Christmas is Danielle LeBlanc’s special time of year.
She and husband Robèrt had one of their first dates at Celebration in the Oaks and then he proposed to her there, in a gazebo, the Christmas after Hurricane Katrina. Their boys, Bear (10) and Will (7), both are Newman students.
5 Things I’m Loving Right Now
Tradition
One of our favorite holiday traditions is the annual gingerbread house building workshop at Red Fish Grill. The kids sip hot chocolate and decorate houses while we adults sip bourbon milk punch. Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St.
Gifts
My favorite place for Christmas gifts is Hazelnut, especially their awesome ornaments. Last year I got the Prince and Willie Nelson ornaments for two close friends. Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St.
Staycation
Robert’s company, LeBLANC+SMITH, just opened Hotel Chloe. We recently stayed as a family in the Picard Suite. I loved having my morning coffee in a rocking chair on the front porch. Hotel Chloe, 4125 St. Charles Ave.
Family
Nothing gets us into the holiday spirit more than Celebration in the Oaks. We go as a family each year and our boys especially love the Train Garden and the giant Mr. Bingle. New Orleans City Park.
Eat
La Crêpe Nanou has been one of our family and date night favorites forever. And it is even more special this time of the year with it’s Christmas decor and its coziness. La Crêpe Nanou, 1410 Robert St.