The Christmas rush has begun. Your diary is probably filling up fast with festive activities, from parties to Christmas markets. But if you need a more mindful way to get into the spirit, then a wreath-making class definitely delivers. Plus, you'll have something (hopefully gorgeous) to show for it after being guided by a professional florist.
From a super luxe evening in Liberty's grand interiors, to Petersham's rustic outdoor workshop, these are the best wreath workshops to book in if you want to be the envy of your neighours this Yule Tide.
McQueen's: the early bird one
Best for: Wannabe florists.
Can't wait to get that wreath up on the door? McQueen's flower school has you covered with a class in mid-November at its beautiful Mayfair store. You'll be guided by its teachers in artisanal techniques using a huge range of seasonal foliage and luxury materials to make your wreath your own.
The details: November 18. McQueen's Flowers, North Audley Street, London, W1K. £250. mcqueensflowers.com
Pesh Flowers: the one in a grand setting
Best for: Beginners and Christmas fanatics.
It doesn't get much more festive than Pesh Flowers' wreath workshop, or as they call it 'door swag'. Taking place at the gorgeous Grade II listed Victorian Kingswood House near Dulwich, with festive tunes playing and treats on the go, it's sure to get you in the festive spirit. For a traditional look, you'll have beautiful fresh and dried decorations including pine cones, fruits, berries cinnamon and a velvet bow to work with on a fir and moss base.
The details: December 2, Kingswood house, Seeley Drive, SE21. £68. peshflowers.co.uk
My Lady Garden: the alternative one
Best for: Flat dwellers or dinner party hosts.
Let's face it, hanging a wreath on your door in some postcodes might leave you fearing it'll get nicked by festive partygoers. Or perhaps you'd rather put your foliage somewhere you can admire it more often. In which case, My Lady Garden's workshop will be up your street. They've ditched their traditional festive tutorials for sculpture classes where founder Kai Kaimins will help you create an artful bouquet in a Christmassy colour palette. The perfect centre piece for your festive meals.The details: November 30. My Lady Garden, 190 Balls Pond Road, N1. £175, including vase. myladygardenflowers.com
Petersham Nurseries: the outdoorsy one
Best for: Green-fingered, back to nature types.
If you've ever been to Petersham Nurseries you'll know its easygoing, rustic charm. Its atmosphere is even more magical near Christmas, so it's the perfect spot for wreath making. You're invited to forage for woodland materials to make a wild and wonderful door-hanger using a willow base, which you'll adorn with wild winter British foliage, festive berries and seed heads. Sustainability is a focus for the Michelin Green Star awarded venue (it has a lovely restaurant serving Italian fare), so your design will be completely biodegradable and compostable.
The details: November 27. Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, London TW10. £150, including refreshments. sevenrooms.com
Heal’s x Le Grand Fleurt: the speedy one
Best for: Freestylers.
This 90-minute class with South West London florist Ailsa of Le Grand Fleurt at Heal's iconic furniture store will teach you how to make a seasonal wreath with her ethos of foraging, and creativity over perfection. Nibbles and drinks will ensure you're well fuelled throughout.
The details: November 25. Heal's, Tottenham Court Road. £80. eventbrite.co.uk
Lavender Green: the luxe one
Best for: Luxury lovers.
If you like your Christmas decorations with all the trimmings (in this case cinnamon, dried fruits and bows), then Royal-approved Lavender Green has the workshop for you. Create a bright and beautiful display using sustainable materials to take home and give pride of place on your door, with the help of its expert team at the King's Road store.
The details: December 13. Lavender Green Flowers, 239 King’s Road, SW3. £210. lavendergreen.co.uk
Liberty X Wild at Heart: the fashion one
Best for: Fashionistas.
Work with Liberty's on-site florist, Wild At Heart, against the backdrop of this Christmas mecca to design, create and decorate your dream wreath. You’ll be working with quality spruce, pine and fir and plenty of show-stopping finishing touches. This workshop has the added perk of being able to tack on some Christmas shopping under the same roof.
The details: December 7 and 13. Liberty, Regent Street, W1B. Price tbc — with a drink on arrival included. libertylondon.com
Edie Rose: the chilled one
Best for: Socialites.
East London florist Edie Rose offers a relaxed class at its Francis Road hub, where you can eat, drink and learn to make a show-stopping wreath. Make a base with blue pine and moss, and decorate with festive foliage, fruits, berries, pine cones and dried flowers. Creativity is encouraged and the team will show you to make yours with movement and balance to induce some serious door envy in the lead up to the big day.
The details: December 6 and 7. Edie Rose, Francis Road, Leyton, E10. £70, including a festive drink and some nibbles. edierose.co.uk
