Make Braai Day unforgettable with effortless table settings, proudly South African touches, and easy entertainment ideas your guests will love.
Set the scene with local texture and colour
Start with an earthy base — linen or brown paper runner — then layer Shweshwe serviettes, enamel plates and wooden boards. A few proteas or fynbos stems in jam jars create height without blocking conversation. Keep the palette warm (terracotta, olive, cream) with one bold accent like coral or mustard.
Fire-friendly centrepieces
Open flames and busy hands don’t mix. Swap tall candles for low glass lanterns or battery fairy lights in bottles. Add small bowls of citronella-infused herbs (lemon verbena, rosemary) to keep mozzies at bay. A shallow tray of coarse salt with tea-lights nestled in looks chic and won’t topple.
Plates, place cards and practical magic
Stack dinner plates at the end of the serving line to ease flow. Slip a sprig of rosemary under twine around rolled serviettes. For place cards, peg names onto biltong sticks or mini wooden clothes pegs — playful, quick, and very “us”. Keep a jug of lemon water and a hand-wash station nearby for sticky fingers.
The condiment station (aka conversation starter)
Dedicate a board to chakalaka, Mrs H.S. Ball’s, peri-peri, herb yoghurt, and caramelised onions. Add pickles, sliced jalapeños and fresh coriander. A rooibos iced tea with orange and mint in a big dispenser looks beautiful and keeps non-drinkers happy. For kids (and kids at heart), set up a braaibroodjie bar with cheddar, tomato, onion and chutney.
Easy entertainment that actually works
Cue up a proudly SA playlist (Majozi to Mi Casa), pop a 30 Seconds board on a side table, and bring out dominoes or a deck of cards. For little ones, set a mini “flag-making” corner with crayons and paper triangles on string — instant bunting they’ll be proud of.
After dark
As the sun drops, add more glow: fairy lights across the fence, solar jar lights on the table, and blankets over chair backs. For a sweet finish, try Peppermint Crisp “s’mores” on the cooling grid or grilled pineapple with lime and a dusting of cinnamon.
Keep it simple, keep it local, and keep people talking. That’s a winning Braai Day table.
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Featured Image: Canva Stock Images
