Free Cooking and Design Classes in Lincoln Square

The weather this summer has been unbearably hot, and we all need a reprieve from the heat. If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, check out classes at Lincoln Square’s home furnishing stores, where you can learn to make a sweet treat or even decorate your space – just be sure to reserve your spot before slots get filled.

Williams Sonoma, located at The Shops at Columbus Circle, offers a great selection of free cooking classes throughout the year on Sundays at 11:00am. This month, the store is focusing on treats to keep you cool. At the July 14 class, learn to make ice cream sandwiches using molds in star, heart, and classic circle shapes. If you can’t make it to Italy this summer for some rich, creamy gelato, do not fret – at the July 21 class, you can learn to make the frozen treat at home using ice cream makers and William Sonoma's gelato starters in flavors like Mixed Berry, Pistachio, and Cappuccino. The last event in July will feature a lesson on making delicious fresh fruit-filled sorbet. Learn to make two refreshing flavors: Strawberry-Blackberry and Mango and Pineapple. While Williams Sonoma will carry all the supplies you need to make these treats at home, don’t forget about all the places where you can get summer scoops in Lincoln Square for the times you don’t feel like making them yourself.

In addition to these free classes, Williams Sonoma is offering a limone cookie decorating class on Saturday, July 20, at 11:00am. While tickets cost $32.95, the price includes both admission and a Williams Sonoma Mediterranean Cookie and Stencil 13-piece set. This bright and colorful cookie-decorating class will feature lemons, mosaics, and more.

Just up the block at 1965 Broadway (between 66th and 67th Street), Pottery Barn offers free design classes at 11:00am on select Sundays. While it may be hard to believe that summer is flying by, the next class, which will take place on July 21, will be dedicated to decorating for fall. You will learn to refresh a room with statement branches, ambient lighting, and festive Halloween décor. On August 18, let the design experts help you land the perfect rug for your space, whether you need help finding the right size, color, or material. Discover how to style your living room at the September 8 class with tips on decorating your coffee table, refreshing your pillow pairings, and more. Last but not least, attend a class on September 22 on how to layer your fall bed with the perfect linens and fabrics.

Of course, once the classes are over, shop around for any kitchen and dining supplies you might need at Williams Sonoma and any home furnishing or decorations at Pottery Barn. If these stores don’t have what you’re looking for, visit West Elm, their sister store, at 1870 Broadway (West 62nd Street) or Raymour & Flanigan at 1961 Broadway (66th Street).

Photo Credit: Image 1 - Williams Sonoma, Image 2 - Pottery Barn