Entertaining doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel special – it just needs a little forethought and a few reliable go-to pieces you can pull out time and again. Whether you’re hosting a lazy Sunday lunch, an early evening braai or an impromptu garden get-together, having an entertainer’s “bag of tricks” on hand takes the stress out of hosting and lets you focus on what really matters: good food, easy conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. From mood-setting lighting to practical serveware and a few fun extras that encourage guests to linger, these essentials help you create gatherings that feel effortless,…
The holidays are meant for laughter, good food, and quality time with family and friends. However, anyone who has hosted a festive gathering before knows that the small…
Need something big for that holiday dessert? Look no further than this festive ice-cream bombe! Bursting with flavour and celebratory cheer, it’s a surefire showstopper for pudding.Layered with creamy ice cream and bursts of seasonal flavour, it’s a nostalgic yet elegant dessert that feels celebratory without being fussy. Best of all, it’s made ahead, leaving you free to enjoy the moment while dessert quietly waits in the freezer for its grand reveal. ALSO SEE: Angel snow-globe cake with brandy-butter icing
Because finding PCOS-friendly snacks on the go is harder than it should be… When you’re living with PCOS, food choices can make a world of difference – from…
In the historic heart of Cape Town, where Church Square rests beneath an open summer sky, Labotessa Boutique Hotel offers a seasonal experience shaped by calm interiors, thoughtful service and the pleasure of beautifully prepared food enjoyed at an unhurried pace. The Café and Terrace have become one of the city’s most refined daytime settings, a place where bright mornings drift into long lunches and late afternoon glasses of wine naturally slip into the social rhythm of the city. Mornings at Labotessa are deliberately gentle. Guests settle into soft chairs, the quiet pulse of the square unfolding around them, while…
At Vergenoegd Löw, time moves differently. Set just outside Stellenbosch, where the vineyards stretch toward the Atlantic, the estate exudes a rare silence, tranquillity, and privacy, a refuge…
Christmas is just around the corner, and while the mains often steal the spotlight, it’s the sides that humbly balance and bring the meal (and even sometimes the guests) together. Whether you’re in charge of Christmas lunch or dinner, lighter sides help cut through rich flavours while still feeling celebratory. These versatile options work beautifully with almost any menu. They’re designed to please a mix of tastes, appetites, and dietary needs. Festive sides to balance your Christmas table When catering for a range of palates, appetites and dietary requirements, it’s a great idea to include two to three sides that…
A stress-free festive season should be part of your December plans with help from brand-new show, Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas, exclusive to BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174) This December,…
What if I told you that some of your favourite foods are secretly working overtime to help you burn calories? That’s right—certain foods can boost your metabolism and help you shed those extra calories without even trying! These calorie-burning foods do more than taste great, and with the help of health publications, we explain which snacks and meals can give your metabolism a natural boost. 1. Guacamole According to the Eat This, Not That publication, avocados are rich in vitamin B6, which fights the cortisol stress hormone and belly fat, while providing monounsaturated fat, which may prevent belly fat distribution. “This…
Bring everyone together with this indulgent Toasted s’mores cake — a dreamy twist on the classic campfire treat. Gooey layers of marshmallow, rich chocolate ganache and buttery cake…