The Krewe of Xanadu held its annual Royalty Tea at Le Triomphe to announce the characters and theme of its Mardi Gras ball, scheduled for March 4 at the Cajundome Convention Center. The ladies of the krewe enjoyed sipping on cocktails and visiting with other members while dressed in Sunday best attire, which included many incredible hats. The theme this year will be "Louisiana Xanadu Style," and the theme muse is Larayn Guidroz. The characters will represent unique features of our great state, including magnolias, pelicans and the fleur de lis. The krewe recently followed up with a fall social, "Voodoo Bash on the Bayou" at Grant Street Dance Hall. Xanadu's voodoo vixens attended for an evening of potions, charms and conjuring. Members dressed in voodoo costumes mingled as they enjoyed cocktails, DJ music and food prepared by one of Xanadu's members, caterer Sally Guidry.
Hunt Slonem's magnificent "On the Bayou" exhibit served as the backdrop for the president's dinner held at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. Kim Veillon of Party Central decorated the main gallery to the hilt, topping tables with gorgeous bouquets of fresh calla lilies and hydrangeas in simple glass vases. Students from UL Lafayette's Dining Services program served up a savory shrimp and grits entrée followed by an exquisite chocolate-layered dessert topped with edible flowers. The elegant event launched the museum's $3 million fundraising effort to support future exhibits.
Party On!
Royalty court 2011 at the Royalty Tea
Royalty court with King Xanadu XXI Rick Voth
and Queen Xanadu XXI Rickey Maloney
Guests Debbie Mills, Donna Lyon
nd Dianne Carlisle
The 2011 royalty "voodoo" court
Most creative costume contestants
Best costume contest winners Paulette Blanchet,
Donna Lyon, Amanda Shepard and Susan Moncrief
Voodoo necklace winners Michelle Blanchet,
Bettie Sonnier (1st prize) and Darsy Babin
Dr. Jean and Walter O'Roark
Butch Bailey, Cherie Kraft and Bugy Bailey
UL Lafayette President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie
and Mark Tullos
Butch and Bugy Bailey, Mark Tullos Jr.,
Jenny Cole and Cherie Kraft