DRESS YOUR DESSERT TABLE TO IMPRESS

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Your dessert table decor should look as inviting and beautiful as the desserts on top of it. We have what you need to get it right.
This time of year is all about family and friends – and delicious food, of course. Here's how you can take your dessert table to the next level.

Table it

Which ever table shape you happen to use for your dessert spread, remember to cover it with a festive tablecloth to add to the occasion. If you're using a rectangular or square table, set up your platters and plates in straight lines for symmetry. If using a round table, place the desserts in such a way so as to follow the curves of the table.




Theme and colour

Stick to one theme and a colour combo to match, and try to be consistent. With the festive season in full swing for example, you could opt for a classic Christmas theme using white and gold.

 Alex Liddy square bowls (set of 4) 209.95
Boardmans table cloth 329.95




Elevate your setting

Create height and dimension with cute platters and cake stands that give a diverse look without the clutter. Different heights and angles look stylish and allow your guests easy access to all the delicious desserts.

Alex Liddy merry 2-tier cake stand 209.95

What’s on offer?

A beautiful platter will showcase the delicious desserts on offer. Add some personal touches with festive toppers and choose platters that suit your colour theme. When you arrange your desserts, try to mix and match the kind of dessert for a little fun and variety, but arrange according to colour.

Alex Liddy merry line rectangular platter 209.95

Custom-made

Add some special touches to your table with a few custom-made elements. For a fun take on napkin holders, use strips of white cardboard, cutting the edges into the shape of reindeer heads; then use gold glitter paper for the antlers – cut to shape and stick onto the white cardboard. Another cute and cost-effective idea is to stick gold-glittered tape to the edges of your cutlery. Now you’ve got Christmas elements made especially by you.

Alex Liddy mini printed plates (set of 4) 219.95
Boardmans napkins (set of 4) 99.95
Hotel Collection 16-piece cutlery set 449.95

Now that you've got your dessert table planned and ready for the festive gathering, it's time to invite over your friends and family to show off your entertaining skills.


Photography: Andrè Wepener/pixel lounge; styling: Rushana Burton

SECRET SANTA GIFT IDEAS (FOR WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA)

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Don’t know what to buy for Secret Santa this year? Here’s a list of ideas to suit five types of people to buy for.
So, you’ve been roped into yet another Secret Santa group and it feels like gifts are coming out of your ears. From your mother-in-law to the BFF you rely on, fear not, we’re here to help.

FOR THE BFF YOU GREW UP WITH

She's the one who knows all your deepest darkest secrets – and was there with you through most of them. Jewellery is a stylish and sentimental gift. Show your best friend some love by treating her to something special. Check out our exclusive range of ladies watches.

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FOR THE FRIEND WHO’S ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING

This is for the friend who’s always digging into her pockets for spare change, or because she's lost her car keys once again or misplaced her phone. Shop our range of bags to help get her organised.

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FOR YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW

Trying to get into your in-law’s good books? Impress her with stunning bar equipment for her martinis, or pamper her with elegant scented perfumes or a stylish clutch. 

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FOR YOUR SPECIAL SISTER

Your sister loves all the dazzle she can get but life knows you have a limit on how much you can spend. Try out these gorgeous and glitzy pieces that totally look the part but still fall within budget.

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FOR YOUR FATHER WHO NEVER TREATS HIMSELF

He's the man who is always spoiling those around him, but never takes the time to spoil himself. Now it’s your turn to treat him – with these items will transform him into the dapper dad you know he is.

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TREND UPDATES FOR YOUR HOME

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Refresh your space with affordable and on trend updates for a stylish summer upgrade.
Your home should evolve, just as you do. Check out these affordable and easy ways to refresh and add trending items to your interiors. 

While it's important to invest in pieces that anchor a room such as couches and dining tables, sprucing up your space doesn't have to be an expensive and laborious process. "Just like your wardrobe, your interior should be built around key, well-made pieces that are timeless," says Bridget Meier, owner of Styleast Decor & Design. Don't skimp on the investment pieces and don't splurge on expensive scatter cushions, lamps or accessories. This way, you will easily be able to switch the smaller pieces up when you need to, knowing you didn't blow the budget doing so. 

Trend: geometrics and water colours

Lighting can totally transform a room. "Create different moods and ambience with table lamps in key spaces," says Bridget. The more interesting the lamp shade, the better. Geometric shapes add a modern edge, while the water colour trend has an artistic feel that is perfect when the colour scheme is matched to the room. 


Trend: ocean blues

Blue is a cool and calming colour that encourages relaxation, so it's perfect for spaces like your bathroom. Use different shades of blue, from royal, powder to turquoise to get the full effect. 

Trend: rustic serveware

With so much variety and styles in crockery, paired down rustic ranges are a refreshing addition to your kitchen cupboards. 

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Trend: prints and textures 

Simple additions of colourful, patterned cushions will add instant splashes of interest to your room. If you're going for a neutral colour palate, adding textured scatters that mix fabrics works well, while colourful scatters add a pop of colour should you wish to change it up.

Trend: bring the outdoors in

According to Bridget, no space should be without an element of the outdoors. Whether it's driftwood, indigenous flowers or greenery, there's a wide variety of options to choose from. And you can always go with elements of nature in linen if you can't keep anything alive! Nature is proven to naturally enhance your mood so use it with reckless abandon!

BEAUTY HACKS YOU NEED TO KNOW

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We have drafted some of the most effective and easy-to-use beauty hacks for a make-up look that wows.
Here are some of the cleverest tricks and must-know tips to help you look flawless in a flash.


Use Lipstick As Cream Blush

Next time you run out of blusher, don’t stress – just use your lipstick! Simply swipe a clean finger over the top of your lipstick and dab the product along the upper half of the apples of your cheeks, and blend as you work your way across the cheekbone.

Use Eye Shadow To Help Fine Hair Appear Thicker

Using an eye shadow brush, apply a shade of eye shadow closest to your hair colour on to your scalp. This will instantly give the illusion of depth, making the hair appear fuller.


Clever Contour

Don’t apply bronzer all over. Sweep it over the side of the face in a shape of a ‘3’ over your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to add contour and warmth to the skin for a naturally accentuated look.

Add a Business Card to your Make-Up Kit

An excellent eye make-up tool for when applying mascara and creating a winged tip is a business card. When adding mascara, place the card directly behind your upper lashes or underneath your lower lashes. The card acts as a shield, letting you work the wand all the way to the base of your lashes without leaving a smudge. When it comes to creating the perfect cat eye, place the card at the corner of your outer lower lash line toward your temple, creating a slight angle, and use it as a guide when drawing your winged tip. Extend the eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes along the upper lash line, and voila!

Plump Up Your Eyelashes With Baby Powder

Boost your mascara’s ability to add volume by dusting some baby powder on your lashes between the first and second coats of mascara. The powder adds grip, so it will stick to your lashes in between each coat of mascara, making your lashes appear more plumped.

Dry Nail Polish Instantly with Ice Water

It may not be the most comfortable way to dry nail polish, but it’s definitely an effective at-home method. Fill a bowl with water and ice cubes. As soon as you have painted your nails, dip them in the ice water for one to two minutes.

Apply Your Under-Eye Concealer In A Triangle Shape

This is the most flattering way to apply concealer – as well as concealing dark circles it also creates the illusion that the face is lifted, giving it a more youthful appearance. To start, the base of the triangle should be directly underneath your lower lash line, with the tip pointing down and extending to the cheek. Blend accordingly.

Use Vaseline To Make Your Perfume Last 

Make your fragrance last longer by giving it something to hold onto, like Vaseline. Rub a small amount into the spots you would normally apply your perfume and then spritz your favourite fragrance over it. Thanks to the occlusive nature of the Vaseline, the fragrance won’t evaporate as quickly.


Is your home protected?

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Make sure your house and the valuable contents within it are protected with an insurance plan you can trust, knowing you will be fully covered.
When you go away for the holidays, the last thing you expect to return to is a burgled or damaged house. Plan ahead with an insurance policy that plans for the unexpected – giving you more time to organise your much-needed holiday.
Getty Images
End-of-year-burnout is real. You've probably been planning your holiday for the last few months, waiting for the time when you can finally kick back, relax and enjoy your free time without any work or school-related worries. Make sure that you really can go away knowing your home and its contents is completely protected. Because the last thing you want is to arrive back from your holiday only to find your home has been burgled or damaged by a major water leak. With the Edgars Home Plan, your house will be restored back to the condition in which you left it in no time at all. Giving you one less thing to worry about during your holiday.

The Edgars Home Protect plan provides cover against accidental damage to your home and covers stolen possessions in the event of a burglary.

For R49.50 per month, you can get cover of up to R100 000. Get R50 000 in the event of a natural disaster causing damage to structures and walls or accidental damage to structures and walls. Or get R50 000 in the event of a natural disaster causing damage to home contents or accidental damage to home contents. Or get  R15 000 in the event of theft of household contents (limited to two incidents per year). 

BY THE WAY:

    • Premiums for your insurance products are collected via payment on your retail account
    • For continued insurance cover, please ensure that your account is paid in full on a monthly basis.
    • Available in South Africa only.
    • Damage excludes owner carelessness.
    • An excess of R10 000 applies to every claim.
    • Benefit cover excludes informal dwellings (i.e. mud house, shack)
    • No waiting periods apply.


      This list is only a summary, highlighting some of the policy conditions and exclusions. The full conditions and exclusions will be sent to you within thirty (30) days of enrolment.

      Call 0860 555 334 or speak to an insurance agent in store. Standard rates apply.
      This product is underwritten by the Hollard Insurance Company Limited (Reg. No. 1952/003004/06), an Authorised Financial Services Provider. Edcon is a juristic representative of Hollard. Terms and conditions apply.
      This post is sponsored by Hollard Financial Services
      *Character for illustrative purposes only

      Going on a destination holiday? Here's what to wear

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      Look no further than our guide to dressing like the glamorous goddess you are on your destination holiday this summer.
      Whether you’re heading to the bush, the city or a glamorous resort, we’ve got the best items to keep you stylish for all the spots.

      BUSH

      If you’re off for an adventure to the bush, be sure to include earthy tones and lightweight fabrics in your bag. Small pops of colour can be brought through with accessories for a modern take. After all, blending in with the wildlife is key to capturing all the special moments.

      Kelso wrap-around shirt 259.95; Kelso paperbag shorts 299.95; Jo Brockett straw hat 249; Accessorize geometric-shape earrings 349; Accessorize bangles 299; Kelso leather-strap watch 479; Steve Madden espadrilles 1099 

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      CITY SLEEK

      You’ve decided to hit the streets and embrace the big-city life this holiday – and you plan to be fashion-focused of course. While it's key to look on-trend, you also want to be super comfortable,  because city life means lots of walking. Sporty '90s-inspired pieces will do the trick.

      The Watermelon Social Club chambray jacket 549.95; The Watermelon Social Club chambray pants 649; Edgars pompom backpack 179.95; Free 2BU sunglasses 99.99; Kelso hoop earrings 59.95; Free 2BU sneakers 349.95

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      RESORT

      If you plan on doing sweet nothing during your luxurious resort holiday, we don’t blame you. Take in the sunset and drink your cocktail in glamorous neutral looks to impress. Remember to accessorise appropriately with a sun hat and sunnies, and a bag that will hold everything you need.

      Charter Club wrap dress 699.95; Kelso sunglasses 129.99; Kelso charm bracelet 69.95; Aldo sandals 699

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      PHOTOGRAPHY: NATASSJA DUNCKLEY & MELISSA CANT; STYLING: BRITTANY PENEBRE