CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Emma Veith, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
Kaitlin Guerin inside her new Central City bakery
Bakehouse.
PHOTO BY KAT KIMBALL
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
EDITOR'S LETTER
While I begrudgingly hold off on Christmas decorations, music, and movies until Thanksgiving has come and gone (usually within 24 hours…), I’ve been in the spirit since our team started working on this issue in October. How could you not be giddy while picking out gifts and festive décor or looking at a stunning home all decked out for the season? We hope you feel that same joy while flipping through our fashion stories, gift guides, and profiles of some fantastic individuals, businesses, and events.
As always, this issue is meant to be your guide to shopping in New Orleans this season, and we encourage you to support the many boutiques, restaurants, and small businesses featured throughout its pages. During my five (almost six!) years at Adore, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to personally know many owners and employees and help bring their products and services to our readers. After an especially tough summer, I know they would appreciate a visit this season. There are also several art and vendor markets taking place throughout December where you can purchase unique and locally made gifts.
Besides all of the shopping and holiday hustle, I hope your December is filled with lots of fun and festivities! I’m especially looking forward to the gatherings I have planned with family and friends (including my book club’s annual book exchange called Feliz Noveldad). Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home this month, the Adore team wishes you a safe and fabulous holiday season.
- MICHAELA BECHLER
Seamus says “Merry Barkmas!”
What We're Wishing For
“I love the Leopard Wine Bottle Cover from Hazelnut! It would look fabulous displayed on a bar cart and adds some flair when gifting a bottle of wine this season.”
- MARIGNY, PG. 52
“ The Vintage Deer Salt & Pepper Shakers from Phina are too cute — they’re definitely going on my dinner table this year!”
- LAUREN, PG. 24
“I’d like one of everything, but I keep coming back to the very practical Rapid Wine Chiller from Chateau Drugs & Gifts and the gorgeous Milky Way Ring from Porter Lyons.”
- MICHAELA, PG. 26 & 46
“I’m always on the hunt for unique gift items that have a personalized touch. For my wine-loving friends, I think the True Patchwork Cork Trivet from Nola Gifts & Décor would make a great gift! Shh! Don’t tell them!”
- DORA, PG. 26
“ The Esther Pullover from Wildflower NOLA is cute, warm, and can be versatile to dress up or down!”
- TIANA, PG. 40
Fall into Fashion!
1
Manoj Unisex
Suede Shirt Jacket $475, Lekha shoplekha.com
2
Hide and Leather Claret Bucket Bag $220, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
Mini Open Hoop Earrings $2,400, Porter Lyons porterlyons.com
7 Puffer Tote $38, Steele at Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie
TO THE O CCASION Rising
A Look Inside Lagniappe Bakehouse
BY MARIGNY LANAUX PHOTOS BY KAT KIMBALL
What began as a pop-up during the pandemic, Lagniappe Bakehouse is now a fully functioning bakery enriched with pastries and charm. Helmed by Kaitlin Guerin, the shop is full of “little extra somethings” including flaky croissants, flavorful cheesecake slices, warm biscuits, and benne toffee cookies.
After seven months of commercial renovations and finalizing the menu which included collaborating with small businesses like Piety Desire and Chocolate, Vaucresson Sausage Company, and Mammoth Coffee Company, the bakehouse opened its doors this past September in Central City. Kaitlin has created a space she’s excited to spend time in by providing a nostalgic café experience that celebrates the Black food-ways of the South.
When driving by, you may think you missed the shop’s signage, but this is intentional for the time being. As a neighborhood spot, the Lagniappe is simply dedicated to supplying delicious goods, utilizing local suppliers, and providing a welcoming space that reflects the city’s history. During the first couple of months in operation, Kaitlin’s favorite parts have been the smell of the first bake at 5:30 a.m. and seeing customers return. “That’s what we had hoped for, to build a community space in this neighborhood,” Kaitlin shares.
A new business isn’t without its challenges, and with a small space and team, Kaitlin has had to work hard to keep up the consistency and quality of her products. “It takes three days to make our croissants, and we work with local farmers and vendors to get the best ingredients we can. Maintaining all of this whilst keeping the menu new
and intriguing keeps us on our toes!” Seasonal items are created the same way as the everyday menu — by focusing on local, fresh ingredients while keeping the sought-after, classic holiday desserts in mind. An upcoming festive offering includes a panettone cake studded with whiskey-soaked cherries, chocolate, nuts, and candied citrus!
For first-time visitors, Kaitlin recommends trying one of everything as their menu isn’t super lengthy. Her preferred ways to enjoy a treat include outside with a book and an Africano coffee, inside by a window, or shared with friends and family at a shaded picnic table.
LAGNIAPPE CORNMEAL Muffins
Makes about 18 large muf ns
2 cups fine yellow cornmeal*
2 cups all purpose flour*
½ cup organic sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
2 eggs
3 cups full fat buttermilk**
1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 ½ cups fresh shucked corn kernels
Turbinado raw sugar to top Optional: fresh corn husks
Bake in a large muffin pan with muffin liners or fresh corn husks!
Sift your dry ingredients into a large bowl – cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder/soda, and salt. Whisk your eggs. Add the buttermilk and mix until fully combined.
Make a well in the center of your dry bowl. Pour the liquid mixture in, and, with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix and fold batter together until it’s mostly combined. There should not be any major flour patches. With cooled butter, slowly pour into mixture. Gently fold in butter until completely homogenous. Fold in corn until combined.
Scoop into prepared muffin liners to ¾ full. If using freshly shucked corn husks, cut strips into square size, about 25% larger than the mold. Press into muffin pan and adjust so that the corn husks completely cover the sides of each muffin cavity. Spray with pan-release spray. Scoop in batter. Finish with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar.
Place into oven and bake 350◦F for 25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and place the tray on a cooling rack. Optional: add honey butter and flaky salt on top. Enjoy!
*Heirloom flour (such as Anson Mills or Barton Springs) and cornmeal are preferred for best taste, but any brand of product will work well.
**Full fat is very important!! Low fat does not taste the same or result in the same product.
Home Décor, Jewelry, Gift Registry & Tabletop
Uptown TUDOR-STYLE HOME
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
PHOTOS BY CHRIS GRANGER
When touring their future home, Hattie Sparks Collins and her wife Rebecca Maisel admired the thoughtful design and planning that went into its renovation by the previous owner. Sold on the distinct living spaces and extra room for their family and guests, the couple and their three daughters moved into the more-than century-old house in August 2022. They quickly fell in love with the window seats, coffered ceilings, fireplaces, and the slate floors throughout. “Those are certainly helpful during pool season when lots of little feet are tracking water into the house,” Hattie shares.
As the owner, creative director, and designer at her eponymous brand, Hattie got straight to work furnishing their new abode. She describes her style as eclectic, collected, colorful, and inviting which translates into the layered, kid-proof décor against the classic architecture. Locally, Hattie sourced furniture and accessories from Eclectic Home, Nola Rugs, Merchant House, Dop Antiques, JADE, Tyler + Tate, and Spruce Wallpaper and Fabric Showroom.
WELCOME HOME
The home sits on a quiet one-way cul-de-sac offering year-round tranquility and privacy.
COZY CHEER Mantel art: Donald Martiny via Martine Chaisson Gallery
Chairs: Estate sale find from Hattie’s college days Couch: Vintage and recovered by Spring and Twine in Kravet fabric
LUSH LAYERS Hattie wanted the foliage to feel seasonal instead of holiday themed. “I don’t think you need to do red, green, and white while decorating for holidays.”
“Don’t limit decorations to one room of your house. Add little festive touches throughout so that the whole home feels happy and bright. Use what you’ve got!”
– HATTIE SPARKS COLLINS
When the holidays start approaching, Hattie looks at decorating just like any other project. “I see it as a way to get creative with existing decorations year after year.” Reflecting her personal style and embracing the spirit of the season, the décor feels simultaneously maximalist and refined with plenty of homemade ornaments by the girls displayed on the faux Balsam Hill tree. Throughout the house, Hattie sprinkled local finds from Judy at the Rink, Hazelnut, and Lionheart Prints among pieces from L.L.Bean, Anthropologie, and Williams Sonoma.
“We worked with Kim Starr Wise to create a palette that was traditional but playful, with lots of textural elements at play. I love alternative colors paired with greenery which helps make holiday décor feel fresh and fun. Sprinkled in throughout the house we added collections of holiday items we’ve accumulated over the years — nutcrackers and glass Christmas trees — that infuse some whimsy and color.”
Hattie took the same approach with her antique dining room table, which doubled as a festive decoration in itself. She set the table with vintage silver pieces, crystal inherited from her grandmother, and ample amounts of complimentary patterns and textures while staying within her color scheme. “I love using place cards for a dinner party, and the peppermint ones added a holiday touch. I
COLORFUL CANOPY
Hattie found a bright assortment of trees at Judy at the Rink and Hazelnut.
TINY TIDINGS
The Lemax Christmas village sits atop the piano.
A TOUCH OF ZEST
Kim Starr Wise also created the dehydrated orange wreath.
STITCHED TRADITIONS
The vintage 12 Days of Christmas needlepoint ornaments were found on Thrills of the Hunt.
ENCHANTED TABLESCAPE
Hattie’s magical dining table was outfitted with gorgeous jewel tone accessories from Hazelnut and Anthropologie.
DINNER IS SERVED
also wanted warm light, so the table lamps with battery votives from Houses & Parties were perfect.”
Since Rebecca and her daughter are Jewish, menorahs and Hanukkah decorations are layered into the winter wonderland. When the holidays overlap (Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day this year), the family celebrates Hanukkah in the evenings. “We usually have friends and their kids over for latkes, smoked salmon, caviar, and potato chips on the fourth night of Hanukkah which has become a fun tradition for us and the kids!” Other seasonal traditions include a very lively Secret Santa with Hattie’s family and a big New Year’s Eve dinner party with friends marking the end of a busy year.
Lamps:
Tyler + Tate
Art: Old
Made Good
Place cards: Hazelnut
HUNG WITH CARE
The L.L.Bean stockings sit underneath the vintage urn found via @sidehaulnola.
LIGHT THE NIGHT
The Michael Aram menorah sits in the entry way and is complemented by a felt banner found on Etsy.
1
Handmade Felt
Party Animal Decoration
$20, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com
1
2
Holiday Table Runner
$64, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
3
Hand-Woven Acrylic Knit Stocking $40, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
4
Embellished Tea Towels
$20 Each, The Basketry thebasketry.com
5
Ombre Christmas Tree Candles
$25 Each, Phina phinashop.com
6
Flocked Nutcrackers
$30 Each, Peony peonynola.com
7
12 Days of Christmas Appetizer Plates
$120 / Set of 12, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
8
Howdy Ho Ho Waving Santas
$21.95 Each, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
9 Ceramic Holiday Pedestal Mugs
$20 Each, Phina phinashop.com
2
3
8 Shop Pet Wants
4
5
7
6
1
Delft Porcelain Nativity Set
$158, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
2
Nutcracker Ornaments
$28 Each, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net
3
Governor Pool House Lantern
$900, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights bevolo.com
4
Bow Dip Spoon Set
$18, The Basketry thebasketry.com
5
Felt Menorah Ornament
$22, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com
6
Em’s Bow & Go Bow Maker
$19.99, Gordon’s gordonshomedecor.com
7
Martha Stewart & Snoop Dogg Ornaments $29 Each, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
8
Furbish Studio Pillow
$94, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
9
Deer Drink Stirrers
$22, Steele at Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie
10
Hannukah Wishes Paper Pop Up Flowers
$18, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com
11
4 5 6 11 10
Yard Nativity Scene
$450, Susie’s Boutique shopsusiesboutique.com
1
RidgeWalker
Glass Ornament
$30, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
2
Christmas Toast
Cocktail Napkins
$5 / Set of 20, Chateau Drugs & Gifts @chateaudrugsandgifts
Cynthia Kolls Ornaments $35-60, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights bevolo.com
3
Beaded Snowfl ake Napkin Rings
$26 / Set of 4, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
4 Cowboy Stocking $38, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
5
Santa’s Sleigh Serving Board
$32.50, Steele at Iron Horse @steeleoldmetairie
6 Menorah Oyster Shell Ornament
$33.50, Home Malone homemalonenola.com
PAIRING MASTER
Luxury FOR THE LOVER
1 Walk This Way Stuart Weitzman Scarf $120, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com
2
Coypu Skull Ring
$3,250, Porter Lyons porterlyons.com
3
Bubbly Butterfl y Acrylic Puzzle $180, Susie’s Boutique shopsusiesboutique.com
4 Caviar Ornament
$27.75, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
6 Vogue: The Covers Book $65, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com 1 2 3 4 5 3
5 Radiant Cut Diamond Necklace in Platinum
$67,500, Wellington & Co. Fine Jewelry wcjewelry.com
BAYOUBuf f
1 City Eats
New Orleans Recipes
$23, The Basketry thebasketry.com 2 Louisiana Monthly Calendar
$86, Hazelnut hazelnutneworleans.com 3 Born Below Sea Level Onesie
$25, Home Malone homemalonenola.com 4 Crab Place Card Holder
$65, Porter Lyons porterlyons.com
5
Alon Streetcars Polo
$85, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com
6
Wooden Magnolia Art
$45, Bargeboard bargeboardnola.com 7
Recipe Bowls
$15 Each, Susie’s Boutique shopsusiesboutique.com
8
Wooden Alligators by Re’ Howse Arts $40 Each, Bargeboard bargeboardnola.com
1
The Gardener Says Book
$15.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
2
Glass Snake Plant
Desktop Sculptures
$50-70 Each, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com
3 Garden Prunes
$19, The Shop at the Collection shophnoc.com
4
Carlos Gamez de Francisco, “Petals in Flux, II,” acrylic on canvas, dia. 18.25 in. Price Upon Request, Claire Elizabeth Gallery claireelizabethgallery.com
5 Modern Sprouts
Glass Watering Can $45, NOMA Museum Shop shop.noma.org
$190 / Set of 2, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
1 Black Pebble Bag
$45, Wildfl ower NOLA wildfl owernola.com
2 Diamond Bracelet in 14 kt Yellow Gold
$3,950, Wellington & Co. Fine Jewelry wcjewelry.com
3 Blare Dress
$79, Wildfl ower NOLA wildfl owernola.com
4 Milky Way Ring
$3,500, Porter Lyons porterlyons.com
5 Stone Tones Tie Dye Kit
$13.99, Ogden Museum of Southern Art shop.ogdenmuseum.org
1 Santa Christmas Tree Platter $20, Home Malone homemalonenola.com 2 Your Butt Looks Great Candle $26, Susie’s Boutique shopsusiesboutique.com 3 Making Spirits Bright Shot Cups
$12 / Set, Sparkle and Swag sparkleandswag.com 4
Tarot Card Vintage Puzzle $28, NOMA Museum Shop shop.noma.org
5 Festive Matches
$13.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com 6
Burger Master Cast Iron Grill Press
$30, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
1
Busy Ideas Activity Cards
$10, NOMA Museum Shop shop.noma.org
2
Crocodile Pattern Card Holder
$60, PamelaDennis pameladennisnola.com 3 Eat Gold Organics Chocolate Bar
$12, Vibrant Market thevibrantmarket.com
4
Onward Reserve Men's Soap
$20, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com
5
Nolen Travel Jewelry Case
$32, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com
6 Holiday Socks
$25 Each, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com
Mingle ALL THE WAY
BY MICHAELA BECHLER & MARIGNY LANAUX
Get transported to a winter wonderland at Southern Hotel as the halls are decked with garland, wreaths, decorated trees, and twinkling lights! For a truly romantic evening, reserve a table at the upcoming Christmas Candlelight Jazz Supper on Sunday, December 22. Each $150 ticket includes live jazz by Ben Redwine, a pre-fixe meal with wine, and a la carte cocktails. For those who would rather dine out on the holiday itself, the on-site French-inspired restaurant — The Gloriette — will be open for Christmas Eve dinner and until 7 p.m. on Christmas Day. Call 985202-8090 for additional information.
southernhotel.com
Accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Delta Festival Ballet’s 43rd production of The Nutcracker is a timeless tradition that is sure to dazzle attendees! Since 1969, the Delta Festival Ballet has been committed to fostering an appreciation of the art form throughout Louisiana. The exquisite show featuring talented local dancers tells the classic story of Clara, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performances will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 22 at 2 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. deltafestivalballet.com
The Windsor Court is ready to make spirits bright with its beautiful décor by Dunn & Sonnier. The lobby’s 19 ½-foot Christmas tree boasts more than 25,000 white lights with a classic toy train around the base and is complemented by an additional 10 Colorado blue spruce trees adorned with more than 3,000 ornaments. A Letters for Santa mailbox is also ready to receive wish lists and notes for the North Pole! If you’re in the mood to celebrate, the Windsor Court’s daily afternoon teas will take place in Le Salon with a seasonal twist. And if you’re looking to make the most out of your visit, guests can enjoy up to 30% off room rates through Tuesday, December 31 using the code PAPANOEL. thewindsorcourt.com
Toast the season with holiday cocktails and glasses of wine at The Little House. Stop by anytime during regular business hours with friends and family to relish the cooler temperatures and enjoy shareable snacks like a tinned seafood tray, charcuterie board, smoked catfish dip, and blistered grapes. Scattered with heaters, “The Wineyard” has plenty of outdoor seating for accommodating large groups any day of the week, but especially on Saints Sundays.
@thelittlehousenola
Emeril’s is the premier location for an unforgettable holiday dinner this season. The upscale Creole restaurant will offer a $295 sixcourse tasting menu on Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. with superb options like Smoked Salmon Cheesecake, Black Truffle Linguine, and a Warm Chocolate Tart. You can also end 2024 in style by reserving a table or visiting The Wine Bar at Emeril’s on New Year’s Eve! The restaurant will have a savory $395 seven-course tasting menu, and the bar will remain open until midnight with a live jazz band.
emerilsrestaurant.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WINDSOR COURT
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMERIL'S
Join the NOCCA Foundation, The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate, and the family of Daniel Price for the 20th Anniversary Celebration of “Home for the Holidays.” The annual concert will take place Saturday, December 21 at House of Blues New Orleans. Guests will enjoy performances by Irma Thomas, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, DJ Raj Smoove, Flagboy Giz and Emcee Gralen Banks. Event proceeds will support the NOCCA Foundation's Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alum Daniel Price (Visual Arts, 1993) with scholarships for NOCCA students.
NOCCAFoundation.org/holiday
Celebrate Hanukkah with delicious food and drink specials at Saba. The restaurant will unveil the festively decorated L'Chaim Lounge on Wednesday, December 25, and it will remain open until Thursday, January 2. A menu highlight includes a beautiful Latke Board laden with labneh, apple butter, latkes, and beet tahini that serves 2-4 people. Patrons can also sip beverages named after acclaimed Jewish stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Streisand, Ben Stiller, and the restaurant’s own Ruth Shaya. eatwithsaba.com
Enjoy the French Quarter to the fullest this holiday season on Sunday, December 22. The French Quarter Holiday Home Tour, presented by Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, takes place from 12-4 p.m. The selfguided walking tour offers access to private residences in all their holiday glory. Tickets are available online for $35 each or $40 day-of, and children 12 and under are free. The sales support Caroling in Jackson Square, which takes place later that evening from 7-8 p.m. The beloved and free tradition gathers thousands together for a festive hour of merriment led by Mark Romig, the master of ceremonies. In between the tour and caroling, be sure to shop, dine, and imbibe at local neighborhood favorites. patioplanters.net
PHOTO COURTESY OF SABA
PHOTO BY LOVE IS RAD FOR ELYSE JENNINGS WEDDINGS
Shop Dog
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
D OLLY
Like many sisters, the Becnel women have always shared a love of shopping and dreamed of opening their own Old Gretna boutique one day. “Old Gretna is just magical, and what makes this place so special is the people. Everyone here loves their community, and they put their hearts back into it. You can feel it at all of the special events that the city hosts throughout the year.”
Jacqueline, Julia, and Jenna opened Susie’s Boutique in October 2023. The shotgun home turned shop offers a curated selection of home items, kids and baby finds, and gifts for every occasion. “We look at this store not only as our business but as an extension of our family,” they shared. “We truly love our customers. The friends we have made along this journey have made this experience that much sweeter.”
When shopping at Susie’s, customers will also meet Dolly, Jacqueline’s spunky and upbeat Cavapoo. She loves being around people and is an expert at greeting customers
at the door. Sometimes you’ll find Dolly hanging out with the stuffed animals in the children’s section, and when she needs a break, she prefers lounging on the couch in the office looking out the window. When she’s off duty, Dolly’s either running around her acre-lot at home, stopping for pup cups at Chick-fil-A, using her cuteness to guilt her family into getting her way, or making appearances in the carpool line at school. “She’s the sweetest pup and is truly just a joy to be around!” Jacqueline said.
While seeing Dolly is a major perk of visiting Susie’s, customers are always in for a treat with the delightful assortment of items, including gifts for all of the guys in your life from brands like Sportsman Gear, Burlebo, Turtlebox, and Toadfish. The shop also carries door hangers, pieces by local artists, New Orleans-themed gifts (like their popular gumbo bowls), wedding gifts, and everything you need to deck the halls this holiday season in style. We’re sure Dolly will be thrilled to show you around!
Name: Dolly
Age: 1
Zodiac sign: Leo Breed: Cavapoo
Favorite food: Rotisserie chicken
Favorite humans: Mom, Dad, Piper (sister), Pierce (brother), and all her aunts, uncles, and grandparents
