I’m dreaming of an African Christmas

This festive season, as shoppers walk through the V&A Waterfront, they get to see golden swallows made from recycled metal swooping through the mall, glittering woven baskets, beaded creatures, upcycled baubles and more, all imagined and made by 140 local artisans. The centre’s “Joy from Africa to the World” theme is all about showcasing an African festive, and putting sustainability and local artistry and craftsmanship at the heart of it.

A local décor brand that shares the same sentiment and has snuck its way into many hearts and homes, is Rialheim, the 9-year-old ceramic design house based in Robertson, Western Cape, that offers fun and quirky designs driven by functionality. Running with an “I’m dreaming of an African Christmas” theme, Rialheim’s pieces not only bring joy to homes, they add just the right amount of South African flair and elegance to any home.

“Our artists create beautiful things that should be celebrated, especially during the season of giving,” says Rialheim founder and creative Rial Visage. “For example buy Christmas décor from the artists on the side of the road, a wire Christmas tree or whatever it is you might find.

“Our culture is diverse. We are a blend of influences, so I think it’s great to bring individualism to your Christmas table setting and décor. There is no specific way to celebrate Christmas in SA and I believe the formality of what Christmas should, and can be discarded.”

If you’re looking for new ways to celebrate your heritage this season, here are a few tips.

Handmade décor items always add a personal touch to any setting, while also supporting the local craft industry. Passionate about the Buy Local movement, Visage says: "When you buy something handmade, you’re buying more than one object. You’re buying hours of experimentation and failure. You’re buying days and weeks and months of work. You’re buying a piece of the heart and soul of the craftsman."

Mistletoe might be an American tradition, but it’s one we’d still love to keep. Try using fragrant dried herbs or wildflowers as a substitute. Or spekboom, suggests Visage. “It’s such an amazing plant and grows freely in our country. I also like slang bos and eucalyptus – the colour combinations of these plants make for beautiful décor accents.” Proteas, Birds of Paradise and Hydrangea, commonly known as Christmas flowers in SA, all make stunning centrepieces or arrangements around the home. “Go out into your garden and use plants that are indigenous to our country to style your table. The possibilities are endless. We are fortunate in that we have Christmas in summer.”

Take your celebration outdoors with a summer picnic or beach theme, or bring the outdoors inside with natural elements that create the mood and set the scene. “Be outside, create a journey for your guests,” says Visage. “On arrival have starters outside in the garden and try to use atypical natural décor elements. For example the Rialheim Rhino bowl as an ice bucket for the MCC. Then journey on to the main table where you could have a more formal sit-down dinner. The final destination will be dessert, this could be outside on a blanket under the African sky. Use greenery from your garden. Use pieces you have a sentimental connection with. Christmas is an intimate affair and should be celebrated with your own sense of style and design.”

While it’s traditional practice for guests to bring their hosts a token of appreciation, why not surprise your guests with a table gift? “From the Rialheim collection, I would suggest The Rocky Horror Lips utensil holder or the Blue Crane origami bird which could be used as main place holders and gifted after the dinner. I like to make dessert in our Ubuntu mug,” says Visage, and then when all festivities (and dishes) are done the guests can take a mug home. Even the largest of feasts can be cleaned up with AEG ProClean, which can fit up to 15 place settings, providing the most loadable volume on the market. AEG dishwashers can handle many different types of loads all of which may require a different intensity of cleaning.