The Best Creative Courses for Christmas 2019

Give your Christmas decor a little DIY edge...

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Get creative this Christmas season and try your hand at holiday baking, wreath-making or crafting your own tree decorations at one of these festive craft courses…

Christmas baking at Bread Ahead

Because nothing encapsulates the festive season quite like copious amounts of baked goods, take part in one of the classes from Bread Ahead’s expansive Christmas baking schedule. Suitable for seasoned bakers and novices alike, there are workshops to match every taste. Traditionalists can enjoy perfecting their mince pies and gingerbread, while those seeking out something a little different can try their hand at making German festive treats, a panettone workshop and even a Victorian Christmas baking class. Baking workshops are available at all Bread Ahead locations, including Soho and Chelsea, classes start from £30; to book, visit breadahead.com

Christmas workshops at Petersham Nurseries

Craft exquisite hand-made decorations from festive foliage and sustainable materials at Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden location. Guided by the team of expert florists and botanists, choose between learning to make a wreath, garland, or table centrepiece. You can rest assured knowing that the finished product, assembled from the season’s finest flowers, berries and greenery, will be a striking and beautiful addition to your home. Until 21 December 2019, £110, 31 King St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD; to book visit petershamnurseries.com

Gingerbread House workshop at Wild by Tart

Bake and assemble your own gingerbread house at a workshop led by the pastry team at Wild by Tart, the new restaurant from Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones of Tart London. Fun for children and adults alike, you can then take home your gingerbread structure, though mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate will also be on standby to ease any construction frustration. While you’re there, make sure to have a browse around the Christmas Fair, where the stalls will be selling everything from homeware to fashion and pantry fillers. 1 December, 11am and 3pm, £75, 3-4 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AZ; to book, visit wildbytart.com

Wreath making and table decoration with Diptyque at Hotel Café Royal

Fashion yourself a fabulous-smelling wreath or table centrepiece with the help of Hotel Café Royal’s florist, Jamie Aston and Diptyque. Adorn your all-natural wreath with scented Diptyque ovals and embellishments before giving it a final spritz with your choice of Diptyque fragrance. As it’s the season for merriment, the workshop also includes a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot, canapés and a treat from Cakes & Bubbles, the hotel’s patisserie. In addition to their perfumed creations, participants can take home a full-size version of the coveted Diptyque Baies candle. Select dates from 25 November – 16 December 2019, £145; to book visit hotel-cafe-royal.com

Alternative Christmas card workshop with John Booth and Caran d’Ache

Secure your Christmas cards the centre spot on the mantlepiece with this alternative card workshop. Hosted by London-based artist John Booth, whose work extends across fashion and illustration, the workshop’s guests can bring their visions to colourful life using Caran d’Ache’s iconic crayons and pastels while enjoying complimentary Prosecco and festive treats. As well as taking home their cards, visitors are gifted their art materials, a box of Caran d’Ache pastels and pen. Proceeds from the workshop will go to Create Arts. 5 December 6:30–8:30 pm, £15, MasterPeace Studios, Eccleston Yards, London, SW1W 9NF; tickets via eventbrite.co.uk

Éclair Decorating Workshop at Maître Choux

For a memorable festive activity, children are welcome to build and decorate their own delicious Christmas tree pièce montées, edible festive centrepieces guaranteed to bring some wow-factor to the table. With éclairs in a range of classic flavours like Tahitian Vanilla, Spanish Raspberry Pink, or Salted Butter Caramel, the trees can be personalised with sugar snowflakes and edible glitter, with help from Maître Choux’s éclair specialists. Every weekend from 7 December to 22 December, Maitre Choux King’s Road, 59 King’s Road, London, SW3 4ND; book via eventbrite.co.uk

Christmas Calligraphy at Pearl & Groove

Make this year’s Christmas cards the finest yet under the expert guidance of calligrapher Alice Gabb at this festive workshop, accompanied by plenty of tea and gluten-free cake at Notting Hill’s Pearl & Groove bakery. Having started London’s first Calligraphy Club, the artist now runs a series of popular classes around the capital. 9 December, 7pm, £60; to book visit alicegabb.com

Christmas Design Day at the Design Centre

For a myriad of festive courses to suit every creative whim, head to Chelsea’s Design Centre, which is hosting a one-day Christmas workshop extravaganza. Make everything from hand-blocked prints to Danish tree decorations, while gaining insights and decoration advice from industry experts. What’s more, the event is free of charge and in support of the charity Screw Cancer. 2 December, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour SW10 0XF

Christmas courses at West Dean

For creative courses a little further afield, Chichester’s award-winning West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has a comprehensive festive short course programme. Creative courses on offer include metallic calligraphy; the popular coloured glass Christmas decoration making workshop; crafting small mosaic decorations; festive paper cutting and a course teaching you how to make your own silver Christmas-themed earrings. 1 November – 15 December 2019, courses start at £133, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 OQZ; book via westdean.org.uk