. Participants can enjoy a selection of contemporary and classic films shown at Prytania Theatre Uptown (5339 Prytania Street) and other activations at venues across the city. Three passes are available this year: a Film Pass grants you access to all screenings, an All-Access Pass gets you into films and parties, and a discounted Student-Teacher Pass is available exclusively for young people and educators.

NEWORLEANSFILMSOCIETY.ORG

P LAN A Picnic

Co-owner of Saint Claire Melissa Martin spent a year collecting vintage baskets to launch a curated picnic service. Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., guests can reserve a picnic to be enjoyed on the restaurant’s property under the oak trees or on the back porch. Baskets contain an assortment of meats, cheeses, crackers, homemade breads, sweets, and other accompaniments. A blanket, cutlery, glasses, and the option to add on wine or other beverages are also included in the experience.

Only 8 picnics are available daily, so be sure to reserve your luxury spread ahead of time. The picnics are designed for two people, but reserving a second picnic easily expands the experience to four. If a larger party is desired, send the restaurant an inquiry, and they will most likely be able to accommodate!

1300 RICHLAND ROAD

Edible Evening , an annual fundraiser and garden party that supports the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, is celebrating its 20th anniversary on March 26 with a benefit at Samuel J. Green Charter School. Dozens of local restaurants are participating, including Sylvain, Toups’ Meatery, Pêche, The Company Burger, and Jack Rose. There will be specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and mocktails, as well as live music from the Original Pinettes Brass Band and The Roots of Music. Funds raised will benefit FirstLine Charter Schools’ culinary education program, which teaches elementary and middle-school-aged children how to garden, grow and harvest produce, develop recipes, and cook their own food, with an appreciation for where it comes from.

ESYNOLA.ORG

A MONTH OF Momentum

Floor 13 is known for its selection of eclectic furniture, home décor, and art. Owner Holis Hannan’s mission is to keep high-quality furnishings from ending up in the landfill, and she often “rescues” items from hotel liquidations and gives them fresh, colorful makeovers. In honor of Women’s History Month, the shop is hosting its second annual EmpowHER community celebration. Don’t miss the month-long “(re) Claim Her Power Art Show” exhibit, with an opening reception on Friday, March 13, which will feature a tattoo artist pop-up. Floor 13 will also host a Sustainable Maker’s Market on March 22, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of women creators, with an emphasis on recycled and repurposed materials.

341 N. HENNESSEY STREET

PHOTO BY ANNE BLENKER

PHOTO BY YLIANA VELAZQUEZ / COURTESY OF EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD

OUT & ABOUT:

HIT

Books THE

Tulane University’s Book Festival returns with a star-studded lineup.

BY SARAH RAVITS

PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER

Th e New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University returns March 12-15, with more than 100 national, regional, and local authors, journalists, and influential figures who will explore topics including history, politics, culture, economics, food, and storytelling. What began as a children’s event in 2010 has evolved into one of New Orleans’ premier literary festivals, drawing in luminaries from all over the world.

The event co-chairs are Cheryl Landrieu, the former ﬁrst lady of New Orleans (and founder of the festival), and bestselling biographer Walter Isaacson. All events are free and open to the public and take place at Tulane’s Uptown campus. Books and other merch are also for sale throughout the long weekend.

An opening reception kicks of the four-day fête on March 12 at McAlister Auditorium, in partnership with The Atlantic. A panel discussion moderated by the magazine’s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, examines “America at 250” and will include insights from Isaacson, filmmaker Ken Burns, Atlantic sta f writer Clint Smith, and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed. Each will share their perspective on American ideals and contradictions — and discuss the inﬂuence

of history, journalism, and storytelling on American democracy.

Other headliners include politician and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams and novelist Salman Rushdie. A wide range of writers will host panels and book signings, including local author Jami Attenberg, actor Bryan Batt, geographer and historian Richard Campanella, New York Times columnist David Brooks, former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, fashion journalist Laura Brown, and bestselling feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The fest concludes with Family Day on Sunday, March 15, featuring programs for kids of all ages, caregivers, and educators. These programs include storytelling, author readings, and hands-on activities. There’s also a student writing recognition ceremony, which will honor writers in grades 4-8 from Je f erson, Orleans, and St. Bernard parishes who submitted works exploring the theme “Where I Belong” with poems, personal stories, and ﬁctional pieces.

Registration isn’t required, but it is recommended for some of the higher proﬁle events, like the opening reception. For more information or to register, visit bookfest.tulane.edu.

W ORD OF A DVICE:

Best-KeptOutdoor Secrets LOUISIANA’S

Wine country, wilderness trails, and white sand beaches are closer than you think — all within driving distance of New Orleans.

BY MISTY MILIOTO

This spring, embark on a journey across Louisiana, as outdoor experiences extend far beyond the French Quarter and swamp tours. From rolling vineyards to beautiful lakes, the state offers surprising destinations that prove nature lovers don’t need to leave The Boot to find adventure.

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Located between Lafayette and Baton Rouge, the 15,000-acre Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge offers authentic Louisiana wilderness that is accessible to determined explorers. The refuge’s mix of scenic bayous, oxbow lakes, swamps, and bottomland hardwood forest is perfect for hunting, fishing, boating, birdwatching, paddling, or just enjoying the view. Unlike more developed parks, Atchafalaya rewards visitors willing to travel by boat through waterways that showcase Louisiana’s wetland ecosystems in their most pristine state.

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the Atchafalaya Basin supports one of the three core populations of Louisiana black bears in the state. It’s also home to many other species, including bald eagles.

Lake Isabel Farm

Located in Washington Parish about an hour from New Orleans, Lake Isabel Farm features what owner Anthony Sedlak describes as Louisiana’s premier crystal-clear lake. The water clarity comes from an unusual origin: mining operators dug until they hit natural springs, which now feed into the basin every day.

The 422-acre property includes white sand beaches and a mile-long private lake, offering a beach experience that feels distinctly un-Louisiana. Daily attendance is limited to 85 tickets sold online, maintaining an exclusive atmosphere. All-inclusive day passes grant visitors access to kayaks, life jackets, a diving platform, beach volleyball court and other games, a three-mile nature walking trail, propane grills, and fishing opportunities.

Future plans include modern lakefront vacation rentals designed by New Orleans-based architecture firm CICADA, farm-to-table dinners, land conservation activities and education, additional recreational opportunities, and an events center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ISABEL FARM

Kisatchie National Forest

Louisiana’s only national forest spans more than 604,000 acres across seven parishes in central and northern Louisiana, divided into five ranger districts. The diversity within this single forest system rivals entire state park networks elsewhere.

The Kisatchie Ranger District showcases the forest’s most dramatic terrain, where sandstone bluffs provide gorgeous views of the wilderness. The Longleaf Vista Recreation Area offers panoramic overlooks of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, while Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area provides white sandy beaches and rocky rapids perfect for paddling.

For hikers, the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail (in the Calcasieu Ranger District) stretches 26 miles through forests that burst into color each spring. Mountain bikers can tackle portions of the trail system, while off-highway vehicle enthusiasts have access to multiple trail systems including the 88-mile Claiborne Multiple-Use Trails. The forest also contains historic sites, including the Fullerton Mill Trail with QR codes guiding visitors through ruins of what was once the largest sawmill operation west of the Mississippi River.

Chicot State Park

Chicot State Park accommodates a variety of visitors, from day-trippers to seasoned campers to guests who prefer deluxe lakefront cabins. The park covers more than 6,400 acres in south central Louisiana and surrounds Lake Chicot, which has yielded record freshwater catches of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. However, the park’s appeal extends far beyond fishing.

An extensive hiking and backpacking trail encircles Lake Chicot and includes several campsites. Mountain bikers share much of the 20-mile hiking trail that winds through bottomland hardwood forest. The park operates across three landings offering different experiences: South Landing features cabins, a water playground, picnic areas, and boat rentals; North Landing provides campsites, a boat launch, and a 400-foot fishing pier; and East Landing caters to day visitors with its boat launch and barbecue pavilion. Nestled within the park’s boundaries, the Louisiana State Arboretum is home to a mature beech-magnolia forest and miles of nature trails with labeled native plants.

PHOTO BY ERICH VALLERY

Landry Vineyards

On the edge of West Monroe sits a 50-acre plot that is home to Landry Vineyards. Since 1999, this family operation has been producing quality wines from grapes grown in Louisiana, demonstrating that the state’s agricultural diversity extends well beyond sugarcane and rice.

Landry Vineyards has approximately 16 acres of wine grapes in production to craft more than 20 different wine varieties, from classics like Chardonnay and Merlot to unique flavors like Peach Muscadine and Redneck Red. Offering insight into Louisiana winemaking, the tours take guests through the vineyard, cellar, winery and tank room, crush pad, and bottling facility.

The vineyard transforms into an entertainment venue during the spring and fall outdoor concert series. Families sit on hillsides enjoying late afternoon music while sipping wine, and the property features three Grape Escape cottages with vineyard views.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDRY VINEYARDS

with HOMES HISTORY

Step inside the Garden District

BY SARAH RAVITS | PHOTOS BY DAVID G. SPIELMAN

Ne w Orleans Garden District: Profiles in Preservation takes readers into more than 100 homes in the lush, vibrant neighborhood, exploring the history of each one. The 300-page book is a collection of contemporary photographs, mixed in with historic renderings and illustrations, and personal stories about the homes that set the Garden District apart — not just in New Orleans but nationwide.

The entire neighborhood has been a National Historic Landmark since 1971, a testament to both its architectural signiﬁcance and longstanding preservation eforts. And unlike museums or places “frozen in time” like colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, this neighborhood stands out for its “warmth and that it has a living, breathing history,” says David G. Spielman, the book’s photographer.

The concept for Profiles in Preservation was developed by the Garden District Association Board President Andrea St. Paul Bland, who worked with Spielman for almost eight years to capture each home’s visual splendor. The project changed shape over the years — Bland initially sought to create a series of books corresponding to individual homes in the area that met certain criteria designated by the city’s Historic District Landmarks Commission. Qualified homeowners signed up for a “subscription” program and received curated, keepsake books about their homes, filled with photography and historical information about the properties. They also received bronze plaques to mount on their home’s exteriors, which summarized some of the historical significance.

Momentum grew for the program, and Bland found that there was a lot of excitement and curiosity among the residents. So once the Proﬁles in Preservation team gathered enough information and photos, they decided to combine all the individual stories into one big book, along with other information about the area. “This is like 101 books,” Spielman says. The photographs in the book are just a sampling of what’s been captured over the past several years.

Historians, preservationists, and local writers all helped paint a full picture of the neighborhood, past and present. Sally K. Reeves edited the book, and Shelley Landrieu served as the program director. “There was a lot of strong muscle behind this project,” Bland says. “Neighbors really stepped up ... If you own a historic house, you care; you’re vested in it.”

The book takes the reader through the history of the neighborhood, dating back to the 1830s when the district’s oldest existing house, known

as “Toby’s Corner,” was built for a merchant from Philadelphia and became a hub for social activity. There’s also a chapter on women’s wealth and Louisiana civil law, which was more egalitarian toward women, especially when it came to property ownership. Free people of color also played an important role in the neighborhood’s development.

“There’s a house built on land where the whole square plot was owned by a free woman of color, and she had bought and sold property. There are a lot of stories like that (in the Garden District),” Bland says. “Without women getting property and dividing it and selling it, we wouldn’t have many of these homes built.”

Throughout its pages, Proﬁles in Preservation also showcases a wide range of architectural styles from diferent time periods: American cottages dating back to the 1800s, Classic Revival galleried houses, shotgun homes, Colonial revivals, and Queen Anne style houses. “It’s not just beautiful mansions; it’s an architecturally diverse neighborhood,” Bland says. “It’s an enormous collection of historic homes — from 1832 to 1930 — that are still homes.”

Spielman says the book is a good historical account that dispels some legends about the neighborhood. “Writers gather information that contradicts folklore,” he says. “There were several people that could be put out, but this is better: now we have the facts. The book drives home the fact that we don’t own these places; we’re the caretakers. They were here before us, and they’ll be here after.”

New Orleans Garden District:

Profiles in Preservation is now available for purchase at gardendistrictassociation.com and is available locally at The Garden District Book Shop (2727 Prytania Street) and Octavia Books (513 Octavia Street).

TU RN YOUR OUTDOO RS PACE

IN TO TH EU LT IM AT EOAS IS!

From soot hing hydrot herapy to ef fort less entertaining, our premiumhot tubs andswimspas create theper fect spaceto relax, recharge,and ga ther.

We carr yawideselec tion of models to ﬁt ever ysize, st yle, andbudget. Visitour showroom to ﬁnd theper fect tubfor you!

Stoneware Snail Watering Can $28, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

Loretta Caponi Indira Top $610, Loretta Caponi Nuvola Skirt $700, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

Precise Orchid Placemat $24, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com

Butterfly Acrylic Stir Sticks $20, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com

Blue Gingham Lightweight Wicker Picnic Basket for 2 $62, Avis Aldine @avisaldine

6 Butterfly Salad Bowl $99, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com

7 Vintage 1990s Chinese Jardiniere Planter $70, Avis Aldine @avisaldine

Rosantica Nodi Codette Bag $847, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

Mestiza Quinn Mini Dress $395, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com

The Crawfish Print Everything Blanket $39.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

MSGM Flower Mini Dress $420, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

Resin Sorbet Cheese Knives

$60 / Set of 3, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

Animal Self-Watering Plant Spikes

$17 Each, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

Vintage Resin Lamb Planter with Drainhole $32, Avis Aldine @avisaldine

6 Blue Ceramic Indoor-Outdoor Bowl $215, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net

Passion Lilie Floral Button Up $64, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com

8 Crawfish Table Runner

$23.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

Gulf Coast Birds Playing Cards

$8, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com

Pontchartrain Melamine Plate $19.99, Nola Boo nolaboo.com

Handwoven Lilly Line Picnic Popper $60, PamelaDennis pameladennisnola.com

Al Fresco Affairs

BY MARIGNY LANAUX | PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL

With lower humidity and an occasional breeze, March is an ideal month for enjoying time on the porch, patio, or by the pool. Beatriz Ball, the founder and owner of her namesake brand, along with her team, designed two stunning tablescapes to inspire your next outdoor fête — whether it’s a casual meal or a luxe gathering.

Headquartered in New Orleans, the brand carries pieces crafted from melamine, acrylic, and resin, making them ideal for entertaining outside. Besides servingware, you can also shop a selection of unbreakable glasses and chic placemats, which are sure to complement any table.

Candlelight Spring Supper

This soft, seasonally inspired pink table with pops of green and gold is perfect for an early evening dinner. Creating an ambiance that’s special and romantic, the center of the table features a layered bundle of lit taper candles. “Presented in different heights for added interest, each has a spun sugar delicacy, and a jewel-like sheen and clarity,” Beatriz shared. “They provide a magical glow that elevates the atmosphere.”

The dinner and salad plates have the look of ceramic pieces, but they are actually melamine, making them dishwasher safe and break resistant. Plenty of Beatriz Ball pieces are designed with versatility in mind, including the champagne bucket, which is primarily a vase. With the addition of pastel glassware, napkins, and placemats, this table is easily ready for spring. Just set the mood with light music!

AL FRESCO AFFAIRS

Cambridge Sophia 9-inch & Olivia 12-inch Candlesticks

Encanto Vienna Vase

French Swirl Champagne Flutes

Vida Alegria Dinner & Salad Plates

Vida Cabana Reversible Round Placemats

Vida Charlotte Stainless Flatware

Juliska Cabana Stripe Napkins from Judy at the Rink

Lunch by th e Poo l

Casual, effortless elegance was the inspiration behind this blue tablescape. Containing Beatriz Ball items and finds from Judy at the Rink, this monochrome table was supplemented with dinner plates and utensils sporting naturalistic bamboo details. This stays true to Beatriz’s decorating style of mixing and matching to create something exciting yet refined. “I love things too much to ever be a minimalist. At the same time, I believe in editing and curating, so I’ll never be kitchen sink maximalist either.”

Fresh flowers and seasonal greenery completed the poolside setup. “They add fragrance and a natural element that truly adds life to the table.” The result is a relaxed, high-end tablescape that’s perfect for a daytime meal or aperitivo.

Bunny Burlap Door Hanger

$52.99, Nola Gifts & Decor nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

Vietri Aladdin 5-Piece Place Setting $109, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

3 French Country Cocktail Napkins

$9.50, Phina phinashop.com

MSGM Floral Ruffled Blouse

$460, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

MSGM Cotton Poplin Mini Dress $570, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com

1950s-1970s Indiana Glass Vintage Avocado Hors D’oeuvres Platter $45, Avis Aldine @avisaldine

7 Alexa Pulitzer Madam Bunny Notes $19, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com

1 Monet's Garden Pillow $195, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net 2

Hand-Painted Stoneware Vegetable Plates

$10.50 Each, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com

Daisy Centerpiece Platter $200, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com

4 Confetti Carafe $135, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com

Bunny Carrots Cracker Tray $35, Home Malone homemalonenola.com

ShopDogs

BY MARIGNY LANAUX

Birdie & B ou

SStore: B. Viz Design Bou

ince 2018, B. Viz Design has created exquisite pillows using antique textiles sourced from around the world, including France, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Through the process of what they call “regal recycling,” the B. Viz team is committed to repurposing old pieces into new products to be enjoyed. “The pillows are truly pieces of art, pieces of soul, and pieces of textile history,” vice president of sales and marketing Sarah Vizard shared. “We’re taking these centuries-old threads of gold and preserving the original embroideries by upcycling them into a new life in the form of very decorative pillows.”

Sarah and atelier manager Laurin Beard keep the atmosphere at B. Viz welcoming and exciting by bringing their pups to work with them. Birdie is Sarah’s sweet and loyal Brittany, and Bou is Laurin’s charming and cheerful Maltipoo. Both dogs love to camp out by the front window, happily passing the time people-watching. They both take on greeter duties and perk up when the doorbell chimes — Birdie loves to get attention from tourists missing their pets, and Bou can’t resist trotting over to kids.

Since B. Viz shares a retail space with Balzac Antiques, this shop might be one of the chicest doghouses in the city. With Standard Poodle Theo next door and Sarah’s new pup Merlin on the scene, the shop is always filled with playful energy. When Birdie and Bou aren’t on the clock, they’re either exploring New Orleans or traveling! Birdie is especially fond of road trips, and Bou is always ready to hop on a plane with Laurin to fly anywhere from Aspen to New York City.

Besides pillows, B. Viz also sells other artisanal creations and exhibits at several antique shows each year. Next time you’re in the area, stop into the shop and have Birdie and Bou show you around. They’ll likely be sporting their Fortuny dog collars and relaxing in the Suzani-style sherpa dog bed they share — both of which are available for purchase for your own pup.

B. VIZ DESIGN IS LOCATED AT 3506 MAGAZINE STREET