Christmas at howbury hall
Learn to create a more natural, personal Christmas - using materials gathered from the landscape around you.
Join Cissy at the School of Sustainable Floristry at Howbury Hall for a small, immersive day of festive foraging, floristry and creative inspiration.
Rather than buying decorations that look the same every year, you’ll learn how to see the possibilities in winter evergreens, bare branches, seedheads, berries and other natural materials - and turn them into beautiful decorations with your own character.
You’ll spend the day exploring the Howbury Hall estate, gathering materials responsibly and learning how to use them in traditional festive designs with a contemporary twist. With expert guidance, you’ll create a Christmas wreath and festive garland to take home, while discovering techniques you can use again and again in your own home.
You’ll leave with:
A handmade wreath and garland.
Practical skills for working with seasonal foliage and natural materials.
Ideas for creating wreaths, garlands and tablescapes at home.
The confidence to make Christmas decorations that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
A new way of looking at the landscape around you.
The workshop is suitable for beginners, aspiring florists and experienced florists who want to explore a more natural, expressive approach to festive design. You don’t need previous experience - just an interest in making, learning and working with natural materials.
The day takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Howbury Hall and includes expert tuition, all floristry materials and equipment, a delicious seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Wednesday 9 December 2026
£195 per person
Limited to 8 participants
Frequently asked questions
I’m not a florist. Will I be able to do this?
Absolutely. The workshop is designed to be welcoming for beginners, while still offering plenty for aspiring and experienced florists. You’ll be guided through each technique, with room to explore the materials and develop your own ideas.
Will I learn enough to decorate my whole home?
The focus is on giving you principles and techniques you can continue using after the workshop. You’ll learn how to work with foliage, texture and seasonal materials in ways that can be adapted to wreaths, garlands, tables and smaller displays at home.
What if I don’t have a big house or a mantelpiece?
You don’t need a country house to create a beautiful Christmas atmosphere. The techniques can be adapted to any home, whether you make a wreath for the door, arrange foliage on a shelf or bring a few branches to the table.
Will my decorations last until Christmas?
We’ll discuss how to choose suitable materials, care for your decorations and keep them looking their best. Fresh foliage generally lasts longest in cool conditions, away from central heating.
Do I need to bring anything?
All floristry materials and equipment will be provided. We’ll send practical information about what to wear and bring before the workshop.
Learn to create a more natural, personal Christmas - using materials gathered from the landscape around you.
Join Cissy at the School of Sustainable Floristry at Howbury Hall for a small, immersive day of festive foraging, floristry and creative inspiration.
Rather than buying decorations that look the same every year, you’ll learn how to see the possibilities in winter evergreens, bare branches, seedheads, berries and other natural materials - and turn them into beautiful decorations with your own character.
You’ll spend the day exploring the Howbury Hall estate, gathering materials responsibly and learning how to use them in traditional festive designs with a contemporary twist. With expert guidance, you’ll create a Christmas wreath and festive garland to take home, while discovering techniques you can use again and again in your own home.
You’ll leave with:
A handmade wreath and garland.
Practical skills for working with seasonal foliage and natural materials.
Ideas for creating wreaths, garlands and tablescapes at home.
The confidence to make Christmas decorations that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
A new way of looking at the landscape around you.
The workshop is suitable for beginners, aspiring florists and experienced florists who want to explore a more natural, expressive approach to festive design. You don’t need previous experience - just an interest in making, learning and working with natural materials.
The day takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Howbury Hall and includes expert tuition, all floristry materials and equipment, a delicious seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Wednesday 9 December 2026
£195 per person
Limited to 8 participants
Frequently asked questions
I’m not a florist. Will I be able to do this?
Absolutely. The workshop is designed to be welcoming for beginners, while still offering plenty for aspiring and experienced florists. You’ll be guided through each technique, with room to explore the materials and develop your own ideas.
Will I learn enough to decorate my whole home?
The focus is on giving you principles and techniques you can continue using after the workshop. You’ll learn how to work with foliage, texture and seasonal materials in ways that can be adapted to wreaths, garlands, tables and smaller displays at home.
What if I don’t have a big house or a mantelpiece?
You don’t need a country house to create a beautiful Christmas atmosphere. The techniques can be adapted to any home, whether you make a wreath for the door, arrange foliage on a shelf or bring a few branches to the table.
Will my decorations last until Christmas?
We’ll discuss how to choose suitable materials, care for your decorations and keep them looking their best. Fresh foliage generally lasts longest in cool conditions, away from central heating.
Do I need to bring anything?
All floristry materials and equipment will be provided. We’ll send practical information about what to wear and bring before the workshop.