How flowers and plants are the finishing touch in luxury living

Summertime tips from Spruce, the go-to event designer and florist of Manila’s tastemakers and luxury brands.

Stepping into the world of luxury has always been about more than just products. It’s about atmosphere, feeling, and memory. It’s the kind of experience that lingers long after one leaves a space. It tells stories of nature, beauty, and human connection—one bloom at a time.

For more than a decade, Spruce has quietly shaped that experience through fresh floral arrangements and botanicals for some of Manila’s most beloved luxury destinations.

Among them are the boutiques of Hermès, Dior, Cartier, Baccarat, Fendi, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. Beyond floral installations, Spruce has also helped tell the stories of these global luxury houses through customized gifting, intimate private dinners, and thoughtfully designed experiences.

*Spruce founder and creative director Pat P. Tañedo | Photos from Spruce*

Yet beyond the polished storefronts and elegant tablescapes, Spruce has also become a presence behind some of the country’s most memorable celebrations. In recent months, the studio has designed wedding receptions for Christian Tantoco and Siobhan Moylan, Christopher de Leon and Giulia Zahar, as well as Heinrich Cole and Monica Concepcion. Most recently, Spruce brought nature into conversation with contemporary art through floral centerpieces created for Art Fair Philippines 2026.

For founder and creative director Pat P. Tañedo, floral design begins not with flowers, but with listening. “We are in the business of listening to our clients, and balancing this with our aesthetic,” Pat shares. “Some brands or customers know exactly what they want. Sometimes, they are more certain about how they want their space or event to feel. We translate that into our designs.”

*(Above and below) Floral and plant arrangements for Cartier*

That philosophy extends even to the simplest bouquet. “When you send flowers, you are sending a feeling—gratitude, affection, empathy, love. Our job is to convey that message.”

Private events designed by Spruce are approached with quiet intentionality rather than excess. The process often begins with identifying a color palette, flower varieties, and the emotional atmosphere the team hopes to create. Pat, however, is careful not to confuse grandeur with impact.

“We are more interested in allowing a space to breathe rather than creating arrangements that are merely Instagrammable,” she explains.

Instead of simply filling a room, the Spruce team thinks deeply about how people will move through and experience a space. From entrances and first impressions to the overall sensorial atmosphere, each detail is considered through the lens of balance, comfort, and ease. Their work is ultimately shaped by the story behind a celebration, brand, or gathering.

*Christian Tantoco and Siobhan Moylan’s wedding* *at Lakehall*

*(Above and below) Christopher de Leon and Giulia Zahar’s wedding*

“It’s important to get to know the client or brand and understand what the event means to them and to their guests,” Pat says.

Since its founding in 2007, Spruce has consistently created floral arrangements that enliven spaces while amplifying human connection. For the studio, flowers are never just decorative finishing touches. They are emotional cues that transform environments into experiences.

Sad-looking shelves, gloomy vibe greet visitors of Greenbelt 1 amid impending closure

*(Above and below) Heinrich Cole and Monica Concepcion’s wedding at The Grand Hyatt Manila*

“For us, it is not just about designing an event that will look good in photos,” Pat reflects. “We design events so we can help clients convey a feeling and create memorable experiences. Flowers, foliage, and plants have the ability to do exactly that. Regardless of scale, season, or space, once all the elements—lights, linens, china, and crystals—have been laid out, floral arrangements are what finally breathe life into a celebration.”

Summertime design tips from Spruce

*“Flowers, foliage, and plants have the ability to create memorable experiences,” says Pat Tañedo.*

Flowers of the season

“Sunflowers are very summery and last longer. I also love working with orchids during summertime. Cut leaves add a sense of freshness to any space.”

Easy and practical floral arrangements

“I’m very practical about floral arrangements. I usually cut what is available in my own garden. This summer, that would be bromeliads, birds of paradise, and cilium leaves. Instead of creating one long, large arrangement, I prefer making smaller ones lined along the dining table. After the event, I can easily move them around the house.”

Creating arrangements for the outdoors

“For beach celebrations, I recommend using a lot of foliage and tropical flowers. Greens are especially refreshing to the senses. If you are hosting in a garden space, consider vibrant colors that will stand out. Generally, I stay away from whites or pastels in these environments.”

Spruce’s services include corporate gifting, private events and wedding design, as well as floral and plant contracts. Their retail collections are also available at Spruce Designs. For more information, follow @sprucedesignsph.