Are you a Southend florist with an idea for a Christmas wreath-making evening? An artist who’d love to teach a bauble-painting class? Or a local maker looking for somewhere to bring people together before the end of the year?
At San Fairie Ann, our wonderfully quirky restaurant and private hire venue on Alexandra Street, we’d love to hear what you’re planning. Picture a long table laid out with fresh fir, dried orange slices and velvet ribbon, with everyone settling in for a drink before making something to take home.
What could you host this Christmas?
Wreath making is a lovely fit for a festive evening: guests can chat as they work, and everyone leaves with something they can hang on their front door. If you teach another craft, there are plenty of ways to give it a Christmas twist:
Florists: Christmas wreaths, festive table centrepieces or seasonal garlands.
Artists and illustrators: Hand-painted baubles, Christmas cards or a festive sip and paint.
Local makers: Gift wrapping, ornament decorating or a handmade gift workshop.
You could run a ticketed session for the public or put together a private workshop for a group of friends or a local team looking for a Christmas get-together.
Choose a space that gives everyone room to make
Our private speakeasy-style basement has its own bar and a long table that lends itself to an intimate workshop. It’s easy to picture a wreath-making demonstration at one end, with guests working alongside each other as you make your way around the table. For a larger group or a layout with several worktables, ask us about hiring the main restaurant.
For hands-on workshops, the right group size depends on how much table space each person needs. Wreath rings, foliage and tools take up more room than a set of watercolours and a handful of cards. Tell us what guests will be making, and we can talk through a layout that leaves enough space for materials and for you to move around and help.
Plan the session before you put tickets on sale
Set aside time for guests to arrive and get a drink, a short demonstration, and plenty of time to make and finish their piece. If you’re bringing fresh foliage or messy materials, let us know what you need for setup and how long you’ll need to pack down.
It’s also worth deciding what your ticket includes before you advertise it. Will all materials be provided? Is it suitable for beginners? Would you like to include a welcome drink or something to eat? We can discuss food and drink options with you so guests know what to expect when they book.
Host your festive workshop at San Fairie Ann
If you’d like to run a workshop this November or December, get in touch to check availability. If you’re flexible, ask us about Monday to Wednesday private hire for a festive afternoon or evening.
Explore our private hire spaces or email hello@sanfairieann.co.uk with your workshop idea, preferred dates and approximate group size. We’d love to hear what you’d like to make and help you find a space for it.