Loretta Stagen Floral Designs

Old World elegance was the tone I struck for a Greenwich client a few days ago, as I set about to decorate her home for the holidays. I turned to an assortment of greens (douglas fir, cedar, redwood, magnolia and Italian ruscus) for wreaths and a lovely mantle arrangement, with scabiosa pods and bursts of white hypericum berries as welcome accents. Among the most stunning of the creations was an exquisite garland of magnolia that I strung along a curving staircase. I capped the garlands, top and bottom, with sumptuous 16-loop moss green bows. If you look closely at these photos, you’ll see how the finished look corresponds with the interior décor, and picks up on the muted natural palette. (I left confident that my arrangements would stay fresh for weeks, thanks to the trough watering system I’ve refined over the years). Overall, the result was sophisticated, but soothingly understated. I had embellished the home’s exquisite architectural details without attempting to upstag...

An outdoor wedding in the late fall can be risky – and many a bride and groom have worried about rain or cold.  These days, thanks to heaters and well-seasoned caterers, even the nastiest weather need not spoil this special day.  A Greenwich couple found this out recently, as they made their way from Christ Church to the Gallaher Mansion at Cranberry Park in Norwalk in the pouring rain.  With Susan Scully, owner of Watson’s Catering at the helm, everyone knew this event would be spectacular. For the décor, it was my job to find a colorful and modern way to distill autumn’s essence.  I had begun by injecting bursts of color in the Bridal and Bridesmaids’ Bouquets and in the Boutonnieres, turning to Coffee Break roses and hypericum berries. Once inside the tent I set to work with rolls of natural burlap, transforming tent poles into trunks of trees that I topped with canopies of sweet gum leaves. Table centerpieces picked up this theme, using many of the same...

Roses are considered the Queen of Flowers, and for good reason. They work wonderfully with many other flowers, and with varieties from California, Central America and Europe readily available there is always ample supply. At a workshop not too long ago at the Gunn Memorial Library I explored some possibilities, using 400 top quality roses fresh from the New York Flower Market. There were striking yellow David Austin roses with eye-popping green centers. There were garden style centerpieces employing a pink palette, with roses in varied sizes and shades of pink. There was the fiesta-ish “Free spirit”, Stand alone or combined with Hot lady and magenta spray roses  Imagine their impact on a buffet table at a wedding or gala. As a group we delved into the world of topiaries, using pink spray roses and needlepoint ivy. We mounted the rose-studded oasis globes onto a wooden dowels that we covered in silk ribbon. I For the cost conscious, we looked at ho...

Roses figure prominently in many of my bouquets, centerpieces, altar railings and topiaries. Knowing which roses to select - and how to intensify an appreciation of them - is an art in and of itself. At a Danbury Garden Club meeting recently I put together a number of combinations to give the wonderful audience an idea of the breadth and scope of possibilities. Whether it was showcasing gorgeous melon-colored roses in a simple glass container with glass pebbles, or making a luscious centerpiece of cream roses, green hydrangea and tweedia, I begin with the finest of plant materials. My vendors help ensure this foundation, freeing me to be as creative as time and budget permit. In one instance I added green hypericum berries and fiddleheads for a bracing, contemporary take on a traditional arrangement. In another instance, I veered off my rose theme – who in her right mind could pass up on these coral-colored peonies? They look stunning in tall glass containers. These cr...

Old World elegance. A rustic artisan’s table. A mélange of succulents and sunflowers nestled in birch bark. Mini-callas sleek as dresses on the red carpet in glass containers. At first blush, the role of the container may not be obvious. But trust me, containers are important stage props. A poorly thought-out selection will lessen the impact of even the most glorious of flowers. Containers can be trendy, modern or vintage, permanent or temporary. Birch bark and elliptical glass containers are two current favorites, but I’ve created stunning arrangements in natural bases -- including watermelons and red peppers. Wicker, terra cotta, wood, ceramic, porcelain, silver or glass are all wonderful options. What about that favorite heirloom vase or that coveted pair of matching urns? I love working with my clients to showcase their personal treasures.

In recent wedding seasons we’ve seen some exotic concoctions. There have been bouquets of succulents. There have been hot-colored arrangements inspired by The Tropics. But white arrangements have genuine staying power and can be highly original. With so many high quality orchids, roses, callas, freesia and hydrangeas available, what might once have sounded bland can become a remarkably imaginative component. If used alone or with tender fillers and greens, a white wedding bouquet can be pure magic! Take a look at this collage of some of my recent work. With all-white arrangements, white seems whiter when you vary shades and textures. Other times I’ve upped the ante with subtle or dramatic bursts of color – whether it’s the brilliant blue of sea holly, or the sun-kissed yellow mini-callas. Finish off your look with a lush satin bow to match the white of your gown and you’re ready for your own modern-day John Singer Sargent portrait. Whether you’re a bride-to-be dreaming of ...