This festive season, Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is opening its doors for a series of hands-on workshops that put a creative twist on Christmas. From learning the art of elegant calligraphy to making fragrant fruit garlands, personalised crackers, and wild winter wreaths, there’s something for anyone who loves a bit of festive crafting. More info on the workshops can be found here.

Christmas Calligraphy (£70)

When: 19th November, 10.30am – 1pm

The Lowdown: Beginning with a pointed pen demonstration followed by step-by-step tuition from resident calligrapher Kate Ridyard, this masterclass gives guests the opportunity to try their hand at elegant copperplate calligraphy. Using a dip pen and ink with guide sheets, each participant will master the art of beautifully lettered gift tags to take home and use to personalise presents this Christmas.

Stylish Festive Containers (£65)

When: 26th November, 2pm – 4pm

The Lowdown: Discover how to plant the perfect festive container with seasonal plant varieties – either for gifting or as an addition to an outdoor area to bring joy all winter long.

Petersham Christmas Crackers Workshop (£105)

When: 27th November, 2pm – 4pm

The Lowdown: This hands-on workshop guides participants through creating elegant, sustainable Christmas crackers using pressed flowers, ribbons, and other festive trimmings. Guests will learn design techniques to craft personalised crackers, each filled with a thoughtful, garden-inspired prize, perfect for the Christmas table or as a handmade gift.

Scented Fruit Garland Workshop (£110)

When: 2nd December, 2pm – 4pm

The Lowdown: This festive workshop guides participants through making their own scented dried fruit garlands using oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Guests will learn modern and vintage garland styling techniques, how to layer greenery, and add finishing touches with ribbons. All materials are provided, and participants will take home a sustainable, reusable decoration perfect for the home this Christmas.

Festive Flower Arrangements (£120)

When: 17th December, 10.30am – 1pm

The Lowdown: Join Petersham Nurseries’ in-house florists to create a beautiful seasonal arrangement, using British-grown flowers, foraged garden foliage, and forest floor finds. Throughout the morning, guests can learn all about sustainable floral mechanics and useful techniques to make the most of their stems and branches, before creating their own centrepiece to take home and admire over the festive season.

Wreath Making (£195)

When: 29th November; 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th & 11th December, 10.30am – 1pm

The Lowdown: Participants can roll their sleeves up and learn how to make their own Christmas door wreath in Petersham Nurseries’ signature wild and dramatic style, using an abundance of woodland materials and decorations that can be foraged or gathered from the garden. Each fully compostable wreath will feature home-grown winter leaves, festive berries and seed heads bound with twine on a sustainable willow base, and guests can take theirs
home to hang on the door.