If you haven’t visited the French Quarter in “Nawlens,” book your ticket immediately. Having never been before Katrina, I can only imagine what it was like then—it captivated me post-Hurricane, and I‘m quite certain I left a little piece of my heart there. One of the most wonderful things about the South for a Northerner like me, aside from the loooong drawl, is the distinctive Southern charm and hospitality. From The Vampire Lestat to Brangelina, everywhere you look there’s a magical element to the Big Easy.

The American South is steeped in a tradition and culture all it’s own. Southern charm can be added to even the most Yankee of weddings … and a little Southern Comfort goes a long way.

When you throw a Southern-inspired engagement party or post-ceremony reception, the best place to start is with the cocktails themselves. No cocktail party in New Orleans is complete without bourbon, gin and rum. Classic bourbon cocktails include the Scarlett O’Hara, the Mint Julep, the Old Fashioned and the Lynchburg Lemonade. New Orleans is famous for the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Hurricane and Planter’s Punch. For an extra dose of Southern hospitality, try a Watermelon Punch made with three of the South’s favorite ingredients: fresh watermelon juice, muddled mint and bourbon.

All of those cocktails are sure to work up an appetite, so make sure you have some classic Southern hors d’oeuvres on hand. Pass savory bites such as traditional Southern Cheese Straws, Spiced Pecans, Savory Beignets, Miniature Beaten Biscuits with Pulled Pork, Petite Shrimp Po’Boys with Smokey Tomato Remoulade, Cocktail-Sized Muffaletta, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Desserts include miniature Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Pecan Pie and Key Lime Tartlets.

Throw in some antebellum decorations, masquerade masks plus a jazz trio and you’ll have an ideal Southern Cocktail Party! Voo doo dolls and beads optional, of course.

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