{"id":39651,"date":"2025-08-26T09:29:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T07:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/?p=39651"},"modified":"2026-03-20T14:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T12:46:16","slug":"heritage-but-make-it-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/blog\/2025\/08\/26\/heritage-but-make-it-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"Heritage, but make it fun!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heritage Day is the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people, fire up the braai and put a playful twist on South African favourites.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This year, we\u2019re taking inspiration from a trio of local creatives who know how to make a celebration special \u2013 from reimagined classics to over-the-top waffles and a table that\u2019s almost too pretty to eat at (almost).<\/p>\n

\"\"THE TABLE<\/strong>
\nEvent planner, stylist and owner of The Socialite, Raquel Thomas, put together a Heritage Day table that perfectly blends elegance and local flair. A neutral linen tablecloth and napkins create a soft, sophisticated base, while bold splashes of colour come through in vibrant strelitzia and pincushion proteas. Pops of red from mini potjie pots add a playful nod to our heritage, while textured glassware and black cutlery bring a contemporary edge. Tall taper candles in gold holders add height and warmth, and clear vases filled with sand, greenery, and dried botanicals bring a natural, earthy element that ties the whole look together.<\/p>\n

\"\"HOW TO CREATE THIS LOOK AT HOME<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Start neutral<\/strong> \u2013 Use a plain or textured linen tablecloth and napkins to set a soft, versatile foundation.<\/p>\n

2. Go bold with florals<\/strong> \u2013 Incorporate iconic South African blooms like strelitzia and pincushion proteas for instant colour and impact.<\/p>\n

3. Add Heritage touches<\/strong> \u2013 Use mini potjie pots or traditional elements in unexpected ways as decor pieces.<\/p>\n

4. Mix textures<\/strong> \u2013 Pair smooth glassware with sandy vases, ceramic plates, and wooden or metallic accents.<\/p>\n

5. Play with height<\/strong> \u2013 Use tall candles, leafy stems, and varying vase sizes to add visual interest.<\/p>\n

6. Keep it warm<\/strong> \u2013 Add candles for a soft glow and inviting atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"THE FOOD<\/strong>
\nNicky Cooper, owner of Yoli\u2019s Bakery in Ballito, gave us a few ideas on how to give our national treasures a cheeky upgrade. In the spirit of Heritage Day, she created Cape Malay naartjie koeksisters with a fresh citrus zing, bobotie phyllo samosas, bite-sized kotas, and magwinyas transformed into \u2018Zulu burgers\u2019. She paired Durban lamb curry with samp-and-bean flatbreads, baked boeretroos coffee cake drizzled with condensed milk, and put together snacks like biltong-and-cheese pastry twists and maltabella choc-chip cookies. Even the sides got a glow-up \u2013 think umfino-inspired warm mielie salad and Castle Lager roosterkoek with ibhisto relish butter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n