What lured us back to New Orleans? Well, a family gathering for a sister’s birthday, which turned into a family reunion, which morphed into a Thanksgiving celebration, all against the backdrop and initial kickoff event of Mary McDonald’s Book Signing at Tara Shaw Maison on Camp Street.
Although this was a public event, we had been invited to attend when meeting up with Tara and her staff at High Point Market. When we arrived, we were not the only ones waiting. We weren’t surprised. Why would we want to be the only ones to meet the mysterious interior designer, Mary McDonald, known for her celebrity status on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorator series? She’s very intriguing and talented.
I brought along my son Jackson Spencer, an aspiring young film and photography, art buff, so he could take some candid photos and document the event in pictures. The credit and thanks goes to him for most of these — the ones with the duotone look. I think he did a wonderful job for capturing the “allure” of the event for the book signing for, Mary McDonald Interiors, The Allure of Style.
Mary McDonald was truly gracious. She took her time with each individual, conversing and signing their books. We felt a little self-indulgent that we took so much of her time but she was sincerely generous. Although it might defy her TV persona, we won’t give away her secret that she seemed so nice in person.
If you haven’t seen her book, btw, it is gorgeous, with so many visuals that the interior eye candy and ideas will delight any reader. I love her use of bold color, unusual combinations always using the classical foundation with elements of something modern and eccentric. Each project seems individually tailored and artistically sculpted with a singular vision in mind.
My good friend, Shauna, helped to put us in touch with Tara initially. She and Michael are involved in the New Orleans social scene.
It was good to get back home for a welcomed break. We all enjoyed the relaxing lifestyle in New Orleans, where everyday is a holiday while visiting. Ahhh, if it could have only lasted longer….Some of the many things to be thankful for.
— Ashley
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