Just outside the red flower-lined streets of picturesque Roberston is a place that’s truly seen a renaissance that captures its rich past. Jan Harmsgat Guest House is a grand old dame, cleverly veiling some of her best keep secrets, just a little off SA’s famed Route 62.
The farm history dates back to 1723 and as if that’s not impressive enough, if pomegranates are the fruit of the gods – this must certainly be an earthly offering of heaven.
Exporting more than 850 tonnes a year, a safari-style farm drive around the 625 hectares of seemingly ever-stretching views proudly boasts some of SA’s most fertile lands. When Jan Harmsgat is not perfecting its wine offering, they’re harvesting and exporting pomegranate, making pomegranate honey for a demand they can’t keep up with, and are dealing out litres of the 100-percent natural pomegranate juice, that the health world is lapping up for its incredible anti-oxidant properties.
At its core, this is a working farm but beyond the bountiful harvests and warm welcomes, there’s a sense of tranquiltiy here that greets you upon arrival and holds you at a sub-average pulse rate until your departure date. (This despite there being really great wifi on site).
It could be something to do with the slower pace of life that’s encouraged here, the fact that locals love it and are catered for in clever additions to the event calendar line up like ‘local night’- where your ribs come complete with complimentary bib and local musician for background entertainment.
Pecan nut trees line the picturesque gardens and encourage the sense of tranquility that Jan Harmsgat has become well known for.
Dining al-fresco at this luxurious old country lodge also means your first-world problems extend only to the choice between tree canopy cover or vineyard view.
Old-world luxury and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history are all part of the package at Jan Harmsgat and this summer, there’s not much that’s not on offer.
Less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town, be prepared to be transported back to another era where open space, country charm and your comfort reign supreme.
Prize Details:
1 Night stay for 2 people at Jan Harmsgat, Breakfast, 3-course dinner, Backlands Farm Drive worth R3400
How to enter: Please fill in the form below
Our Winner:
Marica Phyfer.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on September 6 on this page
– The winners will be announced on September 6 on this page
– This stay is valid for 6 months
– Does not include transport
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners must be over the age of 18
A classic complement to any celebration, like Champagne, Grace du Roi MCC spends at least nine months developing flavour in the bottle according to French methods, resulting in…
The digital age is upon us. Hard print copy is slowly leaving our fingertips as we migrate online. Most people have access to the internet and a variety of digital devices. As lovely as physical wedding invites are it may be a great idea to consider a digital approach. To help you along we have put together a few notes on how to achieve a successful site. Here are a few nifty tips to consider when starting your own wed-site.
1. Know your limits
If you’re not great with computers don’t opt for a website where you have to create everything from scratch. Rather go with platforms that provide existing templates. You can still customise it and make it look great! Make sure to choose a website that will showcase what you want and make you happy. Look around and decide after viewing a few options.
2. Don’t forget the basics
It’s so much fun choosing various designs and pictures so try to remember the basics. Be informative and ensure your wed-site goes beyond just aesthetics. Remember to include the what, where, when, who and how. Provide your guests with the 411 on dress code, the program, accommodation, location, registry, and local attractions if you are planning a destination wedding.
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3. Representation
Be sure to create a wed-site that is a great reflection of you as a couple and of your wedding theme. Personalize the display to give guests a sneak peek of your big day – stick to a specific font, incorporate your colour scheme, or include a small photo timeline. To add extra flair, something to consider is creating a unique logo.
4. Boast yourselves
It’s your big day and you’re allowed to make things about yourselves. Tell your guests about your love story, how you met, funny anecdotes and how things led to this point. With that being said don’t write essays – keep things short and sweet.
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5. Registries and hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to create an online photo album that all your guests can take part in. Perhaps the most beneficial feature of a hashtag is its ability to pull all of your wedding photos, from any source, into one place. Don’t forget to add your wedding registry link.
6. Protect your big day
Be sure to use a password for your wed-site. You don’t need any wedding crashers. Any special invite-only events shouldn’t be mentioned on the wed-site like rehearsal dinner and bachelor parties.
7. Consideration
As mentioned before, digital is taking over but consider the fact that elderly people may not keep up with the times. If your elderly guests still sit waiting for the postman, try creating a special physical copy just for them. Also, consider having a FAQ section. Things may not always be clear and that’ll help a lot.
Don’t think of a bland email that just consists of details and lack of creativity and representation of your love. Creating a wedding website or wed-site can be fun and exciting.
You’re able to put your own twist on things and can play it up or down as much as you’d like. You don’t have to be tech-savvy as many websites offer existing templates that you can customise. With just one click, your guests can check out all the details and be informed of any changes. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools
Image: Pixabay
Your wedding anniversary is approaching and you have no idea what to get your partner. After years and years of birthdays, religious occasions and relationship anniversaries it may…
The best man is there to assist the groom to be – the equivalent of the maid of honour. Some of their duties include giving advice when picking an outfit, planning the bachelor party, lending an ear and providing some words of wisdom. One very important responsibility, of course, is the best man speech. It can be nerve-wracking to say the least, but don’t worry, we’ve gathered some tips on how to carry out your toast.
1. Plan and prepare
This goes without saying, but it’s vital to be prepared. Some may say that winging it is the best way to go, but not in this case. Start thinking about things or funny stories you’d like to mention. Take notes whenever you can and build something up. It really does come in handy when you’re sitting there trying to think of everything to say in one go.
2. Are you a comedian?
If not, then please try not to be. Yes there will be some hits, but when the misses come, it’s just awkward. If you do plan on cracking a few jokes, try aiming them at your buddy and not his new bride, unless you’re all really close.
3. Practice and written copy
As odd as this may sound, practicing your speech out loud helps a lot. You’ll get comfortable with the words and it won’t sound as though you’re reading your speech on the big day. Know your pauses and when to make eye contact. As the big day approaches, ask someone (not the bride or groom) to listen to your speech. Remember the notes you took? Formulate it all into one copy. If you prefer not to read on the night, write a few points down in bullet form, so if you do stumble, you’ll be able to look down and get back on track.
4. Don’t mumble and remember the basics
This goes without saying – people need to be able to hear you. Open your mouth when you talk and project your voice. Introduce yourself and explain how you know the bride and groom. Thank the guests for coming and congratulate the newlywed couple.
5. Anecdote
People enjoy listening to stories but not when it’s long and dragged out. Try keeping the speech under five minutes. The stories have to be interesting and funny, and if you’re not sure on how to make it funny, then aim for just putting a smile on the guests faces. You don’t always have to have people in stitches – people appreciate a sweet ‘awww’ moment too.
6. Avoid at all cost
Don’t say anything negative about marriage, even if you think it’s funny. This newlywed couple have just entered their marriage and shouldn’t feel regretful. Ex-partners should not be mentioned and this includes girlfriends, boyfriends and ex-spouses. Sexual humour should be avpided completely, because it’s downright inappropriate and may be awkward for the happy couple as their family and close friends are there.
7. Content
Just a basic outline of what should or can be mentioned include:
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- Introductions
- Thanks and congratulations
- How you know and met the bride and groom
- Something nice about the groom that people may not know
- Why the bride and groom make a great couple and how you’ve witnessed their love
- Relevant quote or poem
- Champagne time!
Picture: Pexels
The cost of a wedding can be quite, well, costly. Most things – from the wedding dress to the venue – can be quite expensive. Opting for a…
Whether the big day is approaching or you just enjoy a happy romantic ending, make sure these wedding movies are on your watch list. When watching these movies you can enjoy beautiful backdrops and exquisite ceremonies. Be sure to get some tips and take notes on what not to do.
1. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Sophie Sheridan is getting married. Not knowing her father she is determined to meet her father and have him walk her down the aisle. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping that one of them may be her dad. The jukebox musical romantic comedy is based on songs from Swedish pop group ABBA.
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2. 27 Dresses (2008)
The woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times. Who can forget the scene of Jane Nichols trying on and posing with all of her dresses.
3. Breaking Dawn: Part One (2011)
After three movies of the famous love triangle between a human, vampire and werewolf, Edward and Bella finally tie the knot. Their beautiful forest wedding ceremony will be stuck in heads forever.
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4. The Proposal (2009)
Technically the engagement and marriage was fake but who doesn’t love a happy ending? Margaret Tate is an executive editor-in-chief of a publishing company. Andrew Paxton is her assistant. Margaret is told that she is going to be deported to Canada. She then persuades Andrew to marry her and he agrees. The ‘couple’ travel to Alaska to visit his family and encounter many awkward situations.
5. Bride Wars (2009)
A classic tale of two best friend ‘bridezillas’. Since Olivia and Emma were little they have been planning their dream wedding. Both women get engaged around the same time. Issues arise when both brides-to-be have their eye on the same location, same month and only one date available.
6. Made of Honor (2008)
Tom and Hannah have been best friends for over 10 years. He has issues with committing to one woman and she’s dedicated to her job. When Hannah finally gets engaged she asks Tom to be her maid of honour. He then realises that he is in love with Hannah.
7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Who can forget the Windex on everything and the very loud family? It is one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time. Fotoula Portokalos and Ian Miller fall in love. Tension rises when the family finds out he is not Greek (and doesn’t eat meat but that’s okay there’s lamb!).
8. Bridesmaids (2011)
Prepare to have a laughing fit. This funny film is about a woman who is getting married, her unstable best friend, an annoying new friend and the other unusual bridesmaids.
Picture: Pexels