November 04, 2024 | Articles
Peter’s Pottery: Extraordinary Delta Tradition
Peter’s Pottery: Extraordinary Delta Tradition
by Marilyn Tinnin
For 26 years, Deltans have collected Peter's Pottery – treasured platters, bowls, vases, whimsical animals, and more – all lovingly created out of Mississippi mud. Brides put Peter’s at the top of their wish list, and even the most proper of party-throwing traditionalists have forsaken their silver trays and chafing dishes for tablescapes featuring Peter’s serving dishes.
Peter, the CEO and one of the four founder brothers of Peter’s Pottery, is not just a phenomenal potter and designer, he is a man whose faith, family, and full heart inspire him to be a big-time giver.
Peter’s held the first open house in 2011 and for several years raised funds for the Wings Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of his late sister Rhoda. His 12-year-old nephew was diagnosed with Sickle Cell anemia as a newborn, and he immediately became one of the thousands of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients who receive world-class treatment at no cost to their families. Peter began raising funds for St. Jude to show his gratitude for the blessing St. Jude has been to the Woods family.
Since 2019, his Christmas Open Houses and Crack and Chip Sales have raised more than $400,000 for St. Jude. Loyal customers drive from neighboring states each year to view Peter’s extraordinary Christmas-themed 7,000-square-foot home and enjoy exclusive shopping hours at Peter’s studio just across the street.
Mark your calendars. This year’s Open House is slated for December 7 and 8 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at 301 Fortune Avenue in Mound Bayou.
Peter’s longtime friend, Mary Anne Warrington Alford, one of the Delta’s finest floral and interior designers, outdoes herself year after year. With Peter’s input and the assistance of her friend, Jane Nalty; her husband, Dave; and her sister-in-law, Desira Warrington, Mary Anne appears to operate by the mantra that if they can dream it, they will figure out a way to create it. She delights in the looks on the faces of the visitors. There are frequent gasps and comments like, “I can’t believe it!”
Guests stroll through the rooms, letting their eyes take in the scenes, the trees, the lavish greenery, and the unique ways Mary Anne has chosen to intersperse pieces of Peter’s Pottery as integral parts of the décor. Even the pool house and Peter’s “man cave” are decked appropriately. Our Delta Table provides hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches. Wine and other beverages ensure this will be among your favorite parties of the season.
There are no reservations or tickets to buy, but admission is a tax-deductible $50 check to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as you enter the front door. That $50 also enters your name in a drawing for a Peter’s Pottery Nativity scene (worth $800) or a retired butter dish and egg plate.
A $100 raffle ticket will not only take you through the door and put your name in the drawing for the Nativity and the butter dish and egg plate, but it qualifies the donor for additional drawings. Peter’s latest piece, a horse named "Bella," is stunning! She is 17 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall. Other lucky winners will get to claim one of several kittens, all retired pieces.
The party planning is a year in the making. The New Year begins, and the old decorations are barely packed away before Peter and Mary Anne head to Dallas for the January market. Instead of burnout, they already have fresh ideas and are ready to launch plans for their next open house.
Decorating begins in September, and Mary Anne and her team make this their full-time focus for the next few months. It is worth every minute of blood, sweat, and tears just getting to use their wonderful creative gifts to see the smiles on the faces of the guests and to know every dollar raised will help children receive the care they need, and their families will not be burdened with astronomical medical bills.
Follow Peter’s Pottery on Facebook for updates. To purchase raffle tickets for the extra drawing, or for more details, call Peter’s Pottery at 662-741-2265 or Mary Anne Warrington Alford at 601-624-0290.
