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This December the Mary Rose Museum will demonstrate how to make a Christmas kissing bough, the Tudor forerunner of the familiar Christmas wreath! Book onto the workshop to make a bough of your very own, which you can personalise your creation with an item that means something to you - a photograph, or a Christmas decoration, perhaps. Then, take your kissing bough home with you to be the centrepiece of your festive celebrations.

This event is perfect for those wanting to spend time with friends and family, or even for Christmas team building fun!

The kissing bough, a ball of greenery, was one of the most popular Christmas decorations in Tudor times. Similar to Victorian wreaths, Tudor Christmas boughs were woven from ash or willow and then covered in evergreen foliage and fruits. They were often hung on walls or over doorways as a gesture of goodwill – to welcome guests into the home. The boughs gave birth to the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe – which was first documented in the 16th century.

Working with holly, ivy, rosemary, bay and seasonal fruits, these workshops will explore the elements of what a Tudor Christmas would have been like. Sessions will begin with a 90-minute practical making session to create a kissing bough (all equipment and materials will be supplied). Participants will also receive a guided tour of the museum by one of the museum team.

Kissing Bough Workshops take place from 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5pm on 7, 13, 14 and 20 December.