The best thing about New Orleans isn’t the food, although it is fabulous, or the live music on the street. It is the people, most notably the women I met this week.
Would you believe I went to New Orleans to have lunch with women I know from Instagram?
Our hostess was the gracious and talented Debra Shriver, author and executive at The Hearst Corporation, whose Instagram page says she’s “swanning between Paris, NYC, NOLA and the moon.” Deb and I’ve been trying to get together for months, so meeting her and her adorable husband—and our chef—Jerry Shriver, former longtime writer for USAToday, was the cherry on the sundae!
Years before I started following Debra Shriver on Instagram, I bought a copy of one of her two books, Stealing Magnolias: Tales From a New Orleans Courtyard. Deb’s book sits on my bedside table and is full of yellow Post-It notes. When I want to be swept away by gorgeous images, recipes or the story of how she and Jerry bought and restored their house shortly after Katrina, I immerse myself in the magic of her book and her love for New Orleans.
Deb and Jerry live in a jewel box in the French Quarter, the oldest part of New Orleans. Although founded by the French in 1718, the French Quarter also reflects the art and architecture of the Spanish. While the original structure of Deb and Jerry’s home burned in one of the fires in the late 1700’s, soon after, it was rebuilt and Debra and Jerry have lovingly restored it.
In addition to me, Debra’s other luncheon guests were Rebecca Vizard, her delightful daughter and marketing wiz, Sarah Vizard, and Jane Scott Hodges, all creative, successful, Southern women with a wicked sense of humor.
Rebecca “Becky” Vizard’s book, Once Upon a Pillow, has been on my coffee table since the day it went on sale. It, too, has been read, lovingly, and has yellow Post-It notes, peeking out from between the pages. In case you don’t know, I have a love for old textiles, and Becky is the doyenne of sumptuous, one-of-a-kind pillows sought after by designers and collectors around the world. With an eye for rich detail, Becky pairs antique needlepoints, tapestries and Fortuny fabrics together with antique gold and silver thread and trim. Her work is often featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda and House Beautiful.
Rebecca Vizard on the left and Debra Shriver
At lunch I learned when Becky’s book was published, she made all of the food–things like pecan muffins–for the book’s launch party and carried it from Louisiana to New York City! When people discovered she’d created these exquisite pillows, written the book AND made the food, they wanted her recipes.
“Southern women are only too happy to give you their recipes,” said Becky. “Asking for your recipe is a compliment.”
Deb’s other lunch guest was Jane Scott Hodges, founder and owner of Leontine Linens. Jane has innovated the world of fine, couture linens. She’s not only preserved and modernized the art of monogramming and decorative stitching on table and bed linens, but she’s long been a favorite of Martha Stewart and Oprah, plus her beautiful pieces are carried at Bergdorf’s in NYC. This sweet lady brought me a copy of her gorgeous book, Linens for Every Room and Occasion, another book destined for my yellow Post-It notes.
After lunch Deb gave us a tour of her three-story home. Whether it’s the long galley hallway filled with photographs by New Orlean’s photographers, the gorgeous brick walled courtyard with blooming jasmine and bromeliads where we had sweet, peach ice tea, or the sumptuous velvet pillows, most made at Becky’s atelier, every room was more scrumptious than the last.
If I’m ever sentenced to “house arrest,” I can only hope it will be at Debra and Jerry’s perfectly curated, storybook home.
21 thoughts on “I WENT TO NEW ORLEANS FOR LUNCH”
I would go to New Orleans for lunch. I love New Orleans !!! What a great experience.
It was a great experience, indeed, Debbie! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Thanks so much, Brenda
That was one of the sweetest blog postings I’ve ever read — and I’ve had a few. You get us … isn’t sisterhood the best? I’ve found that to be true. In New Orleans , especially. I came for the jazz, the beignets and stayed for the people. Thank you for gracing OUR table. XXOO Deb
Dear Deb, Sisterhoods are the best!! Whether they’re of blood or by choice, women who support and defend and thrive and lift one another up are some of our greatest gifts in life. I cherish how all of you invited me into your sisterhood. What a great afternoon! Thank you! xoxox, Brenda
I would meet this group anywhere But it is hard to beat New Orleans! Let’s do it again!
Becky, Amen to that!! Let’s do it again! Such fun and genuine camaraderie… Who says women can’t be loving and supportive toward one another? Perhaps that was my mother’s generation, but all of the women I know have one another’s best interests in mind. My best to you and Sarah! See you, again, soon! xoxox, Brenda
OH MY GOSH!I saw REBECCA in TENNESSEE at the ANTIQUE SHOW but she was BUSY so I was not able to GET INTO CONVERSATION WITH HER!
WHAT A TRIP!This is the second INSTAGRAM Meet up I am reading about TODAY!!!!ANother group in AUSTRALIA did the same thing and I am HOSTESSING THREE LUNCHEONS AS WELL!Looks like WE HAVE STARTED A TREND!
I want to know how that food was carried to New York?!!!Well packed by car or plane?
BEAUTIFUL HOME!
I was in New Orleans years ago and purchased 21 garden cement bITS!!!!!!!!!STIll have a FEW!
XX
Elizabeth, Perhaps I need to have an event at my home… when I have something in my courtyard other than mud. I’m not surprised you wanted to meet Rebecca Vizard… Have you noticed how so many of us at this age are interested in the SAME PEOPLE AND THE SAME THINGS? SO GREAT!!! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Debbie, I loved meeting these fabulous women and discovering we have so much in common! Get thyself to New Orleans, and have your own great experience!! Thanks for stopping by, Brenda
What fun! So glad you could do this! Thanks for sharing!
It was fun, Beckye! Thanks, Brenda
What a wonderful adventure. All of these ladies, including you are fascinating.
You’re a sweetheart, Doreen! If only I had the money, I think I’d meet every interesting woman I could find. The good news is, I’ve had the opportunity to meet you and spend quality time together!! Loved that, Brenda
Priceless experience! The right place, the right people, the right conversation. Soooo envious!
Diane, SO FUN!! Make new friends you’ve never met and then have lunch with them! Add that to your bucket list. xoxo, Brenda
How wonderful! The people you meet and the friends you make and the times you share, what could be better!!
You’re so right, Haralee! Friendship, sharing, love… It’s priceless! xoxox, Brenda
I love all the colors and textures in her home and, of course, I love New Orleans.
Rebecca, As tourists, we walk down the street in cities like New Orleans, San Francisco and NYC and wonder what the homes and apartments look like behind their doors, but for most of us, we never get to discover that. I saw behind the doors of several wonderful homes this trip! What a delight. xoxox, Brenda
Sounds just perfect, Brenda! Forget Botox, creams, yoga, etc. I believe the secret to ageing well lies in the company we keep. Other women can lift us up far better than anything else on earth.
You’re so wise, Mithra!! BTW, I didn’t eat at any of the “downtown” restaurants, but feasted like a Queen! I’ll write a post about where I went. xoxo, Brenda
Comments are closed.