The dining room was used for family meals, as well as for entertaining.  The midday meal, known as “dinner” and served between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., was the most important meal of the day.    Gentlemen usually came home for dinner and often rested before going back to work.  Unless the family was entertaining, only a light supper was served in the evening.

In front of the fireplace is atole (painted tin-ware) plate warmer.  The back is open to the fireplace so that plates could be inserted through the open front door and left to warm before meals.  This item was particularly useful in keeping food from being only lukewarm.

 

Platewarmer; mid-19th century; toleware.

 
 
 

Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses Administrative Office
820 Saint Louis Street New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone:(504) 525-5661 Fax: (504) 568-9735 Email: info@hgghh.org