10 Creative Ways to Enjoy December in Melbourne
Bring your best mates and make the holidays twice the fun
All that shopping and partying this holiday season can get pretty stressful. And so, we’ve rounded up a few ways to relax and have fun with your friends. Because picking up a new skill is always the perfect gift to give yourself and your BFFs!
Kitchen Fundamentals by Elizabeth Peddey School of Cookery & Gastronomy
Cooking is all about the ingredients. And in this class inspired by Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat (the popular cookbook and you’ve heard of the Netflix series), heat takes centre stage. Yes, heat!
We don’t necessarily mean spices here (although we live for that, too). We’re talking about the sizzling, the crackling, and all those awesome things that make cooking fun and food one of life’s best wonders.
Thermometer? Schmermometer! After this class, you’ll be able to take cues from your senses and cook up a storm all summer long.
Where: Elizabeth Peddey School of Cookery & Gastronomy, 15 Meredith St, Elwood VIC 3184
When: Tuesday, 04 Dec 6:30PM (2.0 hours)
Cost: $135.00
Modern Calligraphy by Think Thornbury
This Saturday, bring a mate who shares your knack for fine nibs and fancy flourishes, and create something to impress your family and friends - like personalised Christmas cards!
You’ll be surprised at the compliments you’ll get when you add modern calligraphy to your cards or gift tags. Or how about an inspiring quote on premium paper and frame? Now, you have a classy, thoughtful present to give this season - and something perfectly Insta-worthy!
Where: Think Thornbury, 800 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
When: Saturday, 01 Dec 10:00AM (3.0 hours)
Cost: $156.20 general admission, $142.00 mates rate
Champagne, Sweets, and Flowers by Victoria Whitelaw Flower School
If you’re looking for a class where you and your friends can unwind and skill up at the same time, this is it! Sip on French Champagne and nibble on some sweets or savouries, as you discover how to make lovely floral arrangements from one of Melbourne’s top florists, Victoria Whitelaw Flower School. And to top it all off, you get to take home your blooms, too!
Come with as many friends as you can invite. This is technically a class; but we guarantee, it won’t feel like one!
Book this class
Where: Victoria Whitelaw Flower School & Production House, 25 Wangaratta St, Richmond VIC 3121
When: Saturday, 01 Dec 12:00PM (2.0 hours); multiple dates available
Cost: $160.00 general admission, $140.00 mates rate
Fused Glass Christmas Gifts by Merryl’s Mosaics & Glass Studio
Glass fusing isn’t as difficult as you might think, not with the right tools and an expert instructor. Once you’ve got the process down pat, you’ll be surprised at all the things (i.e., Christmas pressies) you can make.
How does six fused glass gifts sound? Snowmen in December, at last!
Where: Merryl’s Mosaics & Glass Studio, 723 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield South VIC 3162
When: Saturday, 01 Dec 10:00AM (2.5 hours)
Cost: $130.00 general admission, $122.50 mates rate
Wall Weaving by Put Your Heart Into It
If you love working with your hands, this workshop will surely get your creative juices flowing. For starters, you’ll be weaving with different materials - that’s right, it’s not just about yarn, ladies! Think paper and natural materials.
Curious yet? Look forward to a laid-back evening plus a generous grazing table and wine - a staple feature of every Put Your Heart Into It class. And of course, you get to take home your masterpiece. Start clearing that wall, ASAP!
Book this class
Where: Put Your Heart Into It Studio, 1/10 Langwells Parade, Northcote VIC 3070
When: Wednesday, 05 Dec 6:30PM (3.0 hours)
Cost: $150.00 general admission, $120.00 mates rate
Let’s Make Dumplings by The Humble Dumpling
Let’s make dumplings? Yes, let’s! Why should you attend this class? Easy - so that the next time you crave for Chinese (which happens so often it’s crazy), you wouldn’t have to settle for takeout!
Talk about having your dumplings (made from scratch) and eating it, too. Bring along your best mate and have a dimsum cook-off after - Humble Dumpling style!
Where: The Humble Dumpling, 30A Kelvin Rd, Alphington VIC 3078
When: Sunday, 09 Dec 11:00AM (4.0 hours); multiple dates available
Cost: $120.00 general admission, $110.00 mates rate
DSLR Express Travel Photography Course by DJB Photography School
You know what they say: Pictures or it never happened! But your trusty smartphone camera can never take photos as well as a DSLR can (at least, not yet). Learn from a self-taught pro and experience the joy of taking NatGeo cover-worthy shots!
After this course, you can leave your phone behind (haha, right) and be able to use a real camera to take amazing photos and document your travels.
Where: djb travel photography course meet point, Rodda Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
When: Saturday, 01 Dec 9:00AM (3.0 hours); multiple dates available
Cost: $149.00 general admission, $129.00 mates rate
Festive Wreath or Centrepiece by Flowers by Cassy
Creating a Christmas wreath or two to hang by the door - sound like fun? You bet. In this workshop, you’ll create stunning floral wreaths and centrepiece arrangements, together with award-winning florist, Cassy Canterford.
Sprucing up the house this holiday just got even more exciting, we know!
Book this class
Where: Flowers by Cassy - Time to bloom - Warehouse 8, 320 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
When: Wednesday, 05 Dec 11:00AM (1.5 hours)
Cost: $120.00 general admission, $100.00 mates rate
Bake Some Danish Dark Rye Bread with Bee Sustainable
Danish dark rye is always so popular that it can be difficult to find around the city. Here’s an idea: Learn how to bake it from scratch! This Bee Sustainable class will teach you how to prepare this healthier alternative to store-bought bread and make you fall in love with carbs all over again.
Ah, waking up to the smell of fresh bread, baking in your own kitchen. That is the life.
Where: Bee Sustainable, 500 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
When: Saturday, 22 Dec 2:00PM (2.5 hours)
Cost: $95.00 general admission, $85.50 mates rate
Create Fun Stuff with Resin by Station Street Studio
Everyone is an artist, and that includes you! This 2-day workshop by Station Street Studio is a fantastic way to explore your creative side, using the hottest medium in town.
Not only will you make accessories and homewares - rings, bangles, platters, and bowls; you’ll also to create your own silicone moulds and cast resin to take away from class. The fun can go on and on at home!
Hands-on workshop, fun with the bling squad, Christmas shopping? Check, check, check!
Book this class
Where: Station Street Studio, Frankston VIC 3199
When: Saturday, 15 Dec 10:00AM and Sunday, 16 Dec 1:00PM (3.0 hours x 2 Days)
Cost: $180.00 general admission, $144.00 mates rate
Craving for more, more, more? There’s lots more where that came from!