2008 might be winding down, but things are always heating up at Aleit Event Projects. It could be the sunny weather or the promise of parties and celebrations that lie ahead, but we’re ready to end the year with a bang! The team is working on an extensive line-up of events and there’s no doubt that 2009 is going to be a very exciting year.

Our latest newsletter is packed with interesting news and ideas. We are proud to showcase some of our most recent events, as well as our favourite inspiring ideas for your Christmas celebrations. If that’s not enough, find out more about entertainment trends and the creative talent behind one of our favourite photographers.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

Hans & Aleit
Operations and Managing Directors

Spier Wines at Cape Wine 2008

Thousands of wine industry experts and journalists came from across the world to Cape Wine 2008, an annual trade show hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Over 300 wineries participated in the event and exhibited more than 4 000 South African wines. We made sure that Spier Wines took centre stage by creating a custom-built double storey stand that towered over the exhibition hall. It came complete with a tasting room (chandeliers included) and a private lounge area with flat screen TVs. Watch out for this striking display space in the future...

Spier also invited buyers and wine industry big shots to an entertaining evening that started with a trip to Cape Town train station in taxis, complete with vuvuzelas. The excited guests boarded a train bound for Spier station, where they were serenaded by Cape minstrels dressed in traditional colourful costumes. Guests later moved on to a chic cocktail party at the Spier Estate, complete with fine Spier wines and delicious canapés.

JC le Roux Media Launch

JC le Roux recently had a lot to celebrate - not only did the estate mark its 10 year anniversary, it also launched an elegant new look and welcomed new winemaker, Elunda Basson. We coordinated a stylish lunch event at the estate which was attended by a mix of media and business associates. Guests were greeted by a saxophone on arrival, as well as refreshing plum coloured ice lollies served in shot glasses.

The decor was nothing less than sensational. Three rooms inside the venue were individually themed (with canapés to match), including the Scintilla Room, Oyster Bar and The Shop. Chef Koos Myburgh’s culinary creations were another talking point, with a starter of Thai Chicken Salad served on a Bed of Baby Greens and a main course of Poppy Seed Crusted Norwegian Salmon with Green Asparagus and Poppy Seed Butter.

Never mind tinsel and holly, here are some fresh ideas for your Christmas celebrations.

Fuss-free Fun
For easy ideas that look fantastic, look no further than your own home. Turn a pot plant into a Christmas tree, use garden fruits and flowers for decoration or arrange your presents into a pretty centrepiece. For an effortless decor feature, attach your Christmas cards to ribbons or nylon thread and hang them against the wall. If you’d like to make special gifts for your loved ones, bake Christmas cookies with this great recipe they’ll taste scrumptious and the chances are you already have all the ingredients.

Downright Decadent
If you’re planning to be a bit more indulgent this season, there are so many ways to add some luxury to your home. Use your finest cutlery and crockery and splash out on a few eye-catching decor pieces. We love Georg Jensen’s Christmas decorations. They’re lovely to look at and make the most beautiful Christmas keepsakes. If you’re stuck for gift ideas, take inspiration from Fortnum & Mason’s luxury hampers and put together a feast of delicious snacks and treats. Then make your presents picture perfect with ribbons from Ebony and Ivory.

"Entertainment is no longer about hiring a DJ and throwing in a band or two. In recent years, music and entertainment have been taken to new production heights and should be masterfully coordinated to complement the flow of an event. Which genre suits which occasion? Could the opening dance be part of the entertainment? And would fire dancers add the right amount of pizzazz?

Of course, the starting point to great entertainment is to make sure that you get a band or DJ who understand your needs. Do your research carefully and explore lots of different styles — check out Aleit Music and Entertainment for inspiration. Once you find an artist who appeals to your tastes and expectations, schedule a meeting and be sure to ask for references. Don’t skimp on your spending either — music can make or break the atmosphere."

Email Hans at hans@aleit.co.za

The international financial ratings agency Moody’s recently stated that it would not downgrade the status of South Africa’s currency ratings, despite the global climate of economic uncertainty. Rating agencies such as Fitch might be less optimistic, but experts have cautioned economists not to overlook the careful measures that were taken to protect South Africa from the effects of the credit crunch.

Moody’s also believes that the inflation rate is likely to drop, which will undoubtedly ease the current economic situation.

Source: http://www.sagoodnews.co.za

It’s no wonder that Joe is one of South Africa’s most sought after photographers for weddings and events. As the winner of the Sarie/Fair Lady Bridal Photographer competition in 2006, he has worked for several high profile corporate clients and has appeared in numerous national and international publications. Joe specialised in Fine Art Photography when he completed a Bachelors of Fine Art Degree at Rhodes University and has been working as a freelance photographer for eight years. "Photography is not only a career, but my passion. Capturing all aspects of your special day and transforming them into life long memories, my duty." We love his unobtrusive style that always succeeds to capture the most special moments of an occasion.

Visit his website for more information.

Here’s something we’ll toast to! Spier Wines has introduced an exciting Wine Club that presents very competitive benefits for its wine-loving members. Not only do they receive a 25% discount on Spier wines, they also get treated to exclusive special offers and have access to a convenient delivery service. A dedicated call centre and qualified wine educators are ready to answer any wine questions, from tastings and advice to general queries.

The club is open to individuals and the corporate market, or members can choose to join as a company. To become a member, either call 021 809 1147 or fax 021 809 1144. You can also email Francois van der Walt at francoisvdw@spier.co.za. For a taste of what members enjoy, here are the Wine Club’s latest specials:

Cheerful Christmas 12 Bottle Mix Case, R375:
Enjoy a mix of Spier wines, including Spier Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Savanha Chardonnay 2007, Spier Vintage Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Spier Vintage Selection Sauvignon Blanc/Chard/Viognier 2006, Spier Cabernet 2006 and Savanha Merlot 2007. You’ll also get a Vintage Selection Shiraz 2005 and a Vintage Selection Malbec/Cab Franc/Petit Verdot 2005.

12 Bottle Award Pack, R949:
Savour Spier’s finest internationally awarded wines with Spier Private Collection Cabernet 2005, Spier Private Collection Shiraz 2005, Spier Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2006. The pack also includes Spier Vintage Selection Malbec/Cab Franc/Petit Verdot 2005 and Spier Vintage Selection SMV Shiraz/Mourvedre/Viognier 2005.

Don’t forget to visit the Spier Wine Centre on the Estate, which is open seven days a week at the following times:
Purchases: 09h00 to 17h00
Tastings: 10h00 to 16h30
There are daily special offers, great gift ideas and a free gift wrapping service from 1 December.

DISCLAIMER: Material contained within the Aleit Event Projects Newsletter is intended for general informational purposes only. Aleit Event Projects does not warrant the accuracy and completeness of this newsletter, and assumes no liability whatsoever for any action taken in reliance on the information contained in this newsletter, or for direct or indirect damages resulting from use of this newsletter and its content. Any unauthorised use of material contained herein is at the user’s own risk. Reproduction, distribution, republication and retransmission of material contained within the Aleit Event Projects Newsletter is prohibited unless the prior consent of Aleit Event Projects has been obtained.