Wreath Making Party
Last weekend I hosted a wreath making party at our home. This is the second time I’ve done this and it is quickly rising to the top spot of favorite types of holiday parties - both to attend and to host. It combines many of what I consider the best elements when hosting: time of day (brunch time is always my ideal party), an activity (creating something beautiful with friends is so fulfilling and fun) and minimal preparation time.
This year, I knew I wanted to have the party outside. I attempted to do this indoors last time and it creates a huge mess and is more limiting to how many people you can invite. Thankfully, we had the ideal weather this year! Chilly enough to feel like December, but the sun was out and it wasn’t windy or unbearably cold. When I sent out the invite I did say “weather permitting.” You could easily do this in a garage or barn (wish I had a barn!) too in the event of rain, but it wouldn’t be as pretty. There were 9 of us total so I placed three tables on my patio so we could spread out. I had a fire going in our Solo Stove, Christmas music playing on the bluetooth speaker, and large baskets and planters filled with greenery. It was such a fun afternoon! Also, you don’t need to be a “crafty” person to create a beautiful wreath. They are so easy to make. And everyone’s turned out even better than I expected!!
WREATH MATERIALS
12” grapevine wreath forms, the finished wreath will be 6-8” larger
Floral wire on a paddle
Greenery - I had a mix of fir branches from our yard and holly, boxwood and cedar from our local floral wholesaler. You will need more greenery than you think. I also asked each guest to bring clippings from their yard if they had any. I grouped the greenery by type into large baskets and planters all over the patio.
Ribbon, assorted satins and velvets
Dried citrus slices
*I asked each guest to bring their own pruning shears
Since the party fell at 11:30, I wanted to provide food that we could nibble outside while we worked. Everything was finger food and didn’t require utensils. I set up a table of drinks and snacks inside and people replenished as they needed. Here was the menu with links to the recipes:
MENU
Mimosas - made with TJs Orange & Mango juice and garnished with TJ’s dried, sugared orange slices
Coffee (a friend brought the small box from Starbucks)
Sticky Buns (made the morning of)
Baked Brie with Honey, Fig Jam, Walnuts and Rosemary (made when guests arrived, used Fig and Chili Jam)
Orange Cranberry Bread (made the day before, a favorite holiday recipe)
Charcuterie Board
A couple bowls with TJs spicy snack mix and TJs assorted holiday almonds
Such a festive way to share time with friends during what can be a very busy and hectic and busy time of year.