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,…
Wow your guests on Christmas Day with this truly enchanting coconut lemon meringue ice cream cake masterpiece! Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but the divine…
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…
This crispy pork leg roast with tomato jam glaze combines the juiciness of slow-cooked pork with the sweet and tangy flavour of tomato jam, creating a delectably crisp…
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 balancing blood sugar and energy levels to reducing inflammation and curbing cravings. But here’s the reality, finding PCOS-friendly snacks while you’re out and about, especially in summer, can feel nearly impossible. Most convenience foods are packed with sugar, refined carbs, or ingredients that spike insulin, leaving you tired, bloated, and hungrier than before. That’s why carrying your own snacks isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Summer days are busier, hotter, and often…
On a hot afternoon, there are few pleasures as simple as a scoop of something cold and creamy. But stand in front of a gelateria or freezer aisle and the…
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 where heritage, nature, and thoughtful design meet in quiet harmony. Now, this storied property is preparing to unveil a new gastronomic era under the direction of talented executive chef Michelle Theron, whose vision for food and hospitality is deeply attuned to the spirit of the farm. Since joining in mid-2025, Theron has been reimagining Vergenoegd Löw’s culinary landscape, not through loud reinvention, but through a return to authenticity, connection, and calm refinement.…
Funfetti pancakes are the perfect return to childhood, when everything was more colourful, sweeter and covered in sprinkles. There’s no age limit on these breakfast treats, though, and…
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, BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174, is bringing South African viewers the ultimate festive helping hand with Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas, a brand-new two-part special from one of the world’s most trusted chefs. As the holiday season approaches and kitchens get busier, Jamie Oliver returns with practical ideas, easy prep-ahead dishes and simple strategies designed to take the pressure off Christmas Day. Filmed with his signature charm and warmth, Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas is all…
An indulgent baked cheesecake that’s a delicious, sweet end to a Christmas meal. To make your life a little easier on the day, set some time aside to…