For over 200 years now bodies have been buried above ground in New Orleans, due to the fact the city sits below sea level. The practice started when severe rains would lead to caskets and bodies floating down the streets.
The tray that Spalding (Denis O'Hare), uses to clean crumbs from the dinner table is called, coincidentally, a silent butler.
Alexandra Breckinridge returns as a young woman named Kaylee; the actress previously appeared in season 1 as young Moira O'Hara.
Frances Conroy's character Myrtle Snow appears to be a tribute to U.S. Vogue's Creative Director Grace Coddington, who is known for her full red hair. Myrtle makes references throughout her appearances that relate to fashion, and also mentions having a cat - all links to Grace Coddington.
The only male member of the Council, the short writer that Fiona calls endearingly an "old queen" - 'Quentin' - is based on Quentin Crisp. The spread collar shirt, silk scarf, and fedora were all staples or Crisp's wardrobe.