ABSA are pulling out all the stops for their Champagne Festival this evening at Summer Place in Melrose. For they’ve hired the Aleit Group from Stellenbosch to design the event to death. Here is Aleit Swanepoel (below) at the Nederburg Auction last month, where he told groups of dames the secrets of a successful wedding. Which included “don’t be afraid to bring deodorant for the bride if things get too hot.”

From a design perspective – and let’s face it, is there any other? – Nederburg knocked spots off the Cape Winemakers’ Guild Auction at the beginning of October. Spier looked very tired, the little bit of food there was was shocking and the service badly plated. We’re expecting better things from Aleit this evening – no pressure! Perhaps he can handle the CWG Auction next year at a new venue? As Cape Town is World Design Capital 2014, it makes sense to bring the Auction to the mother city for a change. Did I hear you say the Vineyard Hotel & Spa? After all GM Roy Davies is a loyal buyer.