Introducing Le Creuset’s NOEL collection – a range of timeless cookware and accessories, adorned with illustrations of classic scenes and characters, and accentuated by a flourish of gilded scrollwork.

Perfect as a single, treasured gift or your own evolving seasonal set, the pieces in the Noel collection will be anticipated, introduced and cherished year after year.

The collection includes the 31cm Signature Oval Casserole and 35cm Oval Platter with embossed Santa relief; the Medium Spatula with Santa decal; a Holiday Bakeware Tray; and the 400ml Seattle Mug, available with Santa, Reindeer, Snowman, Christmas Tree and Ornament decals.

The NOEL collection is available in Le Creuset boutique stores and online at lecreuset.co.za.

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Situated at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District in Cape Town, home to Zeitz MOCAA, The Silo Hotel and GUILD, you’ll find an interactive Christmas tree installation, created by Cape Town-based multi-disciplinary studio, Studio.H.

Made from 1 500 recycled Moët & Chandon champagne bottles, the 10-metre-high tree is decorated with 15 300 LED lights in 26 concentric rows.

“This installation is such an important reminder that there are often highly creative ways of recycling waste materials,” says Michael Ellingworth, Moët Hennessy Market Manager South Africa.

Visitors will be able to send messages via Twitter and Instagram using #moetmomentcapetown, which will display on the tree itself. Add the popping champagne emoji and the crown at the top of the tree will start spinning.

The tree will be on display until 3 January 2018.

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From a delectable reindeer cake and a twist on Christmas decorations to the cutest salt and pepper set and a new TASTE cookbook, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 162.

1. Reindeer Cake

“I love this limited edition Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Piñata cake from The Velvet Cake Co.,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “It’s a red velvet cake that’s decorated and filled with delicious chocolate frosting and topped with sprinkles, sparkles and antlers. It’s available to order online until 24 December 2016 and costs R350. One for me please!”

Image credit: The Velvet Cake Co.

2. Salt and Pepper Set

“These are the most adorable salt and pepper shakers ever!” exclaims Account Manager Cecilia du Plessis. “So festive!”

Image credit: qualydesign.com

3. Spiral Christmas Tree

“This spiral Christmas tree by Joey Myers will be brightening up the season for foster children in the USA,” says Art Director Anton Pietersen. “The public can also buy a bulb and the money raised will go into buying children presents!”

Video credit: BoredPandaArt on YouTube.com

4. Floral Christmas Trees

“I love this creative idea,” says Assistant Editor Tracy Greenwood. “Who would have thought that flowers would be a perfect substitute for traditional tree decorations?”

Image credit: boredpanda.com

5. TASTE Recipe Book

“This book of 101 recipes by Woolworths TASTE has arrived just in time for the holidays,” says Acting Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “I can’t wait to try out some new dishes.”

Image credit: taste.co.za

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 162 on picks of the week 133.

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1. Alain Ducasse’s Chocolate Christmas Tree

Content producer Michaela Stehr loves how this edible Christmas tree is laid out so neatly – ready for you to assemble yourself.

Image credit: dezeen.com

2. Nanoblock Christmas Tree

“I think this tiny Nanoblock tree is too cute for words,” says features editor Tracy Greenwood.

Image credit: superbalist.com

3. Recycled Christmas Tree

Managing editor Lise Avis loves this smart and eco-friendly way to create something traditional out of recycled materials.

Image credit: boredpanda.com

4. How To Roast Potatoes: 5 Ways

Online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring simply had to share this video from Woolworths on how to roast potatoes in five different ways this festive season. “Delectable!’ she says.

Image credit: Woolworths

5. SuzelleDIY: How To Make a Spectacular Dessert Christmas Tree

Editor-in-chief Sumien Brink loves the hilarious Suzelle and her crazy and creative ideas!

Video credit: SuzelleDIY on YouTube

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Last week, we shared 13 cool gift ideas for him. This week, it’s all about beautiful gifts for her, from pretty pouches and retro sunnies to art prints and fragrances. Take your pick!

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera in Yellow R745, Takealot.com

2. Digital Wrist Watch R999, Casio at Superbalist.com

3. Small Leafy Green Pouch R135, Henri Kuikens at Kin

4. Gold Banana Split Ring R1 550, Dear Rae Jewellery

5. Multi-drawer Chest R8 995, Weylandts

6. Tortoiseshell Round Vintage Sunglasses R249, Fred Tsuya at Spree.co.za

7. Brass Cluster Necklace With Sterling Silver Chain R460, Famke

8. Dita Frame (Small) in Arctic Blue R349, Country Road

9. Warm Zag Copper Magazine Rack R1 480, Zana

10. Desiderius Pongrácz Methode Cap Classique 2002 R377,63 per bottle, Vinotèque

11. Home Is Wherever I’m With You A3 Unframed Print R600, Lauren Fowler

12. Elie Saab L’Eau Couture Eau de Toilette Giftset R845, Red Square

13. Scallop iPhone Cover R300, Mono Online Shop

Still searching for a perfect man-gift? Here are a few suggestions.

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At VISI we get just as much of a thrill from finding and buying that perfect gift for someone special as from receiving a well-considered pressie. But isn’t it such a drag when someone asks you what you want, taking out all of the surprise and creativity? Here’s a wishlist of lust-have gifts for this festive season, whether to inspire you or for you to share with family and loved-ones who need a little prompting.

The post Dear Santa appeared first on Visi.

For a stylish festive season, combine handmade decorations in light wood with white metal and rough weaving. Don’t forget the fairy lights! “Leave the bling and fat Santas, and support local designers and crafters. Keep your decorations simple – win a few ribbons and fairy lights around a dry branch to create your own characteristic Christmas tree,” says stylist Marian van Wyk.

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Sponsored by Sanlam Investments and occupying the entire rooftop of the Hyde Park Corner, the emphasis of the fair is on bringing together high-quality, unique artisanal fare in a convivial social environment.

One such social highlight is certainly the MasterCard Gourmet Theatre where chefs Luke Dale-Roberts, Reuben Riffel and David Higgs will be presenting their signatures dishes for lunch and dinner sittings catering for only 42 guests at a time.

Emphasising the synthesis between food and design, artisanal potters Tessa Gawith made the crockery and Katherine Glenday the water tumblers for the theatre. The oak tables, benches and chairs are by James Mudge Furniture Studios, with linen by Skinny laMinx creator, Heather Moore. Artist Beezy Bailey has also created a special edition of artworks for the theatre.

On the shopping front, a special Summer Christmas Booth will offer a curated selection of small gifts from the likes of Snapp design’s lights, Flowermill Stationery’s cards and Bamboo Revolution’s watches. More beach-orientated are Vilbrequin’s trendy swimming trunks, and Bizou’s pure cotton bags and sarongs.

However, one booth does not even begin to represent the broad range of retail therapeutics. From furniture by the likes of Goet and Koop, and home accessories by the likes of the Shaw Sisters and Makers of Stuff, to personal adornments by Missibaba and Tinsel, the Foodwinedesign Fair promises to be an oasis of style.

An then there’s the wine, chocolate, olives, oysters, pesto, confectionary, coffee and…

Tickets are R80 per person, or R50 on Friday afternoon. Kids under 12 enter free. Book at www.webtickets.co.za

More info www.foodwinedesign.co.za

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From fashion and food to bespoke design items, craft and entertainment, there’s sure to be a merry market nearby that will no doubt be more enjoyable than the snaking ques and Boney M Christmas jingles that fill shopping centres.

If you’re in the Western Cape we suggest:

Freeworld Centre Designer-Maker Market

You, Me and Everyone we Know

City Bowl market Hope Street

Neighbourgoods market

The Bay Food and Wine Market (Hout Bay)

Blaauwklippen Christmas Market

Klooveberg Christmas Market Day

Mossel Bay Christmas market

Holiday goers and KwaZulu-Natal locals should check out:

Essenwood Market (DBN)

South Coast Christmas Market

Xmas Gift Expo

If you are in Gauteng head to:

Bryanston organic and natural market (JHB)

Hazel Food Christmas Market (Pretoria)

Neighbourgoods market

Eastern Cape market seekers should visit:

Gonubie Christmas Fair (EL)

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Although many of us would like to avoid it, we can’t: the Christmas build-up is here and it’s time to resign ourselves to decked-out shopping malls, merry jingles on the radio and of course party planning and present buying.

Avoid last minute visits to the mall by shopping in advance. Our store of choice is Avoova, which stocks handcrafted functional art pieces straight from the Karoo. Each one-of-a-kind piece is inspired by the splendour of the workshop’s surroundings.

Besides its ostrich shell coolers, Avoova also has belts, photo frames and other decor items on offer which will make great South African gifts to send overseas to homesick family members.

Avoova has stores in Bree Street, the V&A Waterfront, and Franschhoek and their products are stocked nationwide at Spilhaus.

More information: www.avoova.com

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