A Wellness Evening in the Hundred Acre Wood: Recapping Our Tea Tasting & Botanical Creative Night in Ottawa
On Friday, October 16, a small group of guests gathered at Terra Flowers and Flavours in Barrhaven to mark 100 years of a beloved storybook bear in the only way that felt right: slowly. Tea was poured, pencils were sharpened, and for two unhurried hours the rush of an ordinary week was left at the door.
We promised a quiet, elevated tribute to the Hundred Acre Wood. What unfolded was something even better: a true wellness workshop, disguised as a lovely night out with friends.
Setting the Table for Slowing Down
Before the first guest arrived, the long tables at Terra were dressed in dried hydrangea, pinecones, honey-gold accents and a few gentle nods to the wood: a well-loved storybook here, a little honey pot there. Terra's shelves of greenery did the rest. The goal was simple. Walk in, exhale, and feel like you had been given permission to stop.
A Warm Welcome Into the Wood
As guests found their seats, introductions turned into easy conversation. Some came with friends, some with colleagues, and the room settled quickly into that rare, comfortable hum of people who have nowhere else they need to be.
A Tea Flight Made for Lingering
The evening opened with a guided tea flight, poured one cup at a time. With each tea, we paused to notice the aroma, the warmth of the cup and the way the flavour changed with every sip. Mindful tasting is one of the simplest wellness practices there is: when your attention rests on a single sense, your breathing slows and your shoulders drop, almost without you noticing.
Botanical Art, One Mindful Stroke at a Time
Once the tea had done its work, pencils and paper came out. I guided everyone step by step through a botanical illustration inspired by the wood, honeysuckle and acorns included. No experience was needed, and none was expected. What filled the room was focus, quiet laughter and the soft scratch of pencils on paper. Every guest went home with a finished piece of their own, imperfections and all, because that is the point.
Why This Was Truly a Wellness Workshop
This evening looked like a charming themed night out, and it was. But every part of it was designed with wellbeing in mind:
Mindful attention. The slow, guided tea tasting invited guests to be fully present, one sip at a time.
Creative flow. Drawing with your hands, without pressure to be perfect, gives a busy mind a gentle place to rest.
Nature connection. Surrounded by plants, botanicals and natural textures, guests experienced biophilic design at its most personal.
Real connection. Sharing a table, a pot of tea and a few laughs reminded us that wellness is rarely a solo pursuit.
It is the same philosophy behind all of our work at Atelier Maison Verte: plants, art and slowing down are quietly powerful tools for wellbeing.
What Our Guests Said
The feedback from this evening was simply positive. Guests left calmer and lighter than when they arrived, with full hearts, finished artwork in hand and plenty of smiles along the way. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this centennial celebration so special, and a heartfelt thank you to Terra Flowers and Flavours for being such a warm and beautiful host.
More Moments From the Evening
A few more favourite moments from our night in the Hundred Acre Wood.
Bring This Experience to Your Team or Celebration
Missed this one? There are more slow, nourishing evenings ahead. Keep an eye on our Upcoming Events, or reach out to plan a private gathering, celebration or team wellness workshop of your own. We would love to set the table for you.