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Spend a festive morning with Jana VanDreel of Ethereal Designs in Minocqua crafting a premium holiday centerpiece—supplies and a signature cocktail included. This two-hour workshop is a social, hands-on way to learn floristry basics and take home a durable seasonal arrangement.
Spend a festive morning with Jana VanDreel of Ethereal Designs in Minocqua crafting a premium holiday centerpiece—supplies and a signature cocktail included. This two-hour workshop is a social, hands-on way to learn floristry basics and take home a durable seasonal arrangement.
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Operated by Northern Waters · Minocqua, Wisconsin
At the edge of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, in the lakeside town of Minocqua, Create Your Own - Holiday Centerpiece invites adults to slow down and make something beautiful. Located at 8136 Hwy 51 South, Minocqua, WI 54548, this two-hour workshop is led by Jana VanDreel of Ethereal Designs, who walks a small group through the construction of a long‑lasting holiday centerpiece while serving a signature cocktail or mocktail. The class blends hands‑on floral technique with friendly banter, so even first‑time arrangers leave confident and carrying a centerpiece that fits a dining table or mantel.
You’ll work with premium blooms and fresh greenery chosen for winter durability — think firm stems, seasonal evergreens, and textural accents — assembled in a design that will hold up through holiday meals and gatherings. Jana begins with a demonstration and quick tips on mechanics: securing a foam or floral tape base, creating structural layers, and adding focal flowers and finishing touches. Supplies are included; you only need to bring your curiosity and an appetite for a festive drink.
Set in Minocqua, a town surrounded by lakes, pines, and winterberry‑dotted understory, this workshop taps into the Northwoods’ seasonal style without requiring an outdoors day. It’s a social morning designed for groups of friends or individuals looking to meet locals: the class size tops out near 20, and participants must be 21 or older. The pace is relaxed but focused, and the result is both decorative and deeply personal — a handmade piece that becomes part of a home’s holiday ritual.
What makes this offering special for travelers is its local character. Ethereal Designs is a small, place‑based creative business; the owner’s techniques reflect what grows well in the region and how local makers approach seasonal decor. For visitors staying in town, the class is an easy half‑day activity that pairs well with an afternoon walk along Minocqua’s lakefront or a visit to nearby galleries and coffee shops.
Practical notes: bookings include all supplies and a signature cocktail or mocktail. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little greenery on, and plan to transport your centerpiece home in a stable box or on a flat surface. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and to choose your preferred seat; street parking is usually available along Highway 51, and the meeting point (8136 Hwy 51 South) is an easy drive from downtown Minocqua. If you have allergies, notify the host before arrival so substitutions can be arranged. Bring packaging materials.
easy.
2 hours.
Light — suitable for most adults; standing and light lifting of floral tubs required
The class runs approximately two hours from demonstration through final touches.
Yes—no prior floral experience is required; the instructor provides step‑by‑step guidance.
Yes. All floral materials, containers, tools, and a signature cocktail or mocktail are included in the booking.
Yes. Participants must be 21 or older due to the inclusion of alcoholic beverages.
Street parking is commonly available along Highway 51 near 8136 Hwy 51 South; arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes. Contact the host before the class to request substitutions for known allergies or strong fragrances.
Minocqua and the surrounding Northwoods have a long tradition of seasonal crafts and maker markets that support local florists and artisans.
Ethereal Designs emphasizes seasonal, locally appropriate materials and encourages composting clippings; participants are asked to minimize waste and reuse containers when possible.
Northern Waters operates a craft distillery and offers guided distillery tours in Minocqua, Wisconsin. The business presents a one-hour Behind the Scenes Distillery Tour on Fridays and Saturdays that introduces visitors to the science and artistry of distillation, aging, and blending. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through production areas, explain the distillation process and barrel aging techniques, and discuss how different approaches influence flavor. Each tour includes a cocktail tasting that lets guests sample finished spirits and observe tasting notes and production choices in context. Northern Waters focuses on educating visitors about craft spirit production while keeping visits concise and accessible for locals and tourists in the Northwoods. Tours take place on scheduled days and are suitable for spirit enthusiasts, beginners curious about distilling, and visitors seeking a unique Minocqua experience. As a local business operating public tours, Northern Waters provides transparent, on-site demonstrations of distillation and aging practices and ensures tours are led by trained staff. The tour format emphasizes safety and responsible tasting, with staff guiding sampling portions and discussing responsible consumption. Location in Minocqua makes Northern Waters an accessible stop for visitors exploring Wisconsin lakes and forests. Clear scheduling, a defined one-hour length, and the inclusion of a cocktail tasting create a predictable, informative experience for guests. Northern Waters' offering centers on craft distilling education and hands-on tasting within the regional tourism market. Guests should reserve in advance to ensure space on Friday or Saturday tours and to accommodate group sizes and scheduling needs.
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