At Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach, customers enter its Wonderland Boutique, a trip through a magical trove of Christmas trees and gifts and a touch of the North Pole’s winter wonderland. It’s a vision come to life by creative director Eric Cortina and holiday buyer Hedda Staines.
Eric: What brought you to create the perfect Christmas for this year’s Wonderland?
A: We don’t really have winter here in Southern California, where everyone is bundled up sitting cozy by a fire, snow falling softly outside. So I wanted to incorporate the crystal and frozen look to bring that sense of wonder into the holidays. At the back of the gallery we have a very childlike feel to Wonderland and works so well capturing the adventures of childhood during Christmas time.
Eric: Your favorites?
A: Of course they are all my favorites. But the hand-made rock crystal votives by a local artist named Kathryn McCoy in San Diego has got to be on the top of my list. It’s a very classic fit for either traditional or contemporary interiors. I have one I keep out year round. There is the toy tree at the back of the gallery and the tree in the middle of the gallery with its masculine feel and the use of traditional red. It’s something I don’t do in my house, and appreciate it here.
Eric: What influence from your childhood did you bring to the boutique?
A: My childhood was filled with such wonder when the season rolled around. I simply waited all year for it and became so excited the day my mother pulled out all the decorations and filled the house with magic. It was a very special time for me. I wanted to transfer that same emotional wonderment to our customers, to bring the same delight they’ve experienced as a child into this season.
Eric: What was the inspiration for your current line of ornaments?
A: For me, inspiration comes from all over for my collection with traditional and whimsical features. Who has ever heard of a tattoo man ornament? It’s just so much fun. You’ll also find a goldfish, a black and white swan and a personal favorite of mine – a bulldog wearing spectacles. To bring authenticity to my work, I engage manufactures and artists in Europe, typically a family business. In this case, my current collection is hand painted in Poland. The ornaments are meant to be treasured for years and passed down through generations. My favorite ornament from childhood is a shiny bright ball, turquoise and purple. Simply in nature, but a priceless jewel that brings back the sense of wonder during Christmas I experienced as a child.
Hedda: Name three of your favorite items in Wonderland?
A: One of my favorites is a little hard-boiled egg in a cup ornament. It reminds me of my years growing up in England that brings me back to breakfasts with my family when I was young. Another item is the Santa tree full of ‘50s retro items. The tree décor is very red and bright green. I just love how it looks. And for the third I’ll have to include the paper mache candy containers made from antique molds in various shapes such as a Santa, each made in Germany. I find a touch of fond memories of Christmas past in these items.
Hedda: How did you select the inventory?
A: It’s definitely a combined effort between Eric and me. Before we dove into product picking, the content was first driven by Eric. He came up with the theme and overall feeling he wanted to bring to the boutique. Then from there it became a balance where we brought both the look of a winter wonderland combined with items that both delighted us and evoked memories of the past.
Hedda: Explain how ornaments are more than just decorations.
A: I think Eric hit upon that when he mentioned memories. I have such fond memories of my mother decorating the tree. One particular piece was a walnut shell and I have very vivid memories hanging it on the tree. People have those kids of experience as they pull out an ornament, which holds so much meaning. It could be something received as a gift or that marked a special occasion. The sentiment behind it is more powerful than the ornament itself. It’s hanging your history on a tree.
Hedda: What are the differences between Christmas here and where you grew up in London? What do you miss from your childhood home?
A: The main difference is not being with my immediate family and the weather, which brings a whole different feel to the holidays. I must admit, it is hard for me to get into the holiday season until the time changes and it gets darker earlier. And back home as I was growing up there were carolers coming to our door, singing songs, all precious memories now. Yet I like the idea of the warmer weather we have here where I can still walk barefoot in the sandy beach on Christmas day.
CONTACT INFO
Eric Cortina and Hedda Staines
Rogers Garden
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949-540-5800
www.rogersgardens.com
By Gina Dostler
