Everyone loves holiday wreaths. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ring-shaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs. Often these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to become a Christian symbol of immortality. Whatever their history or back story, wreaths are a signal of warmth and welcoming.
Workshops to make your own holiday decorations have become more popular than ever. If you’re interested in jumping in yourself on a local wreath making class, there are some great options around Cape Ann.
Many have returned by popular demand, so be warned: all require reservations because they sell out fast. And what better feeling than to make a unique decorative piece that everyone will enjoy.
First up on the calendar is the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, which will host “Wreath Decorating with Susie Talbot” that has become an annual popular event with floral designer Susie Talbot. The workshop is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 29 at the museum. Tickets $50, at 28 Main St., Essex.
Then, on Thursday, December 7, the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester (55 Commercial St.) will host its “Holiday Wreath Making Class” with the hotel’s floral designer, Meredith McCarthy. The class goes from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and tickets are $85 each.
Also on Thursday, December 7 at Anna Hardy Design in Essex, interior designer and UK native Anna Hardy will host “Holiday “Wreath Making, Sip & Shop: Creativity and the Joy of Decorating” as part of the studio’s Holiday Open House event program featuring a slate of fun holiday pop-up shopping events and activities. Ms. Hardy will co-host the Wreath Making class with florist Frankie Walsh to create a long-lasting seasonal wreath in the comfort of their showroom. Event is 4:30-2:30 p.m. at 117 Eastern Ave.. Tickets $125 each.
Finally, on Saturday, December 9, The Trustees offers a “Natural Wreath Making Workshop,” from 11 a.m.-noon at its The Trustees’ Appleton Farm property (219 County Rd., Hamilton) where participants will create their own beautiful wreath made from local materials, including a variety of natural materials such as berries, pine cones, and dried forage. Tickets $60 for Trustees members and $75 for non-members.
