Christmas
International House, New Orleans' first boutique hotel, is created around a distinct idea, one born of a love for New Orleans and a keen sense of time and place. Simply put, this hotel is about New Orleans today, its tangible contemporary style and its intangible timeless spirit. International House showcases this spirit by observing seven times each year in its lobby important local customs and rituals. Holiday time is one of our favorites.
The gas lanterns, designed by third generation New Orleans lantern maker Drew Bevolo, grace the main entrance and are rung with pine boughs. The boughs offer a subtle nod to the Mississippi River via their authentic barge rope ties. In addition, light in its many forms, influences mood, and these holiday-clad lanterns initiate the warm, welcoming glow which weaves its way throughout International House this time of year. The monumental main entrance is framed with indigenous magnolia garland and natural pine cone wreathes, embellished ever so slightly with oversized tassels.
Once inside, the sartorial statement for this wonderfully spiritual season is classic, simple and, as always at International House, rooted in our New Orleans culture. The woven forged steel face of the front desk, evocative of the delicate tracery of wrought iron introduced into the French Quarter by the Spanish, is draped with cedar garland. Likewise, openings which lead into the candlelight only bar called loa, meaning deity or divine spirit in Voodoo, are framed in ivy. Interestingly, ivy has long been the most popular of greens for holiday decorations. It is recognized as not only an enduring symbol of friendship but a sign that "God has walked here." Holly branches from 3 to 5 feet protrude exaltingly from hand-blown wall sconces made by acclaimed glass blower Mitchell Gaudet at Studio Inferno.
Instead of a traditional tree this year, the bright minds at Urban Earth created an unexpected and imaginative element for the entry table. Made of holly branches and classicly lit with white lights, this piece features a sphere of holly and in its center a pendulum-like swinging pine cone. Whimsical reference to "Father Time", the New Year and the Millennium are clearly evident, and wrapped gifts and ornaments complete the composition.
The entire ensemble of holiday flora is provided by Urban Earth, a shop which began as the collective dream of three New Orleans men. Their desire was to educate and attract city dwellers about and to the richness of indigenous plant life and the natural environment from which we have largely allowed ourselves to disconnect. "A garden in the city", as they call it, is a means by which one can soulfully reconnect with the Earth while still enjoying the benefits of modern, urban living.
Taken as a whole, it is evident that International House is considerably more than a place to spend the night. It is, says owner Sean Cummings, "…a cohesive guest experience deeply rooted in the fascinating culture of this city we call home. There are layers upon layers here to discover".
