About New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant and unique city located in the U.S. state of Louisiana and is known for its rich history, culture and music scene. The city is home to the famous French Quarter and is renowned worldwide due to its association with jazz music. New Orleans boasts a warm, humid climate with temperatures that rarely fall below the freezing point or rise above ninety degrees Fahrenheit, with hot and humid summers and winters that are mild to cool. The city receives an average of 63 inches of rain per year, making it one of the wettest cities in the US. New Orleans’ economy depends largely on tourism, convention services, and film production.
The benefits of holiday parties in New Orleans are plentiful; the lively atmosphere of the city makes for an exciting party destination and the locals know how to throw a good party. Harem you can enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine, jazz music, and stunning views of the Mississippi River or Lake Pontchartrain as you celebrate your special day. Many venues in the city feature stunning architecture that adds charm to any event while traditional live jazz bands can provide entertainment fit for any occasion. Additionally, you can take advantage of the historically important attractions that make New Orleans such a popular tourist destination, like shopping along Royal Street or visiting the famous French Quarter. With all these features combined into one eventful package, there’s no doubt that you will have an unforgettable time celebrating your holiday at this unique locale!
Holiday Party Options in New Orleans
- Catering Services
You simply cannot host a great holiday party without delicious food! Fortunately, New Orleans offers many excellent catering companies that specialize in creating unique menus tailored specifically for each occasion. From traditional Southern cuisines like gumbo or jambalaya to upscale dishes like oysters Rockefeller or caviar crème fraiche — they offer an array of options that will be sure to please guests at your holiday gathering.
- Event Planners
A great way to organize a holiday party is by enlisting the help of an event planner. Event planners have all the necessary contacts, resources, and experience needed to ensure your event goes off without a hitch! All you need to do is provide them with your vision and budget, and they can take care of the rest, including selecting venues, booking vendors, dealing with permits, overseeing production details, and making sure everything runs smoothly on the day of your holiday party.
- Decorators
Creating an atmosphere is key when it comes to hosting an enjoyable holiday gathering and countless talented decorators in New Orleans can help bring your vision for the perfect party space into reality. From decorations that capture traditional elements of Christmas or Hanukkah celebrations to more modern designs tailored specifically for your guests, decorators know how best to transform any space into an inviting festivity you'll love having family and friends over for.
Holiday Party Vendors in New Orleans
- Seasons of Louisiana Catering
Seasons of Louisiana Catering is committed to providing its customers with top-notch service and an unforgettable event experience. The company strives to make each customer a repeat client, delivering excellence in every regard while ensuring they feel relaxed and stress-free. Their creative cuisine, infused with traditional Southern hospitality, provides an original flavor that your guests will remember. Seasons of Louisiana Catering can provide services for any occasion, whether it’s for birthdays, engagement parties, corporate events, or anything that requires the highest level of culinary excellence and professionalism.
- Clandestine Events & Experiences
Clandestine Events & Experiences was launched 11 years ago by Kelley Troia, a well-seasoned professional in the marketing and advertising space. They have created experiences for many clients since then, ranging from milestone events and off-sites to conferences and festivals. Clandestine's unique collaboration with partners ensures an experience tailored to their exact needs. Clandestine is aptly serviced by a team of experienced professionals who bring over a decade of experience to the table and proudly travel across the U.S. to provide their services.
- Bittersweet Confections
Bittersweet Confections, founded in 2002 by local chocolatier Cheryl Scripte, offers a huge selection of artisanal chocolates created with only the finest ingredients. Bittersweet Confections' mission is to offer top-of-the-line chocolate confections paired with superior service and personalized attention. Bittersweet Confections promises to use only the highest quality local ingredients that you can taste in every bite. Bittersweet Confections also pairs their delicious creations with warm, personal service making them a great choice for exquisite chocolate confections.
Pros and Cons of Holiday Party Venues in New Orleans
Planning a special event in the vibrant city of New Orleans during the holidays can be an enthralling experience. However, there are potential benefits and drawbacks to consider beforehand:
Advantages
There is no shortage of amazing venues, restaurants, and catering companies available in the city with a wide range of budgets.
- The food scene in New Orleans is renowned around the world and guests will be able to enjoy some of the finest Creole delicacies.
- Live music is plentiful year-round in New Orleans, making it easy to find just the right entertainment for any kind of holiday party depending on preference or theme; from jazz bands to DJs there are plenty of options available for hire.
- With numerous attractions from Mardi Gras parades, historical sites such as Jackson Square, and even haunted tours, there are plenty of activities for guests who stay for extended trips after the party has ended; all within walking distance or a short drive away!
Disadvantages
- High humidity and heat in the summer months can make outdoor parties uncomfortable and water and bug-borne diseases like West Nile Virus or Zika being possible concerns for attendees.
- The city is particularly busy during the holiday season, so it may be difficult to get reservations for an event venue or restaurant on the desired date.
- If not handled correctly, hosting a party in New Orleans can lead to drunkenness and behavior that could be considered inappropriate by more conservative guests. This might create an uncomfortable atmosphere or require extra security staff to ensure safety.
Tips on How to Organize Holiday Party Venues in New Orleans
Holiday parties in New Orleans require a great deal of planning and coordination, but here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start planning in advance: With the wide array of attractions and activities that New Orleans has to offer, it is important to plan your party several months ahead of time so you can secure venues, caterers, entertainment, and other vendors.
- Choose a unique theme or venue: Whether it's a festive Mardi Gras-style bash or an elegant dinner party at one of New Orleans' many historic venues, choosing a unique setting for your birthday celebration allows you to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
- Explore the city's delicious cuisine: New Orleans is known for its exceptional Cajun-Creole cuisine, which is why it's essential to incorporate traditional dishes like jambalaya and gumbo into your menu. To make the experience even more special, consider hiring a local chef who can prepare fresh seafood dishes and homemade desserts for your guests.
- Book transportation: The city’s popular spots – Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and Jackson Square – are all located within walking distance from each other but if you have several stops throughout the night (or if you’re hosting a large group), consider booking a private tour that will take your guests around town in style!
- Select creative entertainment options: To make sure everyone has a good time on your special day, put together an entertaining program that reflects the culture of New Orleans with jazz bands playing live music or dance performances featuring traditional Creole moves. You could also hire face painters or magicians to help keep younger guests entertained.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Garden District
Visiting the Garden District in NOLA is like stepping back in time. From 1832 to 1900, this charming neighborhood stayed true to its original architecture and charming aesthetics. Mansions made of Creole and Greek Revival influences stand tall along the oak-tree-lined streets and gardens. Hibiscuses and crepe myrtles are in full bloom throughout the area and create a fragrant, picturesque atmosphere for visitors. As one of the best-preserved collections of historic mansions in the south, visiting the Garden District makes you feel as if you've been transported back in time.
- New Orleans Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial sculpture in New Orleans' Woldenberg Park is a kinetic art installation dedicated in 2003 that changes with perspective. Created by the renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, it is composed of nine panels that slowly become visible as the viewer moves around it. Initially seen as a bright yellow Star of David, its designs vary depending on the viewer's position. This somber yet hopeful tribute to Holocaust victims and Jewish people is a reminder of their struggle and resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering and loss.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a gem of south Louisiana offering visitors an exquisite window into its unique culture, distinct environment, and profound history. At Jacques Lafitte, visitors can experience a treasure trove of sporting experiences such as fishing, hiking, cruising down the bayou, and alligator spotting. Furthermore, it serves to preserve the significant heritage of its namesake with insight into the life and times of the infamous pirate himself. The park also memorializes his legacy with a powerful trip back to 1815's Battle of New Orleans – allowing visitors an irreplaceable way to connect with this significant moment in time.
