Workshops & Classes Archives - Page 16 of 26 - Cheekwood

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Lecture and Book Signing: Designing Christmas

Throughout the past year, Laura has been working behind-the-scenes in collaboration with Cheekwood staff to create the 2024 holiday mansion decor, featuring her signature lush and lively style. With an overarching theme of “Gifts of the Garden,” Laura designed room-by-room displays that complement the mansion’s architectural and decorative features. In this special lecture focused on both her design inspiration and favorite tips and techniques, Laura will share insights on her creative process, including how she conceptualized the special colors, projects and designs featured at Cheekwood this year. She’ll also describe lessons gleaned from her White House years and how she uses a few key elements to create inspiring, flexible (and achievable) holiday decor at home.

In addition to previewing the décor at the Mansion, Laura will debut her new book on Christmas decorating, Designing Christmas. The book contains practical tips and step-by-step instructions to inspire readers to incorporate holiday décor in their homes using Laura’s 10 favorite design elements and 10 different design schemes ranging from classic and sophisticated to whimsical and charming. A limited number of preview copies of Designing Christmas will be available exclusively for purchase at Cheekwood’s gift shops and at Laura’s lectures and workshops.

Designing Christmas in the White House Style & Holiday Tea Package

December 6

Celebrate the holiday season with a lineup of festive activities. Begin your day by viewing a special installation of holiday décor by former White House Florist Laura Dowling, and then attend a lecture where Dowling personally discusses her craft and gives tips on how to recreate stunning displays like the ones she created for Cheekwood. After the lecture, relax with holiday tea at Café 29.

This all-inclusive package includes:

Admission for 2 guests or 4 guests to the Gardens and the Mansion
Access for 2 guests or 4 guests to Laura Dowling’s Lecture: Designing Christmas in the White House Style at 1 PM
A table for 2 guests or 4 guests to Holiday Tea at Cafe 29 at 2 PM
Members receive their complimentary admission and their $20 discount on the lecture.

Please note: Guests should view the Laura Dowling: Gifts of the Garden Mansion decor installation prior to the lecture. Tea service will be post-lecture. Cheekwood closes at 3:30 PM.

Reserve Your Package Holiday teas

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An Enchanted Garden Topiary Tree

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Add a touch of whimsy and enchantment to your holiday decor with a garden-themed topiary tree adorned with ribbons and butterflies in vibrant hues, similar to the striking trees displayed in the Cheekwood Drawing Room this year. In this hands-on workshop, Laura will guide you through her design process for creating a table-top topiary tree featuring colorful ornaments, delicate flowers and playful butterflies – all tied together with her signature ribbon designs. You’ll learn expert techniques for creating a light, airy and whimsical tree that captures the essence of an enchanted garden.

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Designing Christmas in the White House Style

As Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009 – 2015, Laura created the dazzling displays that made the season memorable and delighted visitors from around the country. From the majestic Blue Room tree and charming Red Room traditions to the unique floral embellishments featured throughout the historic state rooms, Laura created festive designs that celebrated beloved Christmas and White House traditions. In this special lecture that will kick off the 2024 Cheekwood holiday season, Laura will give an overview of iconic White House Christmas moments over the years and share behind-the-scenes stories, amusing anecdotes and special tips for creating beautiful holiday displays at home.

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An Elegant “Hunt Country” Wreath

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Discover the secrets of an enchanting “Hunt Country” Christmas, as featured in this year’s Cheekwood Library display, in this special, hands-on class. Under Laura’s guidance, you’ll create a stunning holiday wreath to take home that captures the essence of the winter landscape and “hunt country” aesthetic. You’ll learn the art of combining natural elements with elegant accents, including gilded pine cones, berries and leaves – and how to make hand-crafted ribbon and moss embellishments. The “hunt country” wreath is perfect for creating a festive and long-lasting indoor or outdoor holiday display.

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