The Uptown Acorn: uptown acorn decorates

Showing posts with label uptown acorn decorates. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2026

Easter Blooms

There’s something magical about the way the light changes in Louisiana during the spring. As we trade our St. Patrick's green for the softer hues of the season, I wanted my front entrance to bridge that gap between our beloved St. Patty's traditions and the fresh hope of Easter.

The Floral Crown: A Mardi Gras Remix

If you know me, you know my love for Mardi Gras flowers runs deep. Instead of packing them away for next year, I decided to give them a seasonal "glow-up." By focusing on a palette of crisp whites, soft pinks, and vibrant greens, these blooms took on a whole new life.

The secret to a "grand welcome" is all in the texture. By mixing different sizes and shapes, the arrangement above the door feels architectural and lush rather than flat. And for that whimsical Easter touch? I tucked a mossy rabbit right into the center of a giant bloom. It’s a little hidden surprise that brings a smile to everyone who walks through the door.

The Details: Boxwood & Gold

Moving down to eye level, I kept the foundation classic with a lush boxwood wreath. But as we know, the magic is in the accessories:

The Wreath Sash: I am absolutely obsessed with this sash! It’s a curated mix of spring-colored ribbons that adds movement and softness.
The Source: For my local friends (and those who shop online!), this gorgeous ribbon was a find from Red Onion in Baton Rouge. They always have the perfect curated pieces to elevate a DIY project.
The Gilded Touch: To tie it all together, a gold-gilded rabbit sits nestled in the sash, adding a bit of sophistication and reflecting that beautiful morning sun.

Design Tip: Don't be afraid to reuse your high-quality decor pieces across different holidays. A change in color palette or the addition of a small thematic element (like a mossy bunny!) can completely transform your look.

Welcome Home

This entrance feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a nod to our local culture while fully embracing the bright, blooming season ahead. Whether you’re stopping by for Easter brunch or just passing through the neighborhood, I hope this decor offers a "grand welcome" to spring!

An Easter Doorway, y'all!

Monday, February 23, 2026

It's Beginning to Look Like... {St. Patrick's Day}

As much as I adore the sparkle and spirit of Carnival, Mardi Gras season has officially come to a close at our home. Last week, I carefully packed away every last bit of purple, green, and gold—each ornament and bloom holding sweet memories of parades, gatherings, and festive evenings. There’s always a touch of nostalgia in the transition, but in true New Orleans fashion, we simply move on to the next celebration.

This weekend, I welcomed a fresh palette to our front porch as we prepare for St. Patrick’s Day. The rich greens and touches of white feel crisp and cheerful—like a breath of spring after the revelry of Mardi Gras. Our front door and window are once again dressed for the season, this time showcasing the colors of the Irish.

One of my favorite traditions is building my ever-growing collection of custom florals created by talented local artists right here in New Orleans. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted and full of personality—far more meaningful than anything mass-produced. Over the years, I’ve found so many treasures at beloved small businesses like Alice & Amelia and Home Malone, both located on charming Magazine Street. Supporting local makers and shop owners is something I truly value. Their creativity brings our home to life season after season.

On the front door, I layered in a preserved boxwood wreath accented with a ribbon sash inspired by St. Patrick’s Day hues from Red Onion. The rich greens paired beautifully with a striking gold clover emblem sourced from Blanc Box, adding just the right festive touch. The combination feels classic, fresh, and subtly celebratory—perfect for welcoming guests during this next season of gathering.

There’s something so special about marking each holiday with intentional decor—pieces that tell a story and reflect the heart of our region. As we trade beads for shamrocks, I’m grateful for another opportunity to celebrate, decorate, and continue supporting the small businesses that make our Louisiana communities so wonderfully unique.

It's beginning to look like St. Partick's Day, y'all!

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage: Fresh Blooms

There is something about fresh flowers that instantly brings me joy. They have a way of making a home feel warm, welcoming, and alive, no matter the season. During Mardi Gras, my love for flowers becomes even more special, as I lean into the vibrant colors and festive spirit that this time of year brings.

Once again, my go-to floral designers at Mitch’s Flowers on Magazine Street created the most beautiful blooms for our guests to enjoy throughout the Mardi Gras season. Their creativity and attention to detail never disappoint. Each arrangement is thoughtfully designed with lush, fresh flowers in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, perfectly capturing the energy and celebration of Carnival.

What makes these arrangements even more meaningful is the stunning presentation. The blooms are displayed in Mardi Gras-inspired vessels crafted by talented pottery artist Vickie Carroll and Baton Rouge artist Carol Cassisa. Their handcrafted pieces add such a unique and artistic touch, making each arrangement feel truly special and perfectly suited for the season.

Fresh flowers have always been one of my favorite ways to celebrate holidays and gatherings. They create an atmosphere of beauty and hospitality that I love sharing with family and friends. These Mardi Gras arrangements are no exception — they bring color, tradition, and artistry together in the most delightful way.

Mardi Gras Fresh Flowers, y'all!

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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!

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage: Blooms of Carnival

There’s something about the Mardi Gras season that draws me toward color—bold, joyful, and full of life. Each year, I find myself naturally gravitating to blooms that echo the iconic hues of Carnival.

From the vibrant purples of silk irises glowing in the sunroom to the cheerful pansies planted throughout the garden in shades of purple, yellow (gold), and white, these flowers feel like a celebration all on their own. They capture the spirit of the season effortlessly, blending nature’s beauty with festive tradition.

These blooms do more than decorate a space—they breathe life into it. Paired with my Carnival décor, they add softness, movement, and a sense of renewal that only flowers can bring. Whether indoors or out, they remind me that Mardi Gras isn’t just about parades and beads; it’s also about color, joy, and the simple beauty found in the season around us.

As Carnival unfolds, these blossoms serve as a quiet but vibrant reminder that celebration can be found in the smallest details—sometimes right in our own gardens.

Did you even guess that the blooms were faux? I like to mix the faux with live greens such as ivy. Faux blooms have come a very long way.

Blooms of Carnival, y'all!

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage: Purple, Green, & "BOW-LD"

If you’ve been following along, you know that Acorn Cottage underwent a festive transformation recently. She is officially dressed in her purple, green, and gold finery, standing tall(ish) and ready for the most wonderful time of year here in the South.

However, there was one finishing touch missing.

The Quest for the Perfect Bow

After adding a massive red bow to the entrance during the Christmas season, I fell in love with the scale and drama it added to the cottage. I knew I couldn't go back to a bare entrance for Carnival! I set out to find a Mardi Gras equivalent, but it proved to be much harder than I anticipated. Finding a bow that matches the grand scale of the cottage’s entrance is no small feat.

Local Artistry: Art by Stacie

After a long search, I finally connected with a talented local artist on Facebook: Art by Stacie. I reached out to see if she’d be up for a custom project, and she graciously agreed to take on the task!

After a few collaborative "back and forths" regarding the vision, we settled on a final design. To say I’m happy with the result would be an understatement.

Festive, Functional, and Fabulous

This isn't just any ribbon bow. Here is why it’s the perfect fit for the cottage:

The Scale: It is over a yard wide with even longer tails, creating a bold, festive statement that can be seen from down the street.
The Durability: The material is completely weather-proof. In our unpredictable climate, it’s a relief to know this investment will stay vibrant for years to come.
The Design: It perfectly captures the spirit of the season while maintaining the elegance of the cottage.

A huge thank you to Stacie for bringing my vision to life! Acorn Cottage is now officially ready to welcome friends, neighbors, and the spirit of Mardi Gras.

Be BOW-LD, y'all!

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

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.

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!

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!

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Best of 2025 {Most Viewed Posts}

Though I didn’t blog as regularly in 2025, I always love taking a moment to look back at the posts that resonated most with you. Revisiting these favorites feels like flipping through a well-loved scrapbook—full of moments you were especially drawn to and stories that sparked connection.

As you might guess, the most-viewed posts of the year centered around the unforgettable snowfall in New Orleans last January. It was truly an extraordinary and exciting time for New Orleanians, and sharing that rare winter magic clearly struck a chord. From there, posts highlighting my love of seasonal decorating and glimpses of my travels rounded out the list—topics that continue to bring me joy and, thankfully, seem to interest you as well.

Below is a look at the most-viewed posts of 2025. As always, thank you for following along, for reading, and for being part of this little corner of my world. I look forward to sharing more with you in 2026 and hope to see even more of you in the year ahead. Cheers!

#10: December at Acorn Cottage: Living Room