• It was a show-stopping sight – 21 transformed tables in the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s ballroom, all entered into the ‘Table Display’ category of the Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge. Hotels, from the major centres of South Africa, were given the chance to compete in creativity… TOP TABLES Winding your way around the room, each table seemed to top the last until, in the corner, making a profound statement of elegance and style, was the Birkenhead House table. Winner of the ‘Table You Would Most Want To Dine At’ category, it was breathtakingly beautiful in its impact, but even more…

    Old Murphy always seems to wait until the early hours of the morning or on a public holiday to have your geyser burst, and usually when the temperature has taken a sub-zero plummet. “This is also when you’re most likely to find out just how adequate your insurance coverage is in sorting out the problem and resultant damage, quickly and without hassle,” explains Mandy Barrett of insurance brokerage Aon South Africa. “It’s a good idea to plan ahead and take the time to thoroughly check your policy wordings and discuss with your broker that you are appropriately covered for all…

    Taryn Das NevesBill’s Italian Food (HarperCollins, R420) What foodie doesn’t love Australia’s self-taught culinary maestro, Bill Granger? Here he captures the essence of why Italian cuisine remains the epitome of delicious, fresh and fuss-free food with family at the heart of it. These recipes are for gatherings with a table large enough to accommodate the platters on offer – Ligurian fish stew, artichoke and ham lasagne, baked ricotta cheesecake. Highlight: You will need a glass of wine as you turn the pages and imagine yourself in Tuscany, living la dolce vita! Available at Exclusive Books.