I've always loved the idea of being able to try a little bit of everything, I'm a real buffet lover in that sense. So when I came across the idea of a dessert buffet I knew I had to share it with you.

Forget the traditional three tiered cake, or the plated desserts served to the guests, incorporate a decadent dessert table instead. Have your guests choose from your favourite desserts and encourage them to try one of each type by keeping the desserts to bitesize.

A brilliant idea if you wanted to keep it in the family is to ask granny to make those mini milktarts, or get other family members involved in that way by contributing.

Provide small plates or take-away boxes for the guests to fill up with desserts.

After searching for "truly South African" favours on google, I came across The Heartfelt Project and my face lit up after browsing their website with their incredible handmade items. I read the The Story of how heartfelt was started, and I couldn't help but have such respect for Martha Letsoalo who found hope when it seemed all was lost.

With 19 dedicated women, The Heartfelt Project has a long term goal that includes helpin thoushands of women by providing job opportunities and creating a unique brand which is instantly recognised throughout the country. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will make it happen, and I hope that all South Africans can support their worthy cause, even if it's simply by telling others about them.

This is the reason I got all excited:

Their range includes (but not limited to) beautiful fridge magnets and brooches,

Keyrings and bookmarks

They also have an entire range dedicated to our furry friends and animals, (which also includes the big 5)

They have a beautiful wedding favour range which also includes felt bouquets and bouttonniers, all of which can be viewed here

To all the ladies at The Heartfelt Project, Martha Letsoalo, Julie Hadley, Charlene Mphuloane, Grace Letswalo, Cecilia Mafunisa, Johanna Mmatsatsi, Lena Majatladi, Katlego Nkuna, Mina Maluleka, Francie Finn, Samantha Yeowart, Olga Tlhokamoni, Bogadi Katoane, Mananki Ringane, Mpho Molefe, Sinah Ringane, Rosemary Sehoole, Magdeline Dithole, and last but not least Lesego Maluleka, keep up the good work girls, you are a true insiration to all South Africans.  

To get in touch with the ladies at Heartfelt contact Charlene on charlene@theheartfeltproject.com or phone her on +27 0823482988

Anyone who’s ever tried their hand at making their own favour boxes will know that it looks much easier than it really is. There are often unfinished edges and pieces sticking out which look untidy. Ingrid (www.ingridmarais.co.za) made this box pattern and feels that it’s the only pattern she’s used that easily creates a neat little box. The box can be folded from thin paper (even newspaper) and is the perfect cover for nougat, chocolate or even bath salts, when creating your very own hand-made wedding favours.

There are two template sizes available - simply play around with your page layout when printing to make the box smaller or bigger.

Download the easy to use favour box templates below:
- Small Favour Box Template
- Large Favour Box Template

To use the gorgeous labels as seen in these pictures, go to www.ingridmairais.co.za and look in her freebies section.