From Tinsel to Trinkets: Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage

The saying goes that there’s no rest for the weary, but in New Orleans, we prefer to say there’s no rest for the festive!

As soon as the last bit of Christmas tinsel was tucked away and the house was scrubbed clean, the calendar flipped to January 6th. For us, that doesn't just mean the start of a new year—it means it’s officially Mardi Gras in the Crescent City. The red and green have been swapped for the iconic purple, green, and gold, and I’m so excited to give you a tour of this year’s setup.

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Local Artistry at the Entrance

This year like most, I really wanted to focus on supporting local makers, and the front entrance is a testament to the incredible talent we have in South Louisiana.

• Carnival Sculptures: I added several new "float flowers" from Carnival Sculptures. They give the house that authentic parade-route feel right at the doorstep.

• Facebook Marketplace Find: I also discovered a new local NOLA artist on Marketplace whose floral work adds the perfect touch of whimsy to the greenery.

• The Custom Jester: Welcoming every guest and neighbor is a custom-made jester. He has such a distinct personality and has quickly become the neighborhood favorite!

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The Focal Point: The Door & Windows

The front door is the heart of the display. This year, I'm featuring a papier-mâché King Cake "wreath" by yet another local artist, Dats Awtsy. It looks good enough to eat! To elevate it, I added custom ribbons and a beautiful crown charm sourced from Red Onion in Baton Rouge.

For the windows, I wanted something that would catch the light. I ordered metallic purple, green, and gold ball wreaths from Blanc Box, and the effect is truly magical—they shimmer even on the rare cloudy January day.

Tried and True Traditions

While I love adding new pieces, some things are classics for a reason. I’m still head-over-heels for my Mardi Gras bunting from the flag emporium on Magazine Street. Believe it or not, I’ve had these since 2018! It’s a testament to the quality of our local shops that they still look as vibrant and sturdy as the day I bought them.

 While the house looks bright and cheery by day, the real magic happens when the sun goes down. The way the purple, green, and gold lights hit the metallic wreaths and float flowers sets the perfect tone for the season to come.

Stay tuned, because I can't wait to show you how the whole display glows at night! Until then, Happy Carnival Season to you and yours. 

"She" will have her own post. Stay tuned!

Bevolo lantern

Laissez les bons temps rouler, y'all!