While the traditional festive table is set up in a way that matches the colder European season, South Africans have the luxury of blending existing seasonal traditions with local flair and style. To demonstrate how this is done, Ulrich Venter of Bowtie Evolution set up three stunning tables at Brandkop Estate in Pellissier to showcase the various ways the festive season can be celebrated.
Ulrich has been in the events industry since 2002, and since starting Bowtie Evolution in 2020 he has seen significant growth, while Brandkop Estate, which was built in 1876 by Gustav Adolf Fichardt, started hosting lavish events since 2022. This collaboration brings together Bowtie Evolution’s creative décor expertise – including rentals for any occasion – with Brandkop Estate’s historic charm and full event-hosting capabilities. These range from weddings and birthdays to corporate functions and intimate family gatherings.
The Inspiration: A Bow That Ties the Year Together
The bow-tie, a symbol synonymous with Ulrich and his brand, can be seen in each of the tables he set up. “It is the evolution of myself that is incorporated into the business,” says Ulrich. For him, Christmas and the festive season are deeply personal. “Once you put up your Christmas tree, you are essentially wrapping up the year, and tying the bow,” says Ulrich. This heartfelt motif appears in ribbons, serviettes, candle holders, and glass decorations – reminding that Bowtie Evolution ties every moment into lasting family memories.
Indoor Traditional Table: Rich, Formal, and Full of Warmth
“We came up with three concepts, because people have different tastes. The first concept is perfect for someone who wants to go all-out for their traditional table, and the setting at Brandkop Estate was perfect for this, with its indoor charm and fireplace.”
Because South Africa enjoys a summer festive season, Ulrich leant into richer textures on the table, using high-trend colours like burgundy, blending shades and textures for a stylish, cosy look and feel. “We brought in gold for a more formal feel at the table, and added Christmas stockings and a tree that was decorated with a single colour” – something Ulrich says he’s done in his own home.
Away from the single colour, the cutlery and candleholders brought luxury and elegance in gold. The single-colour tree is becoming a trend worldwide, which inspired Ulrich to set this one up with dark, layered elements focusing on texture.
“This table brings back memories of how we grew up – the formal part of it. We put in effort with the roses that were placed on the table, and the texture offered by the bows on the table and on the coupe champagne glasses.”
Ulrich compliments the food, skilfully prepared by Brandkop Estate’s chef, Stuart du Preez, who has over 15 years’ experience and trained under noted chefs like Reuben Riffel. The ingredients were provided by Checkers, in the form of Forage and Feast products, which perfectly complement the décor and feel created by Bowtie Evolution and Brandkop Estate.
“For this table we received beautiful items from Checkers, including the Forage and Feast Christmas crackers,” says Ulrich. He praises the Forage and Feast crackers as someone who appreciates a cracker that offers something practical. “They aren’t just random, so spend a little more and get something you can truly enjoy.”
This table setup makes use of a separate serving table, keeping the main surface elegant and uncluttered.
The Outdoor Table: Easy, Breezy, and Full of Family Fun
The aim of the informal outdoor table was to create a setting for people who enjoy being outside. “We set this up for you to enjoy under the trees at home. We brought in Christmas hats for everyone, along with other fun elements,” says Ulrich.
This table brought in green alongside burgundy, with natural elements and even a scented candle, incorporating the sense of smell that plays alongside the smell of food. Here he also mixed different metals – gold and silver – for a relaxed yet polished vibe.
Ulrich says this concept can be pulled off anywhere, whether in your garden, on the stoep, or indoors. “This table is something more comfortable – you can use your own chairs or rent one from Bowtie Evolution. This is the simple Christmas, where we incorporated wicker and branches from which we hung ornaments and decorations.”
Ulrich explains that this changes the concept of the Christmas tree – ornaments now hang from a fixed, hanging branch instead of a traditional tree. Here the food is on the table, and served from there.
He also used lanterns outside to ensure candles weren’t put out by the wind. “I want to encourage people to take their rugs outdoors, turning the outdoor space into a Christmas picnic, where people can be together.”
He believes this allows people to feel comfortable and encourages them to use what they already have at home to create a festive table.
At this table, Ulrich incorporated bows on the serviettes and as decorations hanging from the tree. Outside, the glasses were more textured and durable than those used indoors.
The outdoor table included a bit of a traditional South African braai element, but Ulrich notes that you can easily swap this for cheese and cold meats if you prefer. “You don’t have to start prepping too far in advance, and you can simply take something from the fridge and serve it at this table.”
Small Indoor Concept: Sweet, Simple, and Perfect for Little Hands
The concept of this table is simple and fun. “Make a smaller area beautiful, add some sweet treats for the kids, and bring in playful elements,” says Ulrich.
Non-alcoholic champagne from Forage and Feast is perfect for this table, along with the Checkers brand’s range of sweet treats and desserts.
“Play with jelly moulds and candy canes as decorations in this concept, which is easy to travel with.”
The bow-tie element was incorporated into the candle holders, shaped as bows. With this table, Ulrich encourages everyone to use what they have and make dessert the highlight. “No one says no to something sweet.”
A New Trend: Edible Décor Takes Centre Stage
Ulrich notes that a growing trend at events is the incorporation of fruit and vegetable displays. This high‑fashion approach blends edible décor with traditional floral arrangements and table styling – adding freshness, sustainability, and an element of surprise to any Bowtie Evolution design.
Text: Warren Hawkins
Photographs: Gypseenia Lion and Two Bees Photography
