A week ago, we gathered in Rebecca and Blake Edwards’ barn loft in Purcellville to make herbal infusions together, as part of Kinfolk’s 2013 Workshop series. It was a chilly good time. The day happened to be one of the coldest we’ve had this winter, and we were working in an uninsulated barn loft. We huddled around propane heaters, buttoned our jackets, and consumed lots of hot cider.

Kirk, our friend from college and husband to Lauren of Sweet Root Village, taught everyone about vodka infusions and how to make my new favorite drink: The Lion’s Tail. This drink mixes allspice-infused rum, lime juice and bourbon…and it tastes like Christmas and everything yummy and wintry in a cup. I’ll share the recipe next week!

I think I say it every time, but my absolute favorite part of these gatherings is the people. The people who partner with me to make the workshops happen. The people who gather from various places in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, to learn together. The people who help set the tables when they arrive a few minutes early. The people who hold my little Zoe so I can greet guests. The people who put up with a chilly barn for the sake of having a good time and learning. The people who linger after the event is over and help clear tables and sweep the floor. The people with whom I’ve become friends. I host these workshops because of you all, so thank you! You’ve made it a blessing!

Some of the people who partnered with me this time around:
Lauren and Rachel from Sweet Root Village. They are basically awesome. They take the pictures. They set up flowers and greenery. They do everything and anything as needed and I’m grateful for their friendship!
Jen Olmstead from Tonic Site Shop…the graphic designer! For November, she designed the labels for our infused creations and a takeaway Lion’s Tail recipe card. Jen worked with Korie from The Weekend Type, who hand lettered and drew the beautiful herb illustrations.
Sarah from Gordy’s Pickle Jar drove out from DC, and we got to eat lots and lots of delicious pickles, and chill with Sarah. Can’t wait to do it again next week!
Rebecca and Blake Edwards, who graciously opened up their home and barn for our use…
Melinda from Knead and Know, who baked the best bread I’ve ever had. And had it delivered immediately before the workshop. Warm. It was heavenly.
And Maggie from Inks + Thread sent me the natural hand-dyed napkins that adorned the table top. Ahh, such perfection in a napkin.

In just 8 days, I’ll be teaming up with a new (and some old) group of partners (seriously, such a generous group of folks) to host what’s going to be my favorite workshop of the year. It is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year! I really hope to see you there! We’ll be learning about foraging for greenery, making wreaths and garlands from Sweet Root Village. I’ll teach a few decor ideas, too. We’ll eat a warm, wintry lunch. All in the fabulous Loft at 600 F in DC. You can read a bit more about next week’s #kinfolkworkshop (and purchase tickets) here: www.kinfolk.com/events/.