If you’ve picked up the December issue of Real Simple, you may have seen a familiar name in there… (mine) referring to a little holiday tradition of foraging for items on winter hikes to add to our store bought wreath.
Well, after spending a day with McKenzie Powell – a good friend of mine and crazy talented floral designer – making wreaths from scratch at her workshop, I can honestly say that from now on there will be no more of this store-bought business…
McKenzie’s wreath workshop at our studio may have to become a tradition in itself, actually. The office was scented with the smell of fresh greenery, the students brought such great energy and creativity, and McKenzie’s husband, James, even provided cocktails for us all…
After a quick introduction and instruction, McKenzie set everyone straight to work, letting them choose from a gorgeous array of berries and greens, and beautiful vintage ribbons…
Students began by wiring on the greenery …
Then filled in with items like eucalyptus and berries…
With McKenzie’s guiding eye, I was so impressed with how the wreaths turned out!
And since the cocktails we whipped up for our students were so delicious, I thought I’d share the recipe! Thanks to James for this one!
Winter’s Blush // serves one
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water)
- pomegranate seeds (for color & garnish)
- 1 stem rosemary
In the shaker, muddle 1 stem of rosemary (you’ll likely need to cut it to fit into the shaker!), a few pomegranite seeds for color, lemon juice and simple syrup. Add the vodka and some ice. Shake and strain into coupe, and garnish with a few more pomegranate seeds and a small sprig of rosemary!
Also if you’re interested in getting on our mailing list for future workshops, feel free to sign up right here! We’ll send you emails every time we schedule a new event at The Emerald Studio.
photography by cozbi jean for coco+kelley