By ANNA USHER

Locals can learn to style their Christmas table, make wooden toys for the grandkids and pick up simple gift-wrapping techniques at North Sydney Community Centre on Miller Street this month.

Interior designer Kerry Selby Brown will show students how to create a memorable tablescape on Saturday 14 November, 1pm to 3.30pm, for $120.

Students also make their own Christmas bon-bon and learn gift-wrapping that can be used for “place settings, small gifts or thoughtful touches for your guests”, the centre says.

For those looking to create with their hands, woodwork tutor David Searson hosts Santa’s Elf Woodwork on Sunday 29 November from 10am to 4pm for $190.

Beginners make wooden toy cars, buses and villages with David, who also runs a stall at Northside Produce Market.

The centre says the class is “perfect for aunts, uncles, grandparents” making handcrafted gifts “for the little ones in their life”, and all materials and tools are supplied.

Adults can make gifts of their own on the day, including Christmas coasters, tree decorations in festive shapes and stocking hangers.

Artist Penny Simons teaches sculptural lantern making with flexible cane, tissue paper and dried leaves on Sunday 22 November, 10am to 4pm, for $260.

David Searson’s beginners also build an outdoor planter tub for a balcony or patio on Sunday 15 November, 10am to 4pm, for $190.

Anu Indapurkar teaches masala dosa, onion uttapam, samosas and coconut chutney on Saturday 28 November, then palak paneer and a chickpea curry to take home on Saturday 5 December, for $105 a class.

Free playgroup, market tours and estate talk at the centre

Families with children under five can try a free Explorers Playgroup morning on Thursday 12 November, booked online, instead of the usual $15 flat rate for up to three children.

Also planned is a free expert talk covering wills, powers of attorney and inheritance on Friday 20 November from 10am to 11am.

MasterChef Australia season 8 winner Elena Duggan takes adults behind the stalls of the market on Saturday 5 December, and while the 9am tour already has a waitlist, the 7.30am tour still has availability.

“This comprehensive tour is provided free of charge by North Sydney Council,” the centre says.

Know a local Christmas event we should cover? Email Anna at [email protected]

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