I love large platters -- the bigger, the better. While it's often difficult to find space for them, I find it thoroughly satisfying to be able to serve dinner or dessert on a distinctive, handmade platter. Guests will commend you for your exquisite taste.

Eli and Syed have been studying pottery at Long Island University's pottery studio for seven years with their sensei, Bob-o san Barry. Syed is partial to large thrown forms -- platters and bowls, and also bud vases and the occasional teapot. Eli prefers throwing and hand building smaller, utilitarian things to be used in everyday life such as ewers, salt shakers, sake sets, plates and bowls of all shapes and sizes, among other things.