Loretta Stagen Floral Designs

It's time to remember those heirloom treasures you’ll soon be unpacking...with some forethought they can be incorporated into a fabulous holiday look that unites your home inside and out. I’m about the embark on just such a project, it’s one I look forward to each year in Belle Haven, CT. Have a look at how I mix some of my favorite greens and dried leaves and ribbons with my client’s cherished ornaments for a look that is fresh, cohesive and personal. I dare you to enter this beautiful home and not feel welcome! Consider placing a fresh wreath on a blank wall or in front of a window. A double-sided balsam wreath --plain or set off with a bow-- will do the trick... but for something that’s a little more originalI wove lime-colored ribbon through the wreath and embellished it with pinecones. Here I mixed fresh bay leaves, fresh seeded eucalyptus and limes: If your home boasts a sizable staircase, it can be dressed in greens to become a major focal point. I have worked with fau...

With Thanksgiving approaching, consider designing a centerpiece with a variety of vegetables...or vegetables mixed with seasonal flowers for your harvest table.  It's fun to play with shapes, colors and textures...whether it's mixing eggplants with peppers, leeks, turnips, radishes and Brussel sprouts...or possibly adding seasonal flowers. The arrangements (below) were created at the St. John's Food Festival (Washington, CT)...as a demonstration. They were sold as they were completed. Custom arrangements (below) were designed for the Washington Garden Club (Washington, CT) for their opening party for the Pick of the Crop event. The entry table featured an abundance of local vegetables... after the party; these were the main ingredients for a delicious soup. Recently at Winvian, NOFA held a fund raising party. This large arrangement of local vegetables (donated by the Wild Carrot Farm in Bantam) was sold in the silent auction. Vegetable arrangements never fail...