By Sharon Cohoon, Sunset senior garden writer

I wrote a post about  what a bargain wreath-making classes at botanical gardens were a few days ago.  No botanical garden near you?  Or all the classes already filled?  Consider hosting a party yoursef. Or join up with a crafty friend and host it together.  Elizabeth Allen of Encinitas, California did this a number of year ago, and everyone had so much fun she's been doing it every year since. 

The group starts with large Costco evergreen wreaths which the hostess purchases ahead of time and guests reimburse her for the day of the party.  At the party everyone sets to and adorns the basic green wreath with pine cones, seed pods, and other natural materials guests have garnered from their yards or walks.  Plus man-made items from crafts shops.

Having done this several years now, Allen has some tips on how to stage the party:

1.  Set up the night before.  It takes longer than you think.

2.  Provide plenty of working space.  Borrow card tables or rent banquet tables.  People need lots of elbow room.

3.  Cover surfaces with newspaper.

4.  Ask everyone who has one to bring their glue guns.  Buy or borrow a few extras.  "You need one for every two people," says Allen.  Regular glue takes too long to set.

5.  Don't bother with fancy food.  "People get too into it to want anything fancy," says Allen.  "Keep it to brownies or cookies and coffee," she says.  "I made mulled cider once, and nobody touched it."

6.  When you think your wreath is finished, she says, add more.  "I've learned I need twice as much material  as I'm naturally inclined to use to give it that full, luxurious look you want."

More tips:

Make a wreath from your own clippings

Dress up that store-bought wreath

Decorate the whole house with winter greens