Festive creative workshops at The Fleur de Lys

Handcrafted candles, painted baubles, willow reindeer, and festive wreaths are all on the menu at The Fleur de Lys this November, as the Lowsonford pub welcomes local artisans for a series of Christmas workshops.

With mulled wine, mince pies, and the cosy surroundings of a 15th-century village inn, these hands-on evenings offer a lovely opportunity to get together with friends, try something new, and take home something made especially for the festive season.

∙ FESTIVE CANDLE MAKING ∙

The series begins on Tuesday 10 November, when Kenilworth’s Artibus Yard returns to The Fleur for an evening exploring the art of soy wax candle making.

Guests will learn about scents, pouring techniques, and finishing touches before taking home their own handcrafted jar candle with a seasonal fragrance.

For anyone getting ahead with their Christmas shopping, the limited-edition Fleur de Lys Artibus Yard diffuser is also available to purchase.

∙ PAINT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS BAUBLE ∙

On Tuesday 17 November, from 7pm to 9pm, Crazy Kiln Pottery will host an evening of ceramic bauble painting.

Each ticket includes one ceramic bauble to decorate, which will then be taken back to Crazy Kiln’s Kenilworth studio for firing and glazing. Whether destined for the family Christmas tree or given as a thoughtful gift, each finished piece will be a personal festive keepsake.

∙ WEAVE A WILLOW REINDEER ∙

On Wednesday 25 November, Solihull-based Nature Makers will lead a willow weaving workshop, giving guests the chance to create their own Christmas reindeer to take home.

The award-winning business specialises in mindful art, craft, and play for natural wellbeing, encouraging creativity and a love of the outdoors.

∙ CREATE A FESTIVE WREATH ∙

The following evening, Thursday 26 November, Warwick-based Canalside Blooms will bring seasonal foliage and warming winter spices to The Fleur for a Christmas wreath workshop.

Guests can enjoy a creative evening making a wreath to welcome visitors to their home throughout the festive season.

∙ LOCAL ARTISANS, MULLED WINE, AND MINCE PIES ∙

All four workshops include mulled wine, mince pies, and the materials needed, with ticket prices ranging from £25 to £55.

For owner Emma Woodhouse, the evenings bring together some of the pub’s favourite local artisans while offering another way to enjoy its welcoming winter atmosphere.

“There’s nowhere cosier to be on a winter’s evening than next to a roaring log fire in a quintessentially English country pub,” she said.

The workshops are an opportunity to meet the makers, learn from their expertise, and enjoy time with friends, family, or colleagues. They also offer a creative alternative to a traditional staff Christmas party, with a handmade keepsake to take home.

∙ CHRISTMAS AT THE FLEUR ∙

Nestled beside the Stratford Canal in the picturesque village of Lowsonford, The Fleur de Lys is a 15th-century inn surrounded by winding country roads that once formed part of the Forest of Arden.

Its Christmas menu launches on 30 November, including the much-anticipated return of its festive pie range.