Florists and event planners are constantly looking for creative ideas to turn spaces into festive retreats that delight and inspire. In response to this creative call, Continental Floral Greens hosted their Farm and Floral Workshop: Holiday Hosting and Décor in the scenic Pacific Northwest. Held in October at their Forest Grove, Oregon farm, the two-day event celebrated seasonal beauty, sustainability, and the transformative power of greenery in holiday décor.
Connecting to the Heart of Continental Floral Green's Farm
The workshop, being more than a design seminar was a journey into the heart of the company's operations. Participants were granted exclusive access to their floral fields, where they got to see how the company cultivates and harvests a diverse world of greens, including Nandina and Ilex.
Guided by CFG's Brand Director, Madison Milgard, and their dedicated farm team, visitors gained valuable insights into the durability, longevity, and versatility of the highlighted products. With over 85 varieties of bulk greenery, consumer bunches, and holiday seasonal items, the assortment and uniqueness of each product kindled endless creative and design possibilities.
Elevating Décor With Expert Guidance
Renowned designers Kelly Shore of The Floral Source and Jennifer Reed of Jennifer Designs Events led the workshop. They introduced participants to their new handmade garland line and metallic painted collection—perfect for adding a splash of sparkle to holiday settings. Through hands-on sessions, attendees explored both traditional and non-traditional uses of foliage, learning how to create stunning tablescapes, mini-installations, and floral arrangements that embody the spirit of the season.
Mastering the Business of Floral Design
Beyond aesthetics, the workshop deeply looked into the business acumen necessary for success in the floral industry.
Some of the key topics included:
- Techniques for selecting and ordering flowers efficiently while maintaining healthy profit margins.
- Methods to price arrangements competitively without sacrificing quality.
- Understanding target markets to design offerings that truly resonate and inspire.
Participants left with not only beautiful creations but also strengthened skills to elevate their businesses.
Transforming Spaces With Greens
A highlight of the workshop was the collaborative creation of large-scale installations. From constructing sturdy, foam-free arches adorned with greenery to creating a majestic hotel lobby tree, participants took on the challenge of transforming spaces. The grand finale saw the entire barn metamorphosed into a winter wonderland scene. Evergreens and shimmering accents adorned the entrance, while layered textures and thoughtful dimensions within the décor radiated warmth and joy—the true essence of the holidays.
Celebrating Community and Sustainability
Continental Floral Green's allegiance to local and sustainable practices was emphasized throughout the event. Florals were proudly sourced from their farm and other American-grown flowers, emphasizing the importance of supporting domestic growers. The workshop fostered a sense of community, bringing together professionals passionate about their work and eager to share and learn.
The success and enthusiasm surrounding the workshop have inspired the team to make it an annual tradition. They are excited to continue offering opportunities for florists and event planners to connect directly with the source of their materials, expand their skills, and draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us. Stay tuned for updates on next year's event—they look forward to welcoming you back to the farm for more creativity, collaboration, and holiday magic!
Experience More of CFG
Their workshop and farm were recently featured on the cover of the Fall 2024 Slow Flowers Journal. Inside, Debra Prinzing penned a beautiful six-page story detailing the workshop, the efforts at The Floral Source, and their year-round growing practices across multiple CFG properties nationwide. You can read the full article in Slow Flowers' Journal.
As a team, they extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and contributed to making the workshop an unforgettable experience. People's enthusiasm and creativity are the heartbeat of what makes up CFG's community. Here's to spreading holiday cheer and creating beautiful moments together!
A special thanks to:
- Designers: Jennifer Reed (@jenniferdesignsevents) and Kelly Shore (@petalsbytheshore)
- Photographer: Matt McDaniel (@mattyphoto)
- Table Details: Accent Decor Inc.
