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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 Eastern Floral Grand Rapids, Mich. easternfloral.com @easternfloralmi e possibilities are endless when it comes to holiday workshops. at's the message from Rachel Vander Heide, president of Eastern Floral in Grand Rapids, Mich. "We have seen great success with our design classes, particularly during the holidays," she says. "We often offer multiple workshops, due to high demand. Many participants use these opportunities to create designs with the intention of gifting them to friends or family members. "In the past," she continues, "we have offered wreath decorating, winter porch pots, and traditional holiday centerpieces and tablescapes, as well as boxwood tree decorating, to name just a few," she explains. "Each year, we offer a different experience, as well as something different from what others may be offering. Easter Floral charges $55 for workshops held January through November and $70 for its December workshop. "It is our hope to make classes affordable to any person who wishes to attend while offering distinctive flowers, containers and design styles, to provide a one-of-a- kind experience." Sweet "16"—that's the class size for participants, which Vander Heide explains is the sweet spot for both the space available and the ideal number to ensure a fun and engaging class for everyone. "We schedule our design classes on one Saturday a month, at 10 a.m.," she continues. "We also offer private design classes, which are popular group activities—especially during the holidays—for parties of eight or more." Eastern Floral offers both in-person and virtual workshops, with the virtual classes being recorded, rather than live, to allow participants to design at their convenience and pace. All workshop participants receive kits filled with all the fresh and hard goods needed to create the design. "Kits allow more time for us to focus on teaching and create an ease for our participants," Vander Heide notes. Advertising for the Eastern Floral's workshops is primarily on the company website. Vander Heide explains that they are beginning to post more videos and photos on social media, too, and include a YouTube icon to let customers know that they can view previous workshop videos. Summing up, Vander Heide says, "By offering design workshops, we have been able to connect and build relationships with many members of our community. In a time where retail shopping has become almost strictly transactional, the personal bonds and connections created during workshops are extremely meaning ful." Eastern Floral

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