Stories

How to Create a Beautiful but Easy Watercolour Painting

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By ClassBento Team

Master the art of watercolours with these fun-filled painting classes in Australia and create your own unique masterpiece today!

Quirky Birthday Party Ideas and Gifts for Dog Lovers

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover pet-themed birthday party ideas to celebrate your friend in style. From pet portraits to dog statues, find top birthday ideas for dog parents.

Unique Ideas for Birthday Party Themes in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Giving your birthday a theme gives your party planning a focus and makes it easier to come up with birthday party ideas and activities that everyoneGiving your birthday a theme gives your party planning a focus and makes it easier to come up with birthday party ideas and activities that everyone will love! ...

9 Crafty Experience Gift Cards for Teens

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By Kellie Maloney

Check out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something forCheck out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something for everyone! ...

Tried-And-Tested Gift Ideas for Mums Without a Wishlist

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By ClassBento Team

Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mum without a wishlist? Explore our curated selection of thoughtful gift ideas for Mum!

9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time

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By ClassBento Team

Discover experience gifts for an aunty that will have her smiling from ear to ear – making memories together beats a boring box of chocolates!

3 Team Building Exercises to Help Bond Your Team

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By Annie Symmonds

Stop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build strongerStop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build stronger relationships! ...

5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety

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By Charlotte McKewen

Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!

I Learnt About Ngemba Culture Through Art – You Can Too

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By Katie Milton

Artist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smileArtist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smiles. ...

Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe

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By Katie Milton

How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.

Think You're Not Creative? Try Pottery

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By Charlotte McKewen

How potter and academic Bettina Stevanovic rediscovered her childhood love of clay and used it to tap into mindfulness and find her balance.

Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer

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By Courtenay Turner

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

Birthday Presents for Dads Who Love to Cook

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By Annie Symmonds

Get Dad feeling empowered in the kitchen with these birthday gift for Dads in Australia, from Mexican cooking classes to pasta making workshops.

9 Brain Stimulating Gift Vouchers for Kids

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By ClassBento Team

From jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained thisFrom jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained this year. ...

Presents for Mum That Will Boost Her Happiness in 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Boost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feelBoost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feel special. ...

7 Different Painting Courses to Try in 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Try these fun-filled painting courses to try your hand at different painting techniques and learn the difference between each from watercolour toTry these fun-filled painting courses to try your hand at different painting techniques and learn the difference between each from watercolour to oil paints. ...

6 Feel-Good Workshops to Boost Your Mood

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By Courtenay Turner

Feeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to helpFeeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to help you feel good. ...

13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry

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By ClassBento Team

Discover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay orDiscover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay or getting crafty. ...

9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes andFind the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more. ...

Birthday Party Ideas for Wellness Warriors

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover brilliant birthday party ideas for wellness warriors across Australia and treat them to an unforgettable celebration in 2025!

Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Celebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour conCelebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour connection. ...

Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks

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By ClassBento Team

Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!

Make Chocolate Truffles with R&M Fine Chocolate

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By ClassBento Team

Meet head chocolatier, Raanan Malkin, founder of R&M Fine Chocolates!

9 Simple Swaps to Make Your Hens Party More Sustainable

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By ClassBento Team

Celebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendlyCelebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendly event. ...

One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss

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By Annie Symmonds

Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift eFind inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences. ...

Alternative Corporate Team Activities for Every Type of Work Event

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By Laine Fullerton

Looking for the best team building activities for the best corporate event you're planning? Check out these fun classes for team building ideas.

Team Building Activities

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

Learn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with teamLearn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with team workshops. ...

Meet the Real House Dogs of ClassBento

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By Katie Milton

You’ll never guess what they get up to…

Learn Calligraphy with Pascribe

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By ClassBento Team

Masterful calligrapher Paul Antonio has a penchant for sharing his passion with like-minded creatives... find out why!

7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

Indulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoiltIndulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoilt for choice. ...

Why Art Courses Are Good for Stress Relief

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By ClassBento Team

Relax, unwind and enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of art classes in Australia, where you can learn to paint, draw and much more!

How to Be Your Own Art Therapist

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By Kellie Maloney

Try out this simple, creative exercise and get a glimpse into what art therapy is and how it can improve your wellbeing.

Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas

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By ClassBento Team

Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair inCalling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2025! ...

6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.

Birthday Ideas for First Time Party Planners

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By Annie Symmonds

If it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight yourIf it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight your party guests. ...

Be Kind to Your Mind

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By ClassBento Team

Increasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can helpIncreasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can help to improve your mental wellbeing ...

To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health

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By Susana Aguilera

Find out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuiFind out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuisine. ...

Why Baking Speaks Louder Than Words

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By Laine Fullerton

Five irresistibly sweet recipes that can help you say everything from “I love you” to “I’m here for you” this World Baking Day.

13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class

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By ClassBento Team

Find out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressfulFind out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressful week. ...

7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150

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By Jana Lepojevic

Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for mum that are under $150.

Everything You Need to Know About Macarons

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By John Tabari

Learn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. WeLearn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. We imagine that this quintessentially French patisserie could only be the work of a French pastry chef. But, according to historic records, macarons date back to 8th century AD. With the first recorded instances baked in Venetian monasteries. The macaron came to France with Catherine de Medici, when she married King Henry II in 1533. Her pastry chefs continued to make these meringue-based biscuits for her when she moved over to Paris. According to one controversial Encyclopedia entry, it was two French nuns who invented macarons. The text claims that the dessert gained popularity when two Sisters baked and sold macarons during the French Revolution. They used their venture as a way to fund their housing while they were seeking asylum. Yet, those macarons were not the ganache-filled treat we know today. Those macarons were two meringue cookies atop one another, without any filling. As with the invention of the original macaron, there is a discrepancy about how the modern version was invented as well. Two French chefs claimed to have invented the sweet fillings; Claude Gebert and Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée. They are both credited with having introduced a third layer to the sweet in the early 20th century.     French or Italian Recipe?   Although macarons originated in Italy, some 17th century Italian cookbooks include ‘French Macaron’ recipes. In any case, there are two distinct methods to making macarons; the Italian way and the French way. The difference comes from the meringue part of the recipe; specifically when to add sugar. The French recipe calls for egg whites to be whisked into meringue shapes before powdered sugar is folded in. The Italian method includes adding sugar to raw egg whites to make a paste. Today, the accepted method to bake macarons is closest to the French recipe.   Ladurée   Although macarons didn’t originate in France, we have a French patisserie to thank for their lasting popularity. Ladurée has been around for over 150 years. It was founded in 1862 by writer, Louis-Ernest Ladurée. The original location burned down during a late 19th Century uprising, so a second popped up. It was at the second location that the founder’s second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, created the ‘Double decker’ macaron. This refers to two traditional macarons on top of one another bound together by a creamy, usually ganache or buttercream, filling.   The steady increase of these stores outside France attests to how popular the macaron has become. Ladurée is now present in almost 20 cities in Europe and many countries across four more continents.   International Interpretations   Keeping with the tradition of adapting the original recipe, may other cultures now produce their own versions of the dessert.     In the States, the composition of macarons remains the same, but the flavours are much more experimental. In France, you will find classics such as pistachio, raspberry and chocolate. In the US you can buy peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin, cheesecake and candy corn.   In Southeast Asian countries, recipes substitute traditional ingredients for local variations. Almond flour is substituted for peanut flower in Japan. Taiwanese recipes incorporate red beans and South Korean recipes use green tea leaves or powder. Discover the best types of macarons here.  Pop Culture   In Japan, where food can be cute, the macaron is a popular print for fashion items, stationery and even bedding. Simple and colourful, they decorate clothing and accessories along with other foods such as fruit and sushi.   In their attempts to create a more upscale image, McDonalds’ McCafe branches sell macarons in France and Australia. Interestingly, they are produced by a company owned by the same holding company as Ladurée. Yet, they don’t use the same recipe; McDonalds has a more limited flavour menu than Ladurée, offering six classic flavours. Ladurée, whilst not as experimental as some US macaron producers, does offer a wider range of French favourites. These include speculoos, rose and salted caramel. ...

I Did a Workshop with My Family. Here's What Happened Next

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By Kellie Maloney

And why you should try it this Christmas.

Want to Learn to Cook Like a Pro? Discover Australia's Top Culinary Schools

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By ClassBento Team

Learn to cook and discover a world of delicious new flavours with the help of Australia’s finest culinary schools!

Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert

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By ClassBento Team

If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!

Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts

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By Jana Lepojevic

We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore – and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!

Gourmet Gift Experiences for Couples Who Love to Cook

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By ClassBento Team

Looking for gifts for people who like to cook? Check out these gourmet cooking classes for couples run by passionate local chefs.

How to Find the Best Practical Gifts for a Dad-to-be

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By Annie Symmonds

After practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee makingAfter practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee making and more! ...

Make Churros with Tere and Colin Experiences

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By ClassBento Team

Unwind with experienced artists Tere and Colin at their inspiring and creative experiences in London!