The Palms power at Homemakers Expo 2011
Simply superlative.
That, in two words, sums up The Palms participation at this year’s Homemakers Expo, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) between September 1-4.
The event was a major success and from all quarters, the praise was ebullient – the Expo captured hearts and minds and was the perfect platform for stores from The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre to strut their stuff. Stores who took stands at the Expo were:
- Final Touches
- Induna Gallery
- In House Furniture
- Kaysara and
- Marble Gallery
They say that when it comes to property, three things are of paramount importance: position, position, position. The same maxim could easily be applied to the Expo, where The Palms’ stands were extremely well located, ensuring a consistent – not to say highly interested – flow of traffic during the four days of the Expo.
Ilse Basson, of In House Furniture, was one of the exhibitors who enthused about the outstanding success of the Expo.
“Not only did I get great exposure for my company, but I made some good sales at the stand and today people from the Expo visited my store...and a few sales are in the pipeline!”
Would she do it again? “I’ll definitely be back next year,” says Ilse. “Homemakers did an excellent job at this Expo and it was worth every minute, and all the effort we put into it.”
But the compliments don’t end there.
Kathy Fitzgibbon, of Kaysara, had this to say about the success of the Expo: “I have worked at many shows and feel particularly good about this one. The Homemakers Expo is very professional and well organised, and I cannot find fault with anything.”
Another exhibitor from The Palms was Jean-Luc Tartie, of Induna Gallery. He was also very encouraged by both the attendance and outcome of the Expo, believing it will have lasting benefits for his business. “I had a successful Homemakers Expo and I hope many of the people who came to my stand will also visit my shop at The Palms. I will certainly participate in the next Expo,”says Jean-Luc.
Adding to the general excitement of the event was the lucky draw competition arranged by The Palms, giving visitors the opportunity to win a shopping voucher to the value of R1 000, to be spent at any shop at The Palms. The winner of this lucky draw is Jacques van den Berg. Congratulations, Jacques, and happy shopping!
Rococoa is chocolate heaven
“There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.” - Linda Grayson
Indeed, as one chocolatier noted: “Chocolate makes everyone smile, even bankers.” Rococoa Restaurant at The Palms is pure chocolate heaven.
Richard Butterfield, Trent Devine and Gabi Soule are the brains behind this venture, and chocolate addicts everywhere owe them a heartfelt word of thanks.
With their combined credentials as restaurateur, chocolatier and retailer, the three have seamlessly blended their backgrounds into creating something that is truly unique. The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre is, of course, the perfect setting for it.
Careful not to dilute their offering, Rococoa does not supply any other shops or eateries at this stage and prefers to keep their concept and product range exclusive.
“Everything is produced on site,” says Trent, adding that Rococoa offers everything from the most decadent treats to chocolates specifically made for diabetics. And for those watching their figures: Rococoa also makes 100% cocoa chocolates, containing very little fat.
Although chocolate is the major attraction for most clients, this very special place is also a restaurant in its own right, offering a great selection of food. Some of the more popular delights include eggs benedict, chocolate pizza and chocolate gnocchi. It’s the only place in town where you can sit down to a sumptuous meal with a chocolate theme, learn about the history of chocolate, sample chocolates and even make your own. Or just drink something chocolaty.
Rococoa Restaurant can be found in the west-wing on the ground floor at The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre. E-mail Rococoa on info@rococoa.co.za
The Palms hosts events galore
The Palms has hosted a number of events over the last three months, which have brought everything from fine artists to fine foods and music and musicians to the centre. Each event had a different theme and afforded tenants the opportunity to show off their wares in innovative and unusual ways. Look out for the October Fest event on 1 October.
Yesteryear market
The yesteryear market day was held on Saturday 2 July as a special day in celebration of Cape Town’s unique and colourful history. The day included a range of delicious foods and tasty treats to keep visitors warm and toasty while browsing through the fantastic store displays by home and lifestyle tenants like Final Touches, Wetherlys, Coricraft, Kitchen Emporium and Karma Interiors, to name but a few.
Winter warmer market
Imagine the smell of winter warmer food, chocolate, wine and more than thirty décor and lifestyle shops all under one roof. That is exactly what The Palms Décor and Lifestyle Centre dished up on Saturday13 August at our winter warmer market with wares such as freshly baked bread, delicious soups and curries and chocolate and wine pairing for visitors.
Spring market
All enchanted you amble through shops and stalls offering the best in designer clothing, culinary delights and exquisite jewellery, The Palms again hosted a market day on 3 September to welcome spring. The spring market showcased top designers Cindy Bam and Silver Bird Clothing, who offered items at wholesale prices and selected items on special sale racks. Foodies were able to indulge their every culinary whim with various eateries serving their fare, including The Palms’ very own specialist chocolatier, Rococoa. Finery on show included a bedazzling range of jewellery and fine art by commissioning artist Melanie Du Toit.
Late Final evening
Another event that attracted a lot of interest was an evening of music and celebration led by the very entertaining local Cape Town band called Late Final. Billed as “one of Cape Town’s most popular live bands”, Late Final did not disappoint. Boasting an extensive repertoire of classic pop and rock songs, the band had the 200 people strong crowd clapping their hands and stamping their feet in no time. Mirella Kunz of Final Touches said: “I have had a very favourable response from everyone present regarding the venue.” Based on the success of the Late Final evening event, The Palms has plans for a few more exciting evening events in the near future... watch this space!
Gardens in the spring
Mother Nature has done her thing and flower gardens everywhere now need only the human touch to make it bloom beautifully. Gardens contribute to the overall ambience of any home, whether in a container or growing abundantly.
Flowers bring colour, life anda unique warmth to any garden complementing the overall theme or serving as beautiful border perimeters.
Container gardens, which are especially suited to smaller outdoor areas, have their own unique ways of enhancing your home, livening up any stoep, balcony or patio. Induna Gallery, has just the right pots for your container garden – all shapes and sizes and, naturally, quality made.
Choosing your garden’s plants and colours
In deciding on your flower garden for spring, it is important to get the mix right - the right plants, with the right hues and the right smells. It is best to choose a colour scheme that blends with the rest of your outdoor area, and the fragrances and aromas in the flower garden must also complement each other. Try to choose a theme, and stick to it. OnSite stock attractive ornaments perfect for enhancing any garden theme.
Developing your garden
Choose the location of your flower garden very carefully. Good exposure to sunlight is vital. Other factors to consider are the soil quality and the measure of draining it provides; whether the flower garden can be reached easily with a watering can or sprinklers, and finally whether your flower garden will be visible from an outdoor seating area, since that is why you’ve created it in the first place: as a place of beauty.
The beauty of it all is that you don’t have to be an expert. Often, just following a few simple guidelines can result in a flower garden to remember. Collection MBM stocks a range of stunning décor items to complement your garden.
Spring sensations
Besides heralding the imminent arrival of summer, springtime conjures up images of colourful flowers, sundowners on the beach and a universal acceptance that it is a time for new beginnings. Here are five things you can do to welcome spring to your home!
- Add colour
Applying a coat of paint is one of the quickest and most cost-effective means of giving a house, room or even a piece of furniture, a new lease of life. Celebrate the coming of spring by painting the ceiling of a bland white-walled room a pale blue or grey, and it will feel like there’s no ceiling at all. Choose just the right colour at Midas Paints.
- Bring spring in
Though our calendars tell us its spring, the weather outside sometimes makes it hard to believe. Don’t give in to the chilly winds and grey skies! Bring spring indoors (literally) by putting up some bright designer wallpaper in your built-in cupboards. Every time you open the cupboard door, it will feel like you’ve just been handed a spring bouquet. Actually, while you’re putting up wallpaper, why not just redo the whole room? Pop in to U&G Fabrics to find the most beautiful wallpaper.
- Storage
It’s time to pack up your winter clothing. Consider putting clothes that you know you won’t wear again aside and find a charity to donate it to. The best way to pack away your winter clothes is by rolling it up. Not only does it save lots of space, it also keeps your clothes wrinkle free. Coricraft has the perfect chest of drawers to stow those winter woollies away.
- Time to reflect more...
Brighten up the darkest corner in your house by investing in mirrors. Hang two mirrors opposite one another. You won’t recognise the space, and if you have flowers in front of one of them it will look like two bunches. Visit OnSite to find the perfect match in mirrors.
- Spa it up
Your bathroom has really been there for you during the winter. Remember those long hot lazy baths before bedtime? It’s payback time. Treat your bathroom to a mini make-over and turn it into a spring spa. Fit out your bathroom with crisp white towels, accented with coloured hand towels and matching bathroom knick-knacks to turn your winter-time hideout into a springtime sanctuary. Speak to Karma Interiors and Final Touches to help you create magic in your home.
Super strip
“Local is lekker! It’s much better to support our local talent especially with the present state of the economy. Everything in our shop is manufactured locally. Which means you can be creative and design your own innovative furniture,” says Ilse Basson, In House Furniture.