The arrival of the holidays can mean you have your hands are busy with a little bit of everything. There are gifts to buy, people to see and meals to be had, but sometimes, you’re still looking for that creative outlet.
Whether you want to make a wreath for your front door, a floral arrangement for your kitchen table or just a batch of cookies to share, here’s where to get started this season.
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Wine & Design – Fall Centerpiece Floral Design Class
Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Centerpieces can make or break a holiday table’s feel. Learn from Ellen Seagraves at Metro Flower Market how to create the perfect fall centerpiece with seasonal accents and beautiful blooms, and then take it home to adorn your dining room table. Attendees are encouraged to bring flower tools, clippers, an apron and gloves. // Metro Flower Market: 4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 110B, Chantilly; $65
Holiday Halo Hat Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
With a resurgence in popularity thanks to Princess Kate Middleton, the Halo hat style is ready to make its debut during the 2019 holiday season. Learn to make your own basic hat frame (which will fit your head and preferred hairstyle), choose your desired fabric and add a classic Dior rose and leaves to trim the hat. See event details for necessary supplies. // Gallery Clarendon: 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Suite R-800, Arlington; $100
Ceramic Holiday Ornament Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Heather Lezla of Persimmon Street Ceramics will be sharing some of her knowledge for attendees to make up to six ceramic holiday ornaments, just in time for the holiday season. Participants will get to imprint the clay, experiment with various textures and create different shapes. Once you’re finished, hang them on your tree or share them as gifts with others. // Botanologica: 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church; $65
Drafts & Crafts: Holiday Centerpieces
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m.
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect centerpiece for your family’s festivities, why not make one of your own? At Mustang Sally Brewing Company, you can enjoy a glass of beer while learning how to make a seasonal centerpiece, whether it’s Thanksgiving, fall or winter-holiday themed, and chalkboard paint will also be provided to make a personal message on your centerpiece for years to come. // Mustang Sally Brewing Company: 14140 Parke Long Court, Suites A-C, Chantilly; $40
Holiday Evergreen Wreath Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-noon
Evergreen wreaths are known for their bright color, festive feel and wonderful smell during the holidays. Instead of grabbing one at your local Christmas tree farm, learn how to hand-tie your own at Botanologica. The workshop will provide all of the necessary materials including pine cones, features, boxwood and more to make yours truly unique. // Botanologica: 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church; $90
Hand-Lettered Ornaments with Prisletters
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.
Come to learn the basics of hand-lettering at Port City Brewing Company and you can enjoy a few pint of your choice, and can leave with some festive holiday gifts. Prisletters is an Alexandria-based lettering artist who will teach the one-hour workshop that helps participants gain new skills and head home with a few festive chalkboard ornaments perfect for the gift-giving season. // Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria; $25
Colorful Holiday Ornament Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-noon
By using enamel on copper, learn how to make your very own enameled ornaments in true holiday fashion, with Christmas tree, snowflake, candy cane and vintage-style shapes to choose from. You will get to fire your pieces in a 1,500-degree kiln for a few minutes and unveil your creation to whomever is worthy of a handmade gift. // Wear Ever Jewelry Studio School: 1112 King St., Alexandria; $90
Holiday Cookie Decorating
Friday, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Join the Market Salamander Pastry team before getting out your rolling pin for a peek into holiday cookie baking, decorating and more. They’ll help you create magical cookies to serve to family, friends and guests throughout the season. // Middleburg Community Center: 220 W. Washington St., Middleburg; $32
Holiday Greenery with Hidden Brook and Alice’s Table
Sunday, Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m.
Workshops at local breweries might not be your thing, but if you still like to sip and create, you’ll want to sign up for the wreath-making class at Hidden Brook Winery. Not only will you get to enjoy wine in Virginia’s wine country (with a red wine hot chocolate shooter and a mulled wine float on the menu), you can also make an evergreen wreath to take home for holiday. // Hidden Brook Winery: 43301 Sprinks Ferry Road, Leesburg; $80
Holiday Wreath at Helen Olivia Flowers
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Beautiful holiday wreaths can be an incredible addition to the front door of your home, so don’t be limited by buying one at the store. Make one yourself with Helen Olivia Flowers and you can bring the holiday cheer to your home, and the bragging rights when family, friends and guests compliment your festive creation. // Helen Olivia Flowers: 1519 Leslie Ave., Alexandria; $125
DIY Workshop – Painting Watercolor Christmas Trees
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Painting watercolor landscapes is intimidating. What if you don’t have an artistic hand? Not to worry. With Kolbie Blume of Writing Desk Creative Co., all attendees will get an inspirational and educational experience of exploring the basics of watercolor with a winter holiday twist. No experience is necessary and you’ll get to take your many painted creations home with you. // Steadfast Supply: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1245, Arlington; $85
Refreshing Sunday – Floral Design Class
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-3:30 p.m.
What is your plan for decorating your table for the holiday this year? If your candles are out of style, or you seemingly lost last year’s Pier One decor, you can learn to create your own holiday centerpiece with Metro Flower Market. Spend a Sunday afternoon learning to mix and match different blooms to adorn your table through the holiday season. // Metro Flower Market: 4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 110B, Chantilly; $65
Holiday Cookie Decorating Class
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m.
As if cookie decorating during the holidays isn’t enough of a tradition, why not learn some new methods to show off this year? At this local workshop, you can try several different holiday designs and all materials are included. // Warren County Community Center: 530 Villa Ave., Front Royal; $25
Make Holiday Cards with Washi Tape
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7-9 p.m.
Holiday cards can mean more when you know you’ve made them yourself, and remembered to send them! Learn to make fast, fun and easy holiday cards with washi tape. If you have your own collection, you can bring it along or use the provided supplies as needed. // Kalypso’s Sports Tavern: 1617 Washington Plaza N., Reston; $20
Holiday Centerpiece with Helen Olivia Flowers
Sunday, Dec. 22, 1-3 p.m.
Your to-do list for the holidays is probably a mile long, and making your own centerpiece is probably not near the top of your priorities. But if it’s a challenge you want to master, take two hours out of your Sunday to create a one-of-a-kind holiday centerpiece for your dining room table or fireplace mantle. Plus, the creation could relieve some pent up holiday stress through the power of creativity. // Helen Olivia Flowers: 1519 Leslie Ave., Alexandria; $125