Set the scene

It’s that time of the year when we all want to create a festive atmosphere in our homes. Check out these great ideas...

- Beatrice Moore-Nothnagel

#1 A theatre of blooms

A few hundred thousand stalks of dried Ranunculus, Salvia, Amaranthus, Helichrysum and herbs are just some of the plants that leave visitors awestruck in Louise Steenkamp and Conrad Conradie’s attic in Wellington. The scent in the air is amazing and the atmosphere almost sacred – a dream world in which to celebrate.

It took floriculturists Louise and Conrad and their team about a year to set up the 300m² attic as a drying room for their business, The Wild Bunch Flower Farm. The light and temperature were specially adapted to keep the dried flowers well preserved for many years to come.

“Because no one knows exactly what to expect, they’re quite amazed at the extent of it all,” says Louise. “We call it the Flower Theatre and plan to rent it out for events.”

And it is absolutely fitting that only the most delicious food would be served in such a gorgeous space. “Our neighbours, Johnny Hamman and Marius Uys of Slippery Spoon Kitchen, regularly provide sumptuous platters for those occasions when we have guests here!”

Make a difference!

Support a charity organisation this festive season – these Okra candles have been specially made for To the Bone (tothebone.co.za), an online charity shop that supports disadvantaged animals.

Sofa and upholstered bench from Baie Goeters; small round ottomans, candleholder and decorative raffia wreath from Mr Price Home; MCC Brut Rosé provided by Simonsig

#2 Old-world charm