PEOPLE looking to create unique decorations got the opportunity to make their own Christmas wreaths this week.

Festive wreath workshops were run at The Chester Pub in Chester Street, Iffley Fields, on Wednesday and Thursday for small but enthusiastic groups.

Workshop co-ordinator and floral designer Ally Nutting said: “We’ve had a great response this year to the wreath making classes.

“It’s a great time of year for people to relax, meet new people and make something personal and special.

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“It’s interesting because it is a complete mix of ages, from the young to the elderly.

“It has been exclusively women though – maybe it would be good to get some men involved.”

The 30-year-old school administrator and self-taught floral designer started running the Christmas wreath classes last year.

She said: “I think a lot of people in Oxford enjoy this sort of workshop, and they want to learn how to do things for themselves.’’ Mrs Nutting now plans to start work as a floral designer full-time and has set-up a new company, Aesme Studio, which will be open for business in March.

The East Oxford resident said: “I will definitely be expanding the number of classes that I do next year. I’m also hoping to do classes for mantel piece ornaments and table pieces.”

Mrs Nutting began writing a blog about her passion for floral design which has gained 1,000 followers over the last four years.

The blog can be found at allylisterflowers.wordpress.com

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