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!