Ice Berry Wreath at Southern Exposure

"So, what is an ice berry wreath," a friend asked, when I said I was going to Southern Exposure to make one.

"I don't know," I replied. "I'll find out when I get there, but whatever it is, it will be pretty."

And with that thought, my friend Kate and I were off to an evening at Southern Exposure (for past visits, put "Southern Exposure" in the search box over on the right!) Every visit includes a fabulous dinner, a lovely craft project and -- weather permitting -- a walk around the terrific gardens, followed by a trip to the gift shop.

Well, despite a glorious and relatively warm (for late November) evening, we had to skip the garden walk -- it was too dark! But that didn't stop us for enjoying plenty of beauty.

After our first stop in the gift shop we headed to the dining area and were handed a rosemary martini. We found our name tags on a Christmas tree attached with cute red clothespins with a half-cork glued on them. (Remembering that idea!)

We wandered around before going to the dining room. There were beautiful arrangements and vignettes, all designed to get one in a holiday mood!

At Southern Exposure you don't only look around...

You look up!

The designers know how to make the best of every available inch of space and the top of a cupboard is another platform for pretty!

A long table is staged with greens, lights and candles.

And this giant rocking horse (one of two) took center stage. I thought of blogger Elizabeth when I saw that!

And from this covered area outside the dining room you could peek inside to see what was in store!

The dining room is in the old Milking Parlor of this farm but it is hard to imagine cows in this warm and beautiful room! Tables are set elegantly.

I particularly liked the idea of placing a vintage photo under glass at each setting over an ivory tablecloth.

Of course, every bit of space was used there, too, from buffet chests...

...to the chandeliers!

The staff is introduced and dinner is served!

I loved how the butter was served on a rose petal.

Our dinner included wine, roasted acorn squash serving as a bowl for a sausage and rice mix, salad and pumpkin pie. I loved the little rose nosegay on the plate!

It was very festive and we were very happy!

After enjoying dinner, we headed over to the craft tent, where instructor Micah talked about the history of the wreath and described the various kinds of pine that we would add to our ice berry wreaths. White pine, scotch pine and the one I can't remember!

We each had a basket of pine to add to our wreath which was already filled with beautiful red berry branches.

And then, it was just a matter of inserting the pine in the direction of the berries!

This group of about 60 left with a beautiful project and a lot of wonderful memories.

I'll share mine when we do the Christmas walkthrough at home! Meanwhile, 'tis the season so don't forget to look up!

And don't forget to believe!

Happy to be joining Share Your Cup, Sweet and Simple Fridays and Pink Saturday today! Trust me -- glorious eye candy awaits!