There’s nothing quite like a South African braai. It’s warm, it’s social, and it’s a tradition that brings everyone together. But when the festive season rolls around and families retreat to their favourite holiday destinations, like the serene surroundings of Ngwenya Lodge, the braai becomes even more special. With long summer days, river view, and the sounds of nature around you, it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate your braai with a touch of festive flair. Here’s how to give your next braai a sparkling seasonal twist.
Add Festive Flavour to Your Marinades
Traditional South African marinades are always a winner, but the holidays are a great time to experiment with something new. Incorporate festive flavours like orange, cranberry, honey, cinnamon, or fresh herbs. A simple orange-and-honey glaze works beautifully on chicken, while lamb chops love a rosemary-and-cranberry marinade. These subtle seasonal notes add warmth and brightness, without overpowering your favourite braai classics.
Create a Colourful Festive Table
A festive braai isn’t just about the food; presentation sets the scene. Add pops of colour to your outdoor table with red, gold, or green serviettes, rustic wooden boards, fairy lights, or even a bit of natural décor from your surroundings. At places like Ngwenya, where the bushveld is your backdrop, decorations don’t need to be elaborate. Think simple, earthy, and elegant: proteas in a jar, woven placemats, or candles inside lanterns for a warm evening glow.
Reinvent Traditional Sides
A festive braai offers the perfect excuse to upgrade your side dishes. Swap your usual pap and salad for something with a celebratory twist. Try a cranberry-and-feta couscous, grilled peaches with basil, or a refreshing watermelon and mint salad. For a more indulgent option, creamy garlic mushrooms on the braai are always a hit. These small changes make your meal feel extra special while keeping prep simple enough for holiday mode.
Make Room for Sweet Treats on the Fire
Dessert on the braai is an underrated holiday pleasure. Toasted marshmallow s’mores, braaied fruit skewers drizzled with chocolate, or classic bananas filled with caramel are easy, fun. and perfect for festive evenings outdoors. If you’re staying at a nature-rich destination like Ngwenya, ending the night with a warm, fire-side treat while listening to the hippos grunt in the distance is pure magic.
Festive Drinks for Sunny Days
No holiday braai is complete without something refreshing to sip on. Create a festive drink station with jugs of iced tea, fruity spritzers, or non-alcoholic mocktails. Think cranberry coolers, rosemary lemonades, or pomegranate sparkles, all delicious and beautifully in line with the season. Add fresh berries, citrus slices, or herbs for colour and flavour.
Keep It Relaxed and Joyful
Above all, a festive braai is about connection. Whether you’re gathered around a fire at home or enjoying a riverside braai area at Ngwenya Lodge, focus on slow moments, shared laughter, and the simple joy of good food in nature. Let everyone contribute a dish, play relaxed background music, and enjoy the warm summer air.
This holiday season, bring a little sparkle to your braai tradition and create memories that will last long after the festive lights fade.
