At Christmastime, I love to see beautiful decorations—fresh greenery over entryways and windows, wreaths on doors, and trees bright with lights and ornaments. While there are beautiful homes all over the country this time of year, you know I have a special place in my heart for a gorgeously decorated Southern home.
This year’s Holidays special edition of Southern Lady captures an iconic Southern home that I couldn’t resist sharing with you. Lauren Brennan Brower’s New Orleans home is simultaneously elegant and welcoming. A classic French Quarter abode, it features the personal touches of a family home passed down for generations while also featuring elements of classic style sure to inspire those with the most refined tastes.
If any of you love the culinary experience of New Orleans, then you’re no doubt familiar with the Brennan family. Building a legacy that their father began with the highly esteemed Commander’s Palace, Lauren and her brother, Dickie, now oversee four restaurants, including Palace Café, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, and Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House.
Lauren graciously allowed our photographers to capture her lovely home—the same family home where she and Dickie grew up. Considering its beauty, it is no surprise that she focuses on shaping the décor and overall ambience of her restaurants as well.
I couldn’t resist sharing a peek inside this New Orleans home from the pages of Southern Lady Holidays.
Heirloom Style
Elegantly appointed, this historic home was made for entertaining. In the dining room, tall candelabra and Christmas Tree china by Spode say this is a special occasion. Simple rings of greenery and berries give the chandelier a bit of pizzazz.
The details of the décor carry special meaning for the family. Lauren explained that following Hurricane Katrina, while water damaged much of their property, they successfully saved and preserved the yellow silk curtains found in the living and dining rooms.
Natural Reds & Greens
In the air there’s indeed a feeling of Christmas—with a little help from white lights, holly berries, poinsettias, candles, and a collection of caroler figurines. Windows and mirrors bear beautiful wreaths, and velvet ribbon adds to the timeless appeal of this décor theme.
Casual Elegance
In the kitchen and family room, the look remains festive but is more relaxed to suit the spaces. Handmade stockings and a large tree bedecked in happy hues play up the familial feel, while felt place mats, casual-themed motif dinnerware, and napkins embroidered with toy soldiers only add to the merriment.
Antique Accents in Blue and White
Stylized angels in gold flank the fireplace, and an antique dough bowl filled with fresh fruit nods to holiday traditions of years past. Coordinating with the homeowner’s collection of blue-and-white pieces is a tiny Nativity in the same hues to round out the classic holiday displays.
Find more festive and beautifully decorated Southern homes in Southern Lady’s latest special edition.