Sunday Times in Johannesburg 2012

Paper Garland & Bird Styling

table numbers

Stationery by Elsje Burger

Old reading book folded and used as a stand with table numbers inserted

VISI DIY DELUXE collector's edition

32 Reasons to always love smart ideas @ No 20 because exploring is possible

162 | DIY DELUXE 

 A BIG THANK YOU TO ROXANNE LAKER FOR THE AMAZING AND WELL CAPTURED PHOTOS

On Saturday 27 Oct 2012, a few specials guests joined our Secret dinner held on the stage at the Amphitheater, Spier. Our theme for food & styling was based on “Die Kaap is weer Hollands”. Cara made Starch, Preserves, Dressings and Salads to be enjoined with Simonsberg Cheese at our dinner table. The table complimented the Dutch Cape with delft patterns and screen printed tea towels “die kaap is weer Holland’s” folded old books, paper flowers, paper-mache bowls finished off with gold foil, animals dipped in gold leaf powder, battery candles, menu book and woven paper runner with delft print. The stage was closed off from the from with floating white balloons on gold strings which just added to that intimate dinner we wanted.

Creative culinary collaboration Cara Brink & Elsje Burger with Simonsberg

Cara Brink Food/ Elsje Burger Stylist

Photos by Roxy Laker

Styling for Naspers event by Cornelia Bardenhorst from De Liefde in colaboration with stylist Elsje Burger & stylist Hendrik Coetzee from Elle Decoration. 

The event was created by Cornelia while Hendrik created the handcrafted vessels & Elsje created the paper runners, name cards, table numbers, rosette and menu books. Cornelia used old wood turned candle holders dipped in bright neon pink & orange, paper table cloths, book pages with a touch of pink bunting and Kaalkop laser cut butterflies & birds to finish it off.  This was an amazing event!

Inyathelo event, The Green House

The Inyathelo event was held at the Day Light Studio in New Church Street, Cape Town. This is my favourite space; it is light, open, peaceful and white, white & white!

This space is so incredible with an view over Cape Town and an amazing portrait in the background, Table Mountain. This space does not need a lot to make it incredible, which makes it perfect for a daytime event. I decided on “The Green House” theme for this event to compliment the peaceful space.

I used glassware in all shapes and sizes on these incredible white tables. Placing leaves and plants in them and exposing their roots. Perspex clear Ghost Chair as main seating, because it almost feels like there is no chairs in the space and because they are just so beautiful. 

I played with height, by sourcing tables at different heights, to give the space a more informal atmosphere. We had Banquet tables, bar tables and low, almost coffee tables. Mixing ghost chairs, Yorkshire chairs, dumpling chairs and white Ottomans.

My favourite thing for 2012/2013 is the String Gardens, they are just amazing!!! So these string gardens where my final touch to the space to make it feel like a green house. You can buy them from Opus in Cape Town.

I also had the company logo painted on the stage just to bring in that personal touch and a splash of colour.