December at Acorn Cottage: Jingle & Mingle

 Ever since J and I moved to Acorn Cottage, we’ve made it a tradition to host an annual Jingle & Mingle soiree for our favorite neighbors and closest friends. What began as a simple gathering has become one of our most cherished ways to celebrate—and share—the true spirits of the holiday season.

The afternoon unfolded just as it should: cocktails clinking, conversations flowing, and laughter filling every corner of the cottage and the courtyard. It’s always a joy to gather the people who make our little neighborhood feel like home, if only for a few festive hours.

Cheers to good neighbors, dear friends, and holiday traditions worth keeping. And if you’re a neighbor who didn’t secure an invite this year… well, do better in 2026!

Jingle & Mingle, y'all!

Happy Easter from the Island

 It was a great weekend for island time. The long Easter weekend was made even more perfect on Grand Isle. Though quite cool, the sunshine made being with friends and family even more special. It's back to school tomorrow. I could cry!

Easter on the Isle, y'all!

From Our Home to Yours {Merry Christmas}

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Here's wishing you a great day with family and friends, great food and drinks, and amazing gifts.

See more of my 2018 From Our Home to Yours posts:

Facade | Facade at Night | ADORE Magazine | Chateau Lapeyre | Living Room | Sunroom | Tinsel Cocktail Tree | 
Den & Dining Rooms | Kitchen | Hotel Hop | Christmas Cards | Night (Living Room) | The Cottage/Poinsettia wreath | Fresh Flowers | Wrapping Paper | Family |

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Merry Christmas, y'all!

'Tis the Season {Cinclare with Friends}

High school friends are always the best. We do not see each other a lot during the year, but when we do we pick up right where we left off last. I have been wanting to dine at Cinclare in my hometown of Thibodaux, and the holidays is the perfect time for us to make it happen.

Bartender, Jeff

Cinclare is touted as a place for rustic Southern cuisine. I personally cannot define that, but the restaurant's website explains, "Each person’s definition of rustic is as different as each person’s interpretation of southern food.  Our approach at Cinclare is one of simplicity and freshness, prepared with great care and attention to detail. We are sourcing fresh ingredients on a daily basis, and with several local producers and farms as well.  The food will be very familiar to the southern palate, but some of the technique we employ in the kitchen are modern…yet simple."

Our excellent server, Matt

After several cocktails, we ordered several appetizers for the table - Crab Claws, Lobster Sriracha Sauce, Alligator and Andouille Cheesecake, Crawfish Cream Sauce, Smoked Catfish Dip, Crostini, House Pickled Jalapeños.
Each was delicious and beautifully presented. I enjoyed the Cinclare burger - “Cinclare Burger,” Sautéed Mushrooms, Gouda Cheese Sauce, Brioche

We then headed to Margo's mom's home for lots more laughs and cocktails, of course!

Facade | Parlor | Stair Parlor | Dining Room | Twinklin' Lights | Mix, Jingle, & Jingle | Den | Lights on St. Charles Avenue | Breakfast Room | Chateau Lapeyre | Kitchen | Home Tour Videos | Wrapping Paper | Christmas Cards | Cocktail Napkins | Newest Ornaments |

                          Cinclare, y'all!

'Tis the Season {Mix, Mingle, & Jingle}

Annually, I love to host my teacher friends at the house with an Open House. Mix, Mingle, and Jingle was held yesterday afternoon, and it was a great way to share the Christmas spirit with folks I love outside of school.

Sorry if I missed some of the friends in the photos. There's always next year.

Facade | Parlor | Stair Parlor | Dining Room | Twinklin' Lights |

Mix, Mingle, & Jingle, y'all!

Giving Thanks for ... {Friends & Soirees}

Last evening, friends celebrated the couple, Gabrielle & J.B., who are getting married in February of next year. 

The Stock the Bar soiree was hosted by and at BFF Sal's Central Business District condo.

It is always good to celebrate with good friends.

You can view more of my Giving Thanks series all November:

My Readers

My Job

The New Hazelnut

My Right to Vote

My Southern Style

Miss Ella {Book Signing}

Fresh Flowers

Our Veterans

Thanks for Friends and Soirees, y'all!