Edith Stern Legacy Award Luncheon...

Last week my darling mom ("Lainey-lou") was here in Nola visiting and the two of us attended a gorgeous luncheon at Longue Vue House and Gardens.

Longue Vue House & Gardens in New Orleans.

It was the first ever awards ceremony to give an individual the honor of receiving the Edith Stern Legacy Award.

Edith Rosenwald Stern was the daughter of Julius Rosenwald (President of Sears & Roebuck & Co.) and with her husband, Edgar Stern gave the city of New Orleans their beautiful home and gardens - Longue Vue to be used to help foster education and the appreciation of the visual & horticultural arts.

The first recipient of the Edith Stern Award - Mrs. Genevieve Munson Trimble - was honored for her significant & lasting impact on the stewardship and appreciation of gardening.

A picture of Genevieve Trimble in her garden.

Mrs. Trimble has been a longtime volunteer in public gardens around New Orleans including Longue Vue. Her most treasured contribution to the world has been that of the Afton Villa Gardens located North of New Orleans in St. Francisville, which she and her husband Morrell purchased years ago to prevent it from being torn down and divided up by real estate developers.

Entrance to Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville, Louisiana

Thanks to their dedication, their gardening skills and the quality of the original landscape architecture, Afton Villa offers visitors to Louisiana a taste of the golden age of the Southern garden.

As a girl with an obsession for china that I can't quite explain (a gene I inherited from my mom no doubt!), the luncheon was a feast for our eyes since each table was a delightful spread of china and silver from the hostesses own private collections.

I loved this iris pattern by Limoges.

flower arrangement bursting with roses

this table was so charming with a different pattern for each guest.

these tall silver candlesticks were so beautiful with the pave rose bouquets on each.

The center hall of the Stern home & museum lined with beautifully set tables.

Mrs. Stern would definitely have approved!

My favorite was the pattern of this vintage china from Finland. A hostess told me the silver was made to match the china years ago.

It made for a beautiful table setting when paired with the silver wine goblets and the simple center piece with country style flowers. stunning.

I know Mrs. Trimble was quite moved by the hard work and attention to detail

that went into planning this glorious party.

What a lovely way to spend a day with my mama!