• When the festive season rolls around, there’s something about the smell of Christmas that instantly turns a house into a home with festive cheer. The aroma of cinnamon, pine, citrus, and spice is as much a part of the season as twinkling lights and gift wrap. Instead of relying on synthetic sprays or candles, why not embrace natural, D.I.Y ways to bring the holiday spirit into your home? With simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can fill your home with scents that bring on the magic of Christmas. Here are my favourite ways to make every corner of…

    These Festive Waffles turn classic waffles into playful holiday treats — perfect for Christmas breakfasts, brunches or festive gatherings. Crispy, golden waffles are cut into quarters and transformed…

    Add a touch of fun to your festive feast by making these Christmas tree-themed treats. They’re ideal for the warm South African summer and make for a fun activity for the kids. If you give any of these festive treats a try, tag us @foodandhomesa using #CookingWithFH – we’d love to see! Christmas tree cakes These Christmas tree cakes look impressive but are actually super easy to make. Follow our step-by-step method – pics included! – and enjoy these festive treats. https://www.foodandhome.co.za/on-shelf/christmas-tree-cakes Ice-cream Christmas trees A must-make for the warmer Christmas days. It not only cools down the palette but…

    Bright, tropical and delightfully vegan, this Vegan Piña Colada Pavlova combines airy aquafaba (chickpea brine) meringue with creamy coconut pastry cream and juicy pineapple. Finished with granadilla pulp…

    This meringue and gingerbread wreath is a festive centrepiece with a playful twist. Crisp, cloud-light meringue and spiced gingerbread come together in a celebratory ring, filled with scoops of fig and raspberry ice cream for a cool, fruity contrast. It’s a dessert that looks special yet feels wonderfully relaxed – perfect for holiday tables where sharing, lingering and a little indulgence are all part of the plan. ALSO SEE: Milk chocolate, hazelnut and rosemary brioche wreath

    Whether you’re a pro or novice, it’s good to keep calm and grounded with highlights from the collective hosting bible. Hosting over the festive season is typically equal parts exciting and exhausting. Whether you adore blooms and foliage, lean towards the creative and sentimental or simply can’t delve deep enough into the world of gastronomy; moments (or whole days) of overwhelm are pretty much a standard part of the experience. It doesn’t help that we tend to over-promise, overthink and get lost in the haze of wanting to be the perfect host. For some the pressure piles at the mere thought of a nit-picking loved one,…

    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 details, such as lighting adjustments, music, and managing the atmosphere, can quickly turn into a source of stress. Which is where home automation steps in. By automating lighting, audio, and other household systems, you can focus on creating memories instead of juggling tasks. As Adriana Woolridge from Homemation, exclusive distributors of Control4 in South Africa, explains, a smart home doesn’t have to mean complexity; it implies control, convenience, and calm. Automation transforms how people experience…