Pottery workshop party

What it is

A clay-making session. At home, use air-dry clay to hand-build dishes, mugs and planters, then paint them. Or book a pottery studio where guests can try the wheel and have their pieces glazed and fired.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: decide: home (air-dry clay) or a studio (more expensive but real ceramics).
• One week before: buy clay (about 500g per guest), tools, a rolling pin and paint.
• The day before: cover tables and set out water pots, sponges and boards.

Techniques

• Pinch pot: push a thumb into a ball of clay and pinch the walls up evenly.
• Coil: roll long sausages and stack them in rings, smoothing inside.
• Slab: roll clay flat, cut shapes and join them with “slip” (clay mixed with water) after scoring the edges.

Decorate

Press stamps, lace or leaves into soft clay. Once dry (24-72 hours), paint with acrylics and seal with varnish. Note: air-dry clay isn’t food-safe or waterproof - use it for trinkets and planters.

Food and drink

• Grazing board, bread and dips
• Wine or mocktails
• Cake

Tips

• Keep clay covered with a damp cloth so it doesn’t dry out.
• Write names on the bottom with a pencil before drying.