# How to Run Pottery Parties and Private Events

Cluster: For Studio Owners
URL: https://claybook.studio/blog/run-pottery-parties-and-private-events/

# How to Run Pottery Parties and Private Events

Parties, date nights and private classes can be a steady source of income for a studio, and an easy way to meet people who later join as members. They also need more planning than a regular class. This guide covers the essentials.

## Pick your formats

* **Birthday or group party.** A group of friends or family makes simple projects together.
* **Date night.** Two people, a relaxed evening and usually a drink or snack.
* **Corporate or team event.** A larger group and a clear time window.
* **Private class.** One group, one teacher, on a date of their choice.

Start with one or two formats and do them well.

## Choose projects that work for beginners

* Hand-building projects are easier to finish in an evening than wheel work. A pinch pot, small dish or a mug made of slabs works well. See [make a basic pinch pot](/practice/make-a-basic-pinch-pot-250-g/).
* Keep everyone's project simple and the same size, so you can load and fire them together.
* Decide in advance whether guests glaze at the event, or return later.

## Group size and staffing

* One teacher per 8 to 10 guests is a common starting point, fewer for children.
* Set a minimum and maximum so each event is worth running.
* Add a helper for larger groups to handle clay, cleanup and photos.

## Pricing

Include in the price:

* Teaching time and preparation
* Clay, tools and glaze
* Firing, for each piece
* Cleanup
* Any food or drink, if offered

State what is included and what costs extra. Ask for a deposit to reserve the date, with a clear policy for changes.

## Event run sheet

Use this as a template for every event.

| When | What |
| --- | --- |
| Before | Confirm the number of guests, set out tools and clay, prepare aprons. |
| 0:00 | Welcome, safety and apron tips. |
| 0:10 | Demonstration. |
| 0:20 | Guests make their pieces. |
| 1:20 | Photos and cleanup. |
| 1:35 | Names on pieces. Explain firing and pickup. |
| After | Fire, glaze if needed, and message guests when ready. |

Adjust times to your format.

## The after-event work

Most of the real work is after the party.

* Label every piece with the guest's name.
* Fire the pieces and glaze them, if the package includes it.
* Message guests when the work is ready, and set a pickup date.
* Follow your policy for uncollected work. See [what to do with unclaimed pottery](/blog/unclaimed-pottery-policy/).

## Turn guests into students

Hand every guest a card about your classes and open studio. A well-run party is the best advertisement you have. See [pottery class booking](/blog/pottery-class-booking-waitlists-no-shows/).

## Want this in your studio?

Claybook handles this for your studio: parties, date nights and private events with deposits, guest lists and pickup follow-ups.

Tell us how you run things today and we will tailor it to your studio. See [everything we offer studios](/studios/features/).