Having recently completed a host of renovations that have added an exquisite amount of grandeur to an already glorious property, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa recently hosted a media launch, treating invited media to an afternoon and evening of fun, and culinary excellence.

Arriving at the property in the early afternoon, the tone was set for fun, as media guests were treated to a gin bar atop the newly renovated Eaves deck, followed by an afternoon of relaxation, allowing time for exploration of the entire property.

Pre-dinner drinks took on a slightly different angle, with a wine and cookie tasting session, where every person was treated to their very own platter. This was followed by a decadent dinner in the refurbished Bistro, with glittering evening views through the glass conservatory, to the night stars above. With the fire places lit, the culinary artists prepared a feast fit for a king, which included the use of Granny Mouse’s new internal braai room.

Mains included Beef Fillet sliders with Brie, Peppadew & sweet balsamic reduction, Prawn Burritos, Corn Salsa, Avocado Puree and Coriander, Asian Pork Ribs & Onion Rings

Chickpea and Lentil Curry, Green Thai Curry Paste and Coconut Cream with Homemade Naan Bread, Grilled Lamb Chops, Fricassee of Potato, mixed sauté Mushrooms and peas with Tsatsiki sauce.

Dessert certainly didn’t disappoint, and came in two parts. First was a tantalizing deconstructed Chocolate Mousse Cake, followed by a Fig bake with Goats Cheese Custard, Parma Ham and Honeycomb, ending off with a local Cheese Board with Preserves and Crackers.

Perhaps the highlight of the trip, although requiring a very early morning start, was the hot air balloon experience.  Setting off from the fields below the hotel as the sun was rising, our intrepid media personalities slowly ascended into the rather fresh morning air, passing over the hotel and elegantly gliding off into the distance. Arriving back at the Hotel roughly an hour later, the elation was palpable, as everyone shared their images, videos and overall excitement with the Granny Mouse Team.

General Manager, Sean Granger commented that he was thrilled with the media evening and was pleased to welcome many more people to the Granny Mouse Family.

There is no denying that there is something magical about winter weddings…..From the crisp day-time blue skies that transform into huddling around a fire place as the mist settles outside….. it’s practically picture perfect. But if you’re planning a winter wedding, we suggest you review the tips given to us by Granny Mouse Country House & Spa Banqueting Manager, Veronica Sookdin, if winter is your chosen season.

According to Sookdin, “ When planning a winter wedding there are a few inevitable issues that can creep into your day, but if you plan accordingly, and make the necessary preparation, your wedding will be one your friends, and family will never forget.”

So let’s look at her tips:

1. Invest in winter accessories: Whether it’s for you personally, your bridesmaids or even the groomsmen, keeping everyone warm, not only makes sense, but winter accessories can be amazing props when capturing your special day. Options include a long sleeve wedding dress, faux fur wraps, capes or some chic cardigans. It will provide you with warmth, and a glowing elegance.

2. Keep your guests warm: Instead of serving the usual champagne-based drinks while you’re having your photo’s done, look to keep your guests warm, through a fun hot chocolate and marshmallow station, or offer some mulled wine or a hot toddy. If your venue doesn’t have a fire place, add some blankets and heaters to your venue, making it more inviting for your guests.

3. It’s all about the light: During winter, it gets dark much earlier, so make sure you’ve chatted to your photographer, and adjusted your timelines to ensure you have the perfect lighting to capture your images.

4. Winter-Inspired Wedding favours: We all know how quickly wedding costs can escalate so, one fun thing about winter wedding favours, is that you can save some costs. Simply fill small jars with marshmallows, or offer hot chocolate sachets or candy canes as something fun. If you want to go a little more fancy, use scented candles or a mug with your wedding date and a fun quote

5. Add a pop of colour: Just because you are getting married in winter, don’t gravitate towards, whites, silvers or dark hues. Add pops of colour to your décor, or if you want to be bold, have your bridesmaids in bright colours. This will add spectacular dimensions to your wedding pics and will brighten the room, when the weather outside turns dreary.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is the perfect venue to host your winter wedding, and with a dedicated on-site team, ready and willing to assist with every detail, it is sure to be magical. For more information about the wedding packages on offer, and how Granny Mouse can turn your dream wedding into a reality, visit www.grannymouse.co.za or call (033) 234 4071.