Are those jingle bells I hear already? It may be the very beginning of fall, but the holidays are fast approaching, and it will be time to deck the halls and gather with loved ones before you know it. Fortunately, a new way to create, explore, connect—and get ready for the holidays—is now here at Longwood by way of our new Studios. Specifically designed for Continuing Education workshops, classes, and experiences, our bright and brand-new Studios are in The Grove—a central hub of learning, growth, and discovery that just opened as a part of Longwood Reimagined. Our Studios provide plenty of fresh and fun opportunities to design, relax, engage, explore, and grow—and they’re the perfect place to help you make this the best holiday season ever, whether you want to craft the perfect handmade gift, explore new culinary avenues, or create incredible memories with family and friends. Join our expert instructors in our new learning spaces and get hands-on with the holidays. It’s never too early to start getting ready!
Get Ready to Design
It’s hard to imagine a holiday celebration without floral design, and nowhere does flowers like Longwood. From harvest cornucopias to designs that evoke the season of light and everything in between, you’ll find the perfect way to capture the spirit of the season through flowers in the Gardens.
Create seasonal centerpieces perfect for any table or gathering. Photo by William Hill.
In November, join us for the second installment in our Designing for the Occasion series, Grateful Tables, focused on distilling the essence of a celebration of the harvest. If you’re in need of inspiration for your Thanksgiving gathering, consider our Advanced Fall Centerpiece Workshop.
If you’re further afield or would prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home, tune in for our Floral Spotlight: Celebratory Cornucopia and watch as one of our expert floral designers crafts an incredible design—then, review the recorded lesson at your leisure as you recreate the design at home.
As the calendar turns to December, the opportunities to design grow even more numerous. If you’ve ever wanted to create the perfect tablescape for your holiday meal but aren’t sure where to start, be sure to register for Holiday Tablescape Design and learn how to perfectly marry your florals and your flatware. For a more traditional holiday experience, explore our workshop series at the Holiday Village Market at The Creamery of Kennett Square: live poinsettias, a multi-purpose indoor/outdoor arrangement, and a design inspired by the classic candy cane are all available.
Our Holiday Village Workshops at The Creamery of Kennett Square offer fun, hands-on opportunities for creating your own masterpiece in this spirited community space. Photo by Holden Barnes.
Our Designing for the Occasion series continues this month, too, as we are inspired by the season of light. Finally, for an extra touch of class, join us just before Christmas for Elegant and Elevated Holiday Designs and take home incredible florals that are sure to wow your holiday guests.
Get Ready to Create
If you want to get hands-on but flowers aren’t for you, fear not—we haven’t forgotten you! In November, join us at Centered Clay Studio in Kennett Square to create adorable ceramic luminary houses, perfect for display on the mantle or for use as an ornament. Later in the month, try your hand at papercraft as you join us for Handmade Holiday Cards, and create heartfelt cards to be displayed in your home or sent to your loved ones. Just before the calendar turns to December, add to your ornament collection during our Needle Felt Ornaments workshop, and craft a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired ornament to deck your tree this year and for many years to come.
Create handmade holiday cards, ornaments, ceramic luminary houses, and much more with us. Photo by William Hill.
If you’d rather work with metal than wool, you’ll have another opportunity to create ornaments in December: If rendering blooms with a brush is more your speed, join Painting Christmas in the Conservatory for exclusive access to the indoor displays of A Longwood Christmas and an opportunity to create a masterpiece of your own.
Get Ready to Capture
Whether you’re taking family photos or ensuring you won’t forget this year’s incredible decorations, the holidays are the perfect time to break out the camera and capture the moment. In November, join us and learn all about Perfecting Your Family Portraits—you’ll be ready to bring your family’s best and take your holiday cards to the next level!
Have you ever seen a breathtaking holiday decoration—perhaps at Longwood—but the only camera you had on hand was your smartphone? During our Holiday Smartphone Photography workshop, you’ll not only learn the top tools and tips for capturing stunning photos with your phone, but you’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the Conservatory and A Longwood Christmas.
With experiences like our upcoming Holiday Smartphone Photography workshop, learn expert tips for capturing beautiful photos with your phone. Photo by Hank Davis.
The colors of the holiday season are undoubtedly incredible, but occasionally, it’s fun to look at the season through a different lens. We’ll be doing just that during Christmas in Black and White, as we explore and capture our famous displays in monochrome.
Get Ready to Savor
I don’t know about you, but for me, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without the tastes and smells of delicious seasonal food and drink. This year, the same is true of Continuing Education at Longwood! Kick-start your holiday cooking season in November with Holiday Cooking with Herbs; join acclaimed chef and Drexel University professor Charles Ziccardi as he explores how to elevate your dishes with incredible flavor. If you prefer sweet to savory, then consider our Holiday Preserves workshop, during which we’ll learn how to prepare delicious fruit jams for fillings, garnishes, and more.
Warm your spirits—and mix and mingle—as you craft your own harvest- to holiday-inspired cocktails. Photo by Holden Barnes.
Holiday cheer in a glass is also on the menu: in November, discover a pair of workshops that will guide you through creating your own infusions and then using some of them to create delicious harvest-inspired cocktails. If you’re looking for recommended drink pairings for your holiday meals without all the work, register for our Fall Wine Selection workshop to learn from an industry expert how to best choose and serve your wines.
In December, warm your spirits with our Holiday Cocktails workshop, featuring classic flavors of the holidays and take-home ingredients that you can use to wow your dinner guests.
Get Ready to Gift
Few things show care like a handmade gift, and Longwood has plenty of opportunities for you to craft something incredible and memorable with expert guidance from our instructors. In November, join us for Handmade Holiday Jewelry and create a one-of-a-kind sterling silver gift featuring an imprint from a Longwood plant. Later in the month, our Wave Hill Chair Workshop will guide you through the assembly of these minimal, sleek, incredibly comfortable garden chairs, perfect for the person if your life who needs a reminder to sit and enjoy all their hard work.
A handmade gift is always a special gift—with opportunities like our upcoming Handmade Holiday Jewelry class, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to create (and gift!). Photo by Matthew Ross.
In December, you can make a living gift during our Mini Green Wall Workshop: guided by the Longwood Gardens horticulturist responsible for maintaining our award-winning green wall, this workshop will show you how to create your own miniaturized living wall art, the ideal gift for the plant person who is looking for a unique new way to display their plants.
Our new Studios at The Grove—the perfect places to create, explore, and connect—await you. Photo by Carol Gross.
Get Ready to Share
Above all else, the holidays are about sharing: gifts, meals, memories, and time. All of Longwood’s learning opportunities are perfect for sharing with friends, family, and everyone else that draws near during the holiday season. Whether you’re giving a registration as a gift or sharing a special experience together, we want to make your experience incredible, and we look forward to sharing our Gardens—and our new Studios—with you soon.
