Roger’s Gardens Unveils Moonlight Masquerade for Halloween
Roger's Gardens has opened its much-anticipated Halloween Boutique, and this year's theme, Moonlight Masquerade, transports guests to Venice after dark. The free, immersive experience is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and welcomes the public.
Guests begin the journey beneath the Bridge of Sighs, then follow candlelight into the Palazzo of Whispers, where each room unveils a new chapter of the masquerade. Gilded masks, veiled figures, winding serpents and fluttering monarchs fill elaborate installations that turn Halloween shopping into theater.
The boutique builds on Roger's Gardens' more than 50 year legacy and marks over three decades of theatrical retail design. Vice President of Merchandising Hedda Staines and Holiday and Home Decor Buyer Crystal Pittman led the concept, drawing on Venetian artistry and global design trends. Their year-round work with artisans and manufacturers results in custom, collectible decor found only at Roger's Gardens.
Director of Design Christopher Nichols and Senior Visual Coordinator Emily Morgan led the Visual Merchandising Team in bringing the vision to life across six distinct environments. Each April, the team begins designing and handcrafting original props for the year's theme. Many of those pieces, from dramatic masks to gilded relics, are available for purchase, giving guests the chance to take home a piece of the experience.
The Crystal Atrium also features a limited collection of exclusive arrangements handcrafted by the Roger's Gardens Original Designs Team, led by Nichols. Each piece is one of a kind and available in limited quantities.
More than 500 curated products fill the boutique, ranging from traditional to whimsical to wicked. A team of 10 visual designers staged every detail over two and a half weeks ahead of opening. Roger's Gardens draws more than 100,000 visitors during September and October, with guests traveling from across Southern California and beyond.
Six environments to explore:
The Gilded Vestibule — A life-size gilded mask greets guests at the entrance, surrounded by silver and gold oddities
The Serpent's Soiree — A dramatic serpent winds overhead above entertaining pieces and artisan creations built for gathering.
The Veiled Gallery — Seven-foot veiled stone figures stand guard among masks, hats and wearables for choosing a new identity.
The Monarch Salon — Towering columns and a fireplace anchor a room where monarch butterflies flutter amid festive decor, watched over by one grumpy little pumpkin.
The Hall of Relics — A gilded bone archway leads to a chamber of dramatic paintings, skeletons and serpents.
The Crystal Atrium — The finale unfolds beneath shimmering crystal webbing, showcasing extraordinary arrangements and exclusive Original Designs.
Moonlight Masquerade runs through the end of October at Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar.
Roger’s Gardens is at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar.
