Outdoor Entertaining: ’Tis the Season ... for a Magnificent Magnolia Wreath-Making Party
Welcome to the holiday season on the island! Isn’t it a magical feeling as you cross the bridge and are greeted with a display of lights and Christmas décor? No matter how many times I see it, it always gets me in the holiday spirit, and that has me thinking that it’s time to gather with friends and family for a little celebration. How about if we plan a cozy, creative experience bringing the outdoors inside to host a Christmas magnolia wreath-making party? It will not only give us a chance to craft beautiful decorations but also an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and have some holiday fun.
To kick things off, I’ll choose a date in early to mid-December so our fresh magnolia wreaths will last through December. Sure, some leaves might brown a little, but I think that often just adds to the beauty. When you invite guests, let them know that we will need a few hours to assemble our wreaths and have time for a little food and drink. Of course, the setting also plays an important role in your wreath-making party. If the weather happens to cooperate, a deck or porch with a large table and enough light would be perfect, but if not, your living room or large kitchen will be fine so long as you can accommodate a large table or two smaller ones. Naturally, you’ll also need a playlist. I’d go with holiday classics for creating a fun backdrop for crafting.
When it comes to supplies, preparation is key! Make sure to have plenty for everyone and organize them on a table so everything is accessible and easy to use. Here’s a list of essentials:
Wreath bases: Straw or wire work well. Provide a mix for guests to choose from.
Magnolia leaves: We will use fresh. If you are fortunate enough to have access to a large magnolia tree, you have hit the jackpot. I ask my landscaper to let me know when his crew will be trimming a large magnolia so I can gather the branches – sometimes, he will even drop them off. More costly but a last resort, most nurseries will sell large branches. Because this can get expensive, feel free to ask guests to contribute.
Spray Mod Podge or other preservative: Spray all the leaves ahead of your gathering. This helps them keep their color a bit longer.
Decorative elements: Ribbons, ornaments and pinecones can enhance the wreaths.
Tools: Make sure to have scissors, floral wire, wire cutters, hot glue guns, and glue sticks on hand. Ask guests to bring these if they have them. Set up close to some electric outlets to plug in the glue guns. Spray Mod Podge for preserving.
Before guests begin, I’ll offer some guidance by starting off with a short demonstration showing how to arrange the magnolia leaves and attach them to the wreath base as well as how to add decorative elements. Here are some general guidelines:
Starting the base: Explain to guests that they’ll be attaching the magnolia leaves to the wreath form with floral wire. Show them how to cut a manageable length of wire and secure the first few leaves at an angle around the wreath base.
Layering leaves: Demonstrate how to overlap the leaves so that each covers the wire and stem of the one before it, creating a full, lush look. Remind guests to alternate the leaf direction slightly for a more natural appearance.
Adding embellishments: Once the leaves cover the wreath form, show guests how to use hot glue or floral wire to add decorative items like berries, pine cones, or ribbons. Encourage them to add accents in groups of three for a balanced look.
Final Touches: Help guests add a bow at the top or bottom of their wreath or leave it minimalistic with only the natural elements showing.
Encourage everyone to share their own ideas as they start to craft. Remember that it’s about creativity – there are no “mistakes,” only unique expressions of art. A glue gun serves as our best friend. If leaves are not behaving and staying in place, a little hot glue works wonders. If you feel less than comfortable with your wreath-making skills, there are some great tutorials on YouTube. Set up your laptop and enjoy a beverage and some snacks while guests view it. You can also check out some bow-making tutorials. Everyone always wants to become proficient at making a good bow. Here is the one that helped me learn to make a traditional Christmas bow: youtube.com/watch?v=hVu4hqgyYY4.
I suggest you get some inexpensive ribbon that you can practice with ahead of time. Always get wired ribbon. If you practice a half-dozen times, you’ll be surprised how easy it gets. If you don’t master it in time, no big deal, you can all learn from a tutorial together. If your guests achieve nothing more than learning to make a good bow, the event will be a success, and an impressive bow can elevate any Christmas wreath.
Now for the important stuff. Every crafting session needs drinks and snacks. Let’s begin with some adult hot chocolate: Bailey’s Hot Cocoa. I like to prepare and serve it from a crockpot so it stays warm and guests can easily serve themselves. If you want to really make it special, whip up some homemade whipped cream to top it off. I’ll also have ample bottles of water or seltzer for my thirsty crafting guests. Some bowls of popcorn strategically placed will allow easy snacking for busy guests. I’ll also offer some baked brie with cranberry pepper jelly and some Almond Joy cookies for a sweet ending. All can be enjoyed easily while busy hands continue crafting.
Once everyone has finished their wreaths, have a mini showcase. Arrange a place for each guest to hang their wreath while showcasing it. A cabinet door handle or knob can work or consider providing some over-the-door wreath hangers to use on doors. It helps to see the wreath hanging before adding the finishing touches, as well. Allow each guest a moment to present their creation, share any special stories, or discuss the inspiration behind their design. This can be a fun way to appreciate everyone’s hard work and creativity. Consider giving out informal awards for categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Use of Color,” or “Most Likely to Bring Joy to Santa.” This can take a pretty humorous turn with a fun group of ladies, so embrace it.
When the crafting and presenting is complete, take time to eat and drink and celebrate. This one was a little bit of work, but your guests will leave with not only a beautiful handmade wreath but also memories of a fun and festive evening. Best of all, you are on your way to starting a new holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to each year. Don’t be surprised next year when friends ask you when the wreath-making party will be.
I wish you all a fun-filled holiday season with family and friends. See you in the spring!
Best Slow Cooker Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 6-ounce package (1 cup) semisweet chocolate chips
1 14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
2 quarts (8 cups) milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup of Irish Whiskey
Directions:
In 3½- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine unsweetened chocolate, chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk; mix well. Cover; cook on high setting for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or until chocolate is melted. With wire whisk, stir in 2 cups of the milk until smooth. Gradually stir in remaining 6 cups milk and vanilla. Cover; cook on high setting an additional 2 hours or until hot. Just before serving, add the whiskey, stir mixture again with wire whisk. Reduce heat setting to low; have guests ladle hot chocolate into cups and top with whipped cream if desired.
Baked Brie with Crescent Crust and Cranberry Pepper Jelly
Ingredients:
1 can (8-ounce) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 round (8-ounce) Brie cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 jar of cranberry pepper jelly (or raspberry jelly)
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll dough; separate crosswise into two sections. Pat dough and firmly press perforations to seal, forming two squares. Place one1 square on ungreased cookie sheet. Place cheese on center of dough. Place remaining square on top of cheese round. Press dough evenly around cheese; fold bottom edges over top edges. Gently stretch dough evenly around cheese; press to seal completely. Brush with beaten egg. Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Top with cranberry pepper jelly. Serve warm.
Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn
Ingredients:
¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves
10 cups popped popcorn
¼ cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
