Made at the Table

An Elegant Chanukah Craft Supper

Supper and an activity, handled in one sitting.

These handmade clay arches begin as a simple Chanukah craft and end as place-card holders you can reuse for Shabbos, birthdays, and family dinners.

They are easy, useful, and supposed to look slightly imperfect; finally, a craft with reasonable expectations.

What You’ll Need

• White air-dry clay

• Parchment paper

• Craft knife

• Small round cutter or bottle cap

• Fine sandpaper

• Acrylic craft paints

• Paint Markers

• Small paintbrush

• Metallic paint or gold leaf flakes

• Cream cardstock

A two-pound package of clay should make approximately 12 to 16 holders.

Make the Holders

Shape a lemon-sized piece of clay into a chunky block approximately 3 inches wide, 2 inches tall and ¾ inch thick.

Flatten the bottom, round the upper corners and remove a half-circle from the bottom center using a small round cutter.

Cut a ¼-inch-deep slot across the top for the card.

Allow the holder to dry upright according to the clay manufacturer’s directions. Once completely dry, lightly sand away any rough areas.

Now Make It Yours

Set out the dried clay holders with paints, markers and brushes. Each guest can create a different design.

For younger children, limit the supplies to a few coordinating colors. Older children and adults can have the full selection.

The holders do not need to match. Displayed together, the different designs become part of the table.

Two Ways to Host It

Make and take: Guests shape their own holders from fresh clay and bring them home to decorate after they dry.

Decorate at the table: Prepare and dry blank holders ahead of time, then let guests paint and personalize them during the party.

The second version is easier for a supper because everyone leaves with a finished piece and nobody is waiting two days for clay to cooperate.

Set the Table

Keep the table itself simple so the handmade pieces can stand out.

Use ivory linens, white dishes, clear glasses and neutral napkins. Place one blank holder at each setting with the decorating supplies arranged together on a washable tray.

Clear the food before beginning. Air-dry clay and craft paint are decorative supplies and should remain separate from anything used for serving or eating.

Once everyone finishes, add a name card and return each holder to its place behind the plate.

The final table will not be perfectly matched.

That is exactly the point.