Designers’ Delight: December Shopping in the Crescent City

Several years ago that I wrote about my mission to find the perfect antique chandelier for a client in New Orleans. And I was fortunate to be able to source a few other unique items the following year. Although this original post is from before the Pandemic I enjoy revisiting the wonderful ambiance of this city. I am reposting today as December Shopping in the French Quarter is just magical. It was a little cloudy, so these photos were as good as any taken this year. December is especially beautiful. The Crescent City is decorated in many unique and whimsical ways. I wanted to share some of my memorable impressions with you. I hope you enjoy!

French Quarter
St. Louis Cathedral
Chandelier
Chandeliers!

Shopping in the French Quarter is an amazing experience. Beautiful antique shops are in abundance especially on Royal Street and Magazine Street. I was so happy to procure this beautiful commode for my client from Petricia Thompson Antiques on Magazine Street. She has had her shop there for over two decades with a focus on 18th and 19th Century furniture and decor from France, Italy and Sweden.

Antique Buffet-Judith Wright Design
Antique Buffet from New Orleans

 

Magazine Street Antiques
Magazine Street Antiques-Courtesy Stephen Young
Magazine Street Antiques
Magazine Street Antiques-Courtesy of Stephen Young

chandeliers
chandeliers
chandeliersantiques

One of my favorite stores is Antiques de Provence. It appears to be quite a small shop from the street but once inside it is so large that some of the areas can be reserved for a party or an event.

antiques
Blue-Grey Finish

More than just a lighting shop, the proprietor imports furniture, pottery and accessories from the South of France. Noticeable was how much of the furniture sported a subtle washed neutral blue-grey color that was elegant without being formal.antiquesantiques

antiques
Little Kitty came out to play
French Quarter
Courtyard of Antiques de Provence

Walking around the French Quarter I had to photograph some of the delightful architecture and Christmas decorating to share with you.

French Quarter
” A Streetcar Named Desire”

French Quarter
Whimsical ideas are everywhere. Up close can you see the Alligators wearing their Santa hats?

French Quarter
Alligators (instead of reindeer) dressed for the holidays
French Quarter
More humor

French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter

Flowers are lush in this humid almost tropical climate. Beautiful wrought iron balconies overflow with baskets of bold colors.French Quarter flowers
French Quarter flowers
French Quarter flowers
French Quarter flowers
Music is everywhere. Even in the middle of the street in the middle of the day.French Quarter
We have attended the Ellis Marsalis, Jr. free Christmas Concerts at the St. Louis Cathedral for many years. You might remember that he composed all the Charlie Brown presentation music. Sadly he did pass away in 2020. His sons Brandon and Wynton are talented musicians whose music I love.

French Quarter
Ellis Marsalis with his talented students
French Quarter
Ellis Marsalis Concert at the Cathedral
French Quarter
Courtyard respite
French Quarter
Love it!

I love all the personality, humor and attitude that is all around!French Quarter

French Quarter

Beautiful Culinary Antiques
Beautiful Culinary Antiques

 

French Quarter
Saints Fans!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beignets at Cafe DuMond
Beignets at Cafe DuMond

 

 

 

Each street is identified by its original name by beautiful tile signage.

French Quarter
Beautiful Signage

Bourbon Street is already rocking with business people at 4PM in the afternoons.French Quarter
Personally, my favorite place for Happy Hour is just around the corner at the Carousel Bar in the elegant Hotel Monteleone. It revolves and is a great way to meet someone new. You may remember reading about it in the book “Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood”.

French Quarter
Hotel Monteleone Home of the Famous Carousel Bar

If you can’t find a seat at the bar, the lounge adjacent has recently been remodeled and is gorgeous with new lighting and of course I had to take a photo of this chic chandelier. And of course there is more music.

French Quarter
Cocktail Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone
Happy Hour at the Carousel Bar
Happy Hour at the Carousel Bar

In my next post I will share some of the magnificent mansions dolled up for Christmas in the Garden District. Hope you’ve gotten a little flavor of New Orleans….and I haven’t even mentioned the delectable food! Next post!

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4 thoughts on “Designers’ Delight: December Shopping in the Crescent City”

  1. I stayed at this beiafutul Hotel during a Nurse’s Conference. I experienced the spirit of Ms. Clean on our last night of stay. I woke up during the night to the sound of running water from the bathroom; as loud as could be,like a faucet left on. Got out of bed, check the tub & sink bone try. Toilet not running either. The bathroom smelled freshly cleaned. I went back into the bed. Once again, the sound of running water began again. Still, no water found on. This continued for 2 hours. Left the lights on, tried to fall back asleep but ended up getting up early to back and leave for our plane early.

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