Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage: The Front Door

I wanted to share a closer look at the Mardi Gras decorations surrounding our front door, especially since I’ve had so many questions about where everything came from. One of my favorite parts of decorating for Carnival is sourcing pieces from local artists and small businesses—it makes the display feel even more meaningful.

The Mardi Gras blooms (or float flowers) are from three incredibly talented local artists: Brian Bush of Carnival Sculpture, Dana Charpiro, and Lauren Jahncke Leonard (@laurenleonardart). Their work brings such color, texture, and personality to the space, and I love knowing each bloom was made with care right here in Louisiana.

The ball garland was a custom order purchased from the now-closed Hilltop Shoppe- pieces I truly treasure. The papier-mâché king cake wreath is by Gwen Markovich of Dats Awtsy and is always a conversation starter. The finishing touches, including the ribbons and crown charm, came from The Red Onion in Baton Rouge.

Completing the look is a custom doormat ordered through Old Estate in my hometown of Thibodaux, Louisiana—because it wouldn’t feel right without a little hometown love at the front door.

Supporting small businesses and local artists is always important to me, and Mardi Gras season is the perfect time to celebrate their creativity. After all, Carnival is about color, joy, tradition—and community. 

Shut the Mardi Gras door, y'all!

Cheers to 50!

To commemorate J and I's 50th birthdays, I commissioned New Orleans artist Cynthia Kolls to create a custom bottle of bubbly (Veuve) for our door. The glittered detail and god leafing is amazing.

I also love how she added the word "celebrate" to the rear, for I will be able to use the bottle of Veuve to celebrate many events in the future.

Thanks, Cynthia Kolls for your creativity.

Cheers to 50, y'all!

So Happy to SEA You...

With the start of June, I was well overdue to change the door hangings, and these oyster shell wreaths are perfect for a southern summer.

Each oyster shell wreath is topped with a navy and white polka dot ribbon and bow. The navy and white say summer to me.

I also topped the real oyster shell wreath with the same blue and white polka dot ribbon.

The oyster shell wreaths are by ArtbyCynthiaKolls. I adore her art pieces from ornaments to door hangings. Each is a work of art and so well detailed.

Come SEA me, y'all!

Welcome, y'all

There is nothing like a seasonal door to get you in the spirit of the season. I have created many in my lifetime. I just wish I would have kept documentation of my own creations through the years.

Here are some of the past creations by the Uptown Acorn:

SPRING/SUMMER

FALL

CHRISTMAS

MARDI GRAS

Join me at:

The Polohouse

for Favorites on First

From Atlanta to New Orleans, welcome y’all!