Out and About in Plettenberg Bay – South Africa

One of my greatest pleasures when I am visiting family and spending time in our house in Plettenberg Bay, is to spend time wandering through the local curio shops, picking up treasures to bring home to the US. Sometimes I’m on a mission for a client (who has my penchant for the eclectic), and has empty shelves to fill. But mostly I am picking up these little wonders for my pressie cupboard back in Lincoln.

What I love about these shops, is that I have got to know the owners over the years, and they are passionate about the community projects that they support. The owners of both my favourite spots are women, who travel extensively off the beaten track in South Africa, buying directly from these talented crafters in their rural villages. Gabs (aka the Baby – poor 23 year old child) and I off to do some serious plundering!

The shops are a feast for the eyes, but you need time and patience to sift through the piles till you find the perfect thing! I am always on the look out for belts that have Zulu beading – made by a local leather worker – my friends love them! Gotcha!

Such an adorable setting!

As you might have guessed I am mad for African fabrics in all forms!

Although Plettenberg Bay is just a small coastal town, I am always blown away by the fun and sophistication of the interior design shops scattered throughout the area. Its always fun to see what they are up to. South Africans really embrace their culture and heritage, and they adore nature, and love to introduce these themes into their interiors. Very stylish they are too!!

I particularly love Sprout Design because they support local artists.

This baby had to come home with me directly – love a good Malawian chair

All this is hungry work, but fortunately we have a couple of really fab lunch spots to rest up and fill our tanks!

In the courtyard of the Lookout Center – Le Fournil – never disappoints!

If we’re out in the countryside, it’s such a treat to have lunch on the veranda of Katerina’s – on the grounds of Kurland Hotel. The owners are friends, and the chef Glenda has the most wonderful, gracious way with food. And the setting…. watching the polo ponies graze in the field across the way, heaven!

Here’s the interior. Chicness!!

Katerina’s is definitely my mum’s favourite!

And when we manage to score a table in high season at Enrico’s, right next to Keurboom’s beach, we call the hubbie to come and join us. Rose anyone??

While sitting at lunch, it’s time to think about dinner in our family! We have some fun spots for picking up really good produce.

Thyme and Again farm stall has delicious pies and healthy bread, and interesting local organic cheeses and preserves. I found some lovely bags made of recycled tee shirt material when I was in last time. Heading over to my pressie cupboard pronto!

South African’s are funny! This was on the board outside Thyme and Again this December.

And then there’s always a visit to the Wittedrif Butchery which is an adventure all in itself. Wittedrif is a little town, about 5 miles outside (and 5 decades behind) Plett. This is where I discovered the wonderful farm lamb, that they butterfly for me, and is ready to be marinaded and go on the grill, for our next family party. It is also the Wittedrif Post Office, and a place to catch up on all the local gossip.

My mum loves the lady that runs the place.

The offerings on the shelves have not always been a great success! But we always come away with armloads just to be nice!

Oh, I should also mention Pret a Pot – the lovely pottery outlet in the shopping center at Old Nick. Its such an idyllic spot to shop, or just hang out!

My house is full of their little bowls, flower pots and dishes.

Its so much fun to be on South African time. I found this lovely piece of African wax cloth on one of my excusions, took it home and hemmed it looking out at the ocean.

And there it is on our table on the terrace — I couldn’t bear to put it in the washing machine, so it stayed there all holiday. You could hardly see the wine stains!

Thats it guys! BTW – Hilarity provided by ‘Cards Against Humanity’ – nasty game given to me by Kristen in my office. Needless to say the family ate it up!!