To say this work is the result of a team effort would be an understatement. It is the product of a true collaboration between esteemed colleagues and dear friends.
I record my thanks to Cecilia Barfield for your precise editing of the manuscript and your even-keeled guidance throughout the project. Thanks also to Joy Clack for your eagle-eyed proofreading and thorough indexing.
My sincerest gratitude to Helen Henn for the elegant and striking design and for involving yourself with the whole look of the book. Thanks too for your conscientious input at so many of the photographic shoots. I so appreciate you involving me along every step of the design process.
Neil Corder, a true gem for your superlative photography, tireless efforts, and for bringing Helen’s vision and my food to life. Thanks for looking at each photograph in a uniquely creative fashion. I truly appreciate the personal sacrifices you made for the sake of the book.
Wally Clack of Gideon’s Flowers & Functions, for your imagination and style in creating these spectacular table settings. Thanks for your friendship and loyalty and for the heart-warming experience of creating a book with you.
Justine Kiggen, for your friendship, sensitivity, and intuition and for conscientiously attending to every detail in such a loving and professional manner. It is always a privilege to work with you.
Lisa Clark, for being the link between myself and Neil. Your understanding of composition and food fashion was invaluable during the shoots.
Katherine Freemantle, for helping in a million different ways and for making everyone smile.
Emma Wilson, for preparing the food with such loving care, calmness and attention to detail.
Jessica de Bruin, Paul Shiakallis (digital photographic assistants) and, in particular, Bernard Bronn for assisting Neil in such a professional manner and for being such an integral part of our food and design team.
I wish to thank Naomie Blom for everything and more. Shereen Fihrer for the sourcing and loan of an extensive range of local and imported goods. Eric and Rona Ellerine, Martin Ellert, Ita Stern and Elize and Dons Volschenk for all their assistance and support.
The author and publishers also wish to thank the following persons and companies for their kind assistance and/or loan of props for the photography:
The management and staff of Head Interiors; Lauren Abelheim of Apsley House for the generous loan and transportation of numerous goods; Karen Short and Wendy Tayler of Hazeldene Hall, Parktown; the directors and staff of Lejwe La Metsi Game Farm, Bela Bela; Lisa Clark and her husband Anthony Dyason; Gideon du Plessis, Pieter and Dalene van Niekerk, Richard Segerman, Corné Köhler, Anton van Zyl, Elias Teffo and staff of Gideon’s Flowers & Functions.
Cover photography shot at Morrells Boutique Venue, Northcliff, Johannesburg. Sincere thanks to Bernice Morrell and Sabine Seeger.