Adventure Brief
Discover the art of festive floral arranging at Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC. Learn professional techniques and create a holiday centerpiece in a historic, inspiring setting.
2 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover the art of festive floral arranging at Drayton Hall in Charleston, SC. Learn professional techniques and create a holiday centerpiece in a historic, inspiring setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires only light manual dexterity.
Wildlife
History
Drayton Hall is a preserved 18th-century plantation house, showcasing Palladian architecture and early American history dating back to 1738.
Conservation
Drayton Hall maintains sustainable gardening practices and educates visitors on preserving native plant species and historic landscapes.
Drayton Hall Preservation Trust
Drayton Hall Preservation Trust stewards Drayton Hall, a nationally significant historic property located on the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. The Trust preserves America’s earliest unrestored Palladian house—often described as the nation's oldest preserved plantation house—and interprets its architectural, cultural, and archaeological stories for the public.
Programming includes daily and seasonal guided tours such as the one-hour Signature Experience Tour that visits the cellar, main, and second floors and features the Steven and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery and the Lenhardt Courtyard Garden. Educator-led Student House Tours provide 45–60 minute curriculum-based experiences exploring African American history, architectural preservation, and onsite archaeology. Evening offerings range from Candlelight Tours that illuminate 18th-century spaces to special events like Drayton Hall at Night with live lawn music and archaeological presentations. Seasonal and community events include the popular Annual Deck the Hall Oyster Roast, holiday concerts such as African American Spirituals with Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers, and hands-on workshops like the Wreath Building Workshop led by local florist Lela Solomon. The Trust also collaborates with nearby institutions to offer combination itineraries—for example, joint tours and package days with Middleton Place and Charleston Strolls walking tours—giving visitors economical ways to experience Lowcountry gardens, houses, and historic streets. Interpreters and guides emphasize preservation, authenticity, and historical context. Many ticketed experiences have limited capacity, so visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure a place.
Public programming supports conservation of the house, landscape, and archaeological collections through admission and membership, and community engagement efforts nationwide.
Location
Charleston, SC
Historic Ashley River location
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Signature tours and seasonal events
Historic Status
Unrestored Palladian House
America’s earliest unrestored Palladian house
Annual Events
Deck the Hall Oyster Roast
Seasonal concerts and workshops
Secure tickets for signature tours, workshops, and seasonal events — explore Charleston history with expert interpreters and limited-capacity experiences.
Book Early for Holiday Sessions
Workshops fill up quickly during the festive season; reserve your spot well in advance.
Dress Comfortably
Wear easy-to-clean clothes as you’ll be working with floral materials and greenery.
Arrive on Time
Prompt arrival ensures a full workshop experience given its limited duration of two hours.
Parking Available Onsite
Plenty of parking is available at Drayton Hall, making arrival and departure hassle-free.
Apron
Protects your clothing while working with flowers and greenery.
fall
Pruning Shears
Useful if you prefer to practice cutting techniques with your arrangement.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture your finished masterpiece and the stunning Drayton Hall grounds.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the workshop session.