Create a festive swag at Gibside Stables! A relaxed alternative to a traditional wreath, using seasonal foliage and festive decorations.

Christmas Door Swag Workshop at Gibside Stables

Saturday12th December, 11-12

💥 Unfortunately, due to the Christmas activities taking place at Gibside, we’re unable to offer completely step-free access to the stables on this date. The bus and lift will still be available to assist with mobility needs, but please be aware that the full journey may not be entirely step-free. If you have any questions, please do get in touch. I'm always happy to help.

💥 Gibside Stables is approximately a 20-minute walk from the reception building and includes mixed terrain and a steep incline. We'd recommend arriving onsite at least 30 minutes before the workshop begins and wearing sturdy footwear.

🎄 Fancy making something a little different this Christmas?

Not everyone wants to go full-on Christmas wreath... and that's absolutely fine!

Come along to Gibside Stables and make a beautiful festive swag instead. Think of it as a rather fancy, Christmas version of an old-fashioned broom — minus the handle, obviously! 🎄

We'll start by bringing together a lovely selection of fresh, seasonal foliage branches and binding them into your swag. Then it's time to get creative with the decorations.

You'll have two festive colour schemes to choose from:

🎄 Traditional Red – Warm and festive, with artificial berries, pinecones, dried fruits and other seasonal touches.

❄️ Winter White – A softer, frosty combination with beautiful winter-inspired decorations.

Once you're happy with your decorations, we'll finish everything off with a beautiful bow of your choice.

Your finished swag will be ready to take home and hang on your front door or gate. They also look particularly lovely on sheds, summerhouses and outhouses, so you can spread a little Christmas cheer beyond the front door!

This is a shorter workshop, so it's perfect if you'd like to have a go at making something festive without committing to several hours of mossing and wiring a wreath. It's relaxed, creative and a little bit different.

Our workshops at The Northern Flower Garden are always fun and supportive. I'll demonstrate professional floristry techniques, share plenty of tips and tricks along the way, and we'll keep the creativity flowing with coffees, teas and homemade bakes from the National Trust team at Gibside.

So, if you're looking for a festive alternative to a wreath, come and make yourself a Christmas swag!

⏰ Duration: 1-2 hours.

Admission & Access Information

When you arrive at Gibside, please show proof of your workshop booking at the welcome buildings to gain free admission to the site.

If you’re a National Trust member, please have your membership card scanned at admissions as usual.

Accessibility

An access bus is sometimes available to help visitors reach the Stables. It runs from the Market Place up to the Stables at quarter past the hour, and back again at half past the hour.

If you’d like to use the bus, please email gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk before your visit to confirm it’s running on the day. If it isn’t, we’ll do our best to help arrange an alternative for you.

Biosecurity

To protect and conserve the landscape of Gibside, we bag and seal all plant material that enters and leaves the site. Therefore we ask you to also seal your designs in the bags we will provide as you leave.

Description supplied by the event organiser.