Previous Events
2010
.January
2010 J&B Met: ‘In Full Colour’
Although this year saw the J&B Met decrease in size somewhat, this did not affect Blend’s involvement in one of South Africa’s biggest sporting events. Blend’s participation nearly tripled from last year in terms of the service and infrastructure provided, from bars and staff to our signature food stations, the bar standard had definitely been raised. In total Blend provided over 100 meters of bars at various tents and marquees throughout the Hospitality Village and the Picnic Sites. Blend assembled a team of 213 staff members which included 11 supervisors, 100 service staff, 71 bartenders and 31 bar runners, all of whom provided the guests with the highest quality of service, which has come to be expected from all of Blend’s staff. We look forward to what 2011 has in store.
2009
.December
.Truworths year end – Old School is Cool
The theme for this year was ‘Old School is Cool’ and there was no holding back when organizing this event. Guests, who were perfectly dressed to the theme, were welcomed with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ice lollies on arrival. Delicious food, prepared by Dish, was served from various food stations located throughout the venue. Blend Service staff manned the bars and made sure that all the Truworths employees were looked after. Event Co-ordinators: Event Interiors Catering: Dish Food & Social Service staff and Barman: Blend Eventlife.
Bosch Fest
This year saw the inauguration of the Bosch Fest in Stellenbosch. The Blend team was called in to transform the Sanlam Hall in the Neelsie Student Centre into a relaxing coffee lounge where students could come and enjoy a cappuccino, latté, Americano or a simple cup of good old Rooibos. Coffee bars, Furniture and Barristers: Blend Eventlife.
Mixit Year End
Stellenrust Wine Estate was the setting for the employees of Mxit’s year end function. Blend was very proud to assist Lisa and her team from Show Worxs on the evening. Blend provided a funky multi-coloured bar, which complimented the theme perfectly and Blend’s cocktail bartenders whipped up some delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic frozen daiquiris for guests on arrival. Event co-ordinators: Show Worx Bar structures & Bartenders: Blend Eventlife.
The Dutch Pioneership FIFA 2014
Blend worked alongside the team from Green Catering, assisting in the coordination and management of the Dutch Pioneership event, which took place at the Zip Zap Circus Tent in Cape Town, on 3 December 2009. The event consisted of a series of live interviews with local celebrities, and various exciting performances and entertainment by the Zip Zap Circus team. This was followed by a 6-course tasting menu and wine pairing. Prepared by Chef Margot Janse (Head Chef: le quartier francais) Event Co-ordination: Hospitality Affairs & Green Catering Management and Service Staff: Blend Eventlife.
The Noon Gun FIFA Event (Media Welcome)
Blend proudly assisted ESP Events and Green Catering at the FIFA Prelim Event, held at the Noon Gun on 2 December 2009. Attending this prestigious event was FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who addressed the Media and welcomed everyone to Cape Town for the FIFA Draw. Event Co-ordination: ESP Events Catering: Green Catering Bars and Bartenders: Blend Eventlife.
November
Maya Prass Constantia Store’s 1st Birthday
Maya Prass celebrated their first birthday in conjunction with the launch of their new summer collection, which included hand-drawn prints, in an array of seasonal colours. Blend’s bars, with soft pastel lighting and fresh summer cocktails, created by Blend cocktail barman complimented the theme for the evening. On the food side, an array of cheese and breads and beautiful cupcakes were on display for guests to indulge in.
The Opening of the new Deloitte Offices
The month of October saw the Deloitte staff make the gradual move from there old offices in Claremont to their new premises in the Cape Quarter Extension on Somerset Road. This very challenging process resulted in their official opening being held on the 20th of November. Blend was very proud to be part of this special occasion, as Deloittes has been a valued customer for the past two and half years.
The theme for the evening was ‘Carnival’ with mechanical bulls, sumo wrestling, quick draw shoot outs and even virtual horse races. Not to be out done by the games the Blend team rolled in and set up two lovely white bars, and a very yummy candy bar that had everyone coming back for more. Although the heat was almost unbearable the service staff and barman attended to all the clients with absolute ease. Blend would like to wish Deloitte all the best for the future in their new offices.
Beau Constance House Party
A house party many of us would only dream of hosting. On arrival guests followed a long black carpet along the roof top of this glorious home where they were met by Blend Shooter girls. After having a shot or two, guests entered the party by sliding down an enormous blow up slide, from the roof top down to the garden.
Blends cocktail bartenders couldn’t shake the delicious drinks fast enough, and while some guests took to the dance floor, most were found indulging in treats from the infamous Blend Candy Bar.
Execujet Hanger Launch
The new Execujet hanger, home too many privately owned jets and smaller aircraft, officially launched early this month. 350 guests were in attendance, and were welcomed by a glass of bubbly by Blends attentive service staff. The magnificent planes and exotic cars formed a one of a kind backdrop behind the Blend Bars, which were placed all around the venue, ensuring that nobody went thirsty.
Adidas Triple Helix Party
Blend joined the party at the launch of the new Adidas concept store, on Loop Street. The bash was themed around the model of a “triple helix” Guests were greeted and served by “blend nurses” who “prescribed” the appropriate shooters in the real-life ambulance. Blends barmen, wearing their hospital arm bands, were kept busy behind the bar until the early hours of the morning. The live carving of the Adidas sneaker kept guests entertained, while the shooter bar drew guests onto the dance floor.
October
2009 Blend Eventlife Seasonal Re-launch
This time around and we are proud to say that the generous contributions from our sponsors; and the help from our suppliers, allowed us to put together a world-class event. From a live ice carving, fire blowers and decadent food bars to live music, we successfully showcased our latest offerings.
On arrival guest were greeted by a refreshing pomegranate slush, served in a Margarita glass, topped with fresh fruit and delicious canapés, served by James and his team from Salt and Pepper Catering.
As guests eagerly waited to enter our warehouse, which had now been completely transformed, James from Ice Art performed a live ice carving of the Blend Logo. At the entrance to the warehouse, guests were able to read our most recent press clippings and articles and interact with a mock-up version of our now complete website, that had be mounted in our New Media and Training Room.
This year, much like last year, the theme was aimed at guest interaction. Our interactive food and desert stations were as always, an absolute hit. With a Sushi Bar one can never go wrong, this station was accompanied by a champagne bar and simply put, our guests could not get enough.
The miso and pho bar allowed guests to decide exactly which Asian-style food they preferred and in what combination and the calamari, fish and chips food station was equally successful and added that little bit of cape flair to the evening. The catering on both of these bars was kindly sponsored by Dish Food and Social.
To end off the food for the evening, we showcased our latest take on portable desert stations. With delectable desserts provided by Lori Darroch, of Persimmon Catering and mouthwatering cupcakes and personalized Blend Chocolates provided by Sarah, from Sarah Jane’s Cupcakes, we could not have asked for more.
If that wasn’t enough we launched our Self Service Candy Bars, which consisted of beautifully decorated glass jars filled with hundreds of jelly beans, marshmallow’s, tumbles, bon-bons, lolly-pops, honeycomb and fudge, the list goes on. There were scoops and tongs and take away packets, need we say more.
The formalities of the evening went underway while guests ate and drank to their hearts content. After the speeches the live music began and Second Half truly put on a great show. A few were a little weary to get on the dance floor but once the ice had been broken there was no holding back.
To all our wonderful suppliers, Salt and Pepper, Dish Food, Persimmon Catering,Sarah Jane Cupcakes, Red Hot Events, Something Different, Unlimited Events, Ice Art, Second Half, Kilowatt, Nomadik, Nice Equipment, House of Juice, Ice for Africa, Pussy, Un-ltd Promotions and Event, Quaffee, who helped make the evening a roaring success, we cannot thank you for your generosity. To all those who attended, thank you for being a part of the evening, and finally to those who could not make it, we hope to see you next year.
View Blend Re-Launch Gallery
Positive Heroes Charity Fashion Show & Auction
“ A charity event to remember.” The Runway in Woodstock was the venue for this auspicious occasion. Positive Heroes' fresh and uplifting approach to HIV, raises the profile of South Africans who are living positively with HIV.
The fashion show and auction was held in order to help raise money and spread the word of living positively with HIV. Positive Heroes approached Blend and proposed the idea and we jumped at the opportunity to be part of such a great cause. Blend sponsored all the bar infrastructure and glassware. The evening was a tremendous success and over R75 000 was raised in aid of this great cause. Blend would like to thank Positive Heroes for allowing us to be associated with such a positive cause and we truly hope that we can become more involved in the future.
View Positive Heroes Charity Fashion Show Gallery
September
The 35th Annual Nederberg Wine Auction
Blend’s expert bartenders made history in 2009 at the 35th Annual Nederberg Wine Auction, in Paarl. Approximately 800 guests were in attendance, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the event. The exquisite champagne and sushi lounge, casual outdoor grill and sophisticated whiskey and brandy bar, ensured that everyone was catered for. If that wasn’t enough, guests were kept entertained with a live photo shoot and fashion show, courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine. This featured some of South Africa’s local talent, as well as music and entertainment by some of the Cape’s hottest up and coming artists.
Blend held true to its reputation by offering flawless service throughout the event and by being of assistance where needed. Blend is very proud to have been part of our first ever Nederberg Wine Auction and we hope to be back in 2010!
View Nederberg Gallery
The 2009 Loerie Mayoral Service
It was the mother city’s turn to host the 31st installment of the prestigious Loerie Awards. Blend played an integral part in this years’ Mayoral service, providing two 4.5m white bars and in excess of 30 staff to meet the needs of all that attended.
The Loerie have become a promising award ceremony that many in the brand communication world hope to attend and Blend is very proud to have played a part in this coveted occasion.
View Loerie Mayoral Service Gallery
The 2009 Bishops Matric Dance
On 23 September Blend was involved with the Bishops Matric Dance. On the evening Blend’s Black Bar structures, with golden lights, complemented the classic Great Gatsby theme. The grade 8 boys were the attentive service staff for the evening, while Blend’s bartenders showed off their talents behind the bar. Once the formalities were out of the way, the scholars piled into buses and headed off to the after-party, which was also arranged by the Blend Team.
View Bishops Matric Dance Gallery
August
Gavin Rajah Fashion Show 2009
The 22nd of August saw Gavin Rajah host another spectacular fashion show, with the launch of his new summer range. This time however, there was a certain ‘blend’ to the function. A sleek white 4.5m bar, accompanied by stylish furniture, transformed an empty walkway into an elegant and chic venue. The new natural energy drink, Pussy, along with Blend, were 2 of the sponsors on the evening. The guests were welcomed with a Pussy Martini and the pronunciation of this drink did cause a stir to say the least, but once the martini was tasted, there was no hesitation in ordering the next few!
View Gavin Rajah Fashion Show Gallery
A Barmi at the Biscuit Mill
What a fun filled Sunday at the Biscuit Mill in Woodstock! With a traditional carnival/funfair theme, it was hard not to have fun! Blend shook up many exciting mocktails for the teenagers to enjoy, whilst the adults took pleasure in a more serious drink at the “Parents” bar. With Blend taking care of all aspects of the service, the evening had to be a great success.
View Barmi at the Biscuit Mall Gallery
The 2009 Wacky Wine Weekend
The Wacky Wine Festival, visited by over 1000 people a year, took place in Robertson in the fair Cape winelands, this year. Blend was brought in by Top Cape Town caterers to provide their ‘never seen before’ sushi and wok bars. We again outperformed all expectations to help make the weekend an unforgettable one for everyone.
View Wacky Wine Weekend Gallery
July
Re- Launch Hotel Le Vendome
One of the small luxury hotels of the world, The Hotel Le Vendome this year, after changing ownership and management,celebrated their re launch. After 11 years this Sea Point based Hotel pulled out all the stops to make a great reappearance to the Hotel Industry. “Moulin Rouge” was the inspiration behind the décor, and Blend shook up cocktails to suit the theme. All proceeds went to charity which BLEND is always happy to be a part of.
View Re-Launch Hotel Le Vendome Gallery
June
Blend Causes a Stir at the Spoon Room
With the winter blues upon us, it was time for Blend, in conjunction with Dish Food and Social, to heat things up a little with Round one of this seasons Spoon Room. The location was the corner of Mill and Hope Street in Gardens, the home of Dish Food and Social. A complimentary baby apple and vanilla martini greeted the guests on this chilly evening, along with a shooter of their choice. A beautiful four meter while Blend bar with red lighting was the focal point of the room. The shooter bar was a hit and with a new shot on offer, "the dishwasher", guests were running back for more. Service was, as always, of the highest standard.
Episode 2 of this season's series of the Spoon Room was named the SPOON ROOM BOOM!
Guests were welcomed with an ingenious cocktail of Van Ryns Brandy, which was kindly sponsored by Van Ryn's Distillery, and peach ice tea, which was based on the concept of the classic "Pimms Cocktail," but with a unique twist.
BLEND's barmen were once again on top form, attending to all the thirsty guests, with energy and charisma. Dish outdid themselves, serving delicious canapè's adding to the roaring success of the Spoon Room Boom.
View Spoon Room Gallery
May
BLENDing old and new at the 2009 Olive Festival.
Once a year, the quiet town of Riebeek-Kasteel springs to life, to host the ever popular Olive Festival. This year BLEND proposed that custom-made cocktails could be created using the wines from Riebeek-Kasteel and the surrounding Swartland areas. With wine cocktails being a new concept to some of the local wine makers, BLEND decided to take time out to go and visit each of the farms and explain in detail what the process entailed and how the cocktails would be put together. Five farms were interested and BLEND went to work on creating a total of seven new cocktails. Various grape varieties were used to create these unique cocktails, including Merlot, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc. Most of the wine makers themselves visited the BLEND cocktail bar and were amazed at what had been created from each of their own wines. BLEND is looking forward to the 2010 Olive Festival, and the opportunity to add more to this prestigious event.
View Olive Festival Gallery
April
Blend gets a Taste
The Jan Van Riebeeck Sports Field was the venue for this year’s annual Taste of Cape Town and what a location it was! BLEND was privileged to provide not only one, but two sites with bars and service for this event. The Grolsch and Sarita tents had the most ideal location on the field and the respective brand language covering the Blend bars, it was no wonder these tents were an absolute hit. This together with service excellence, truly grabbed the guest’s attention. BLEND supervisors were on hand to ensure that all went according to plan. The 2nd to 5th of April were beyond a doubt a very spectacular couple of days and BLEND is looking forward to getting an even bigger taste next year.
View Taste of Cape Town Gallery
March
Wine Tourism News 5th Birthday Bash
World’s Favorite Publications, who publish monthly newspaper Wine Tourism News, held their 5th annual birthday celebration in style this year with BLEND. BLEND arrived with one goal in mind: to make this the best birthday bash WTN had ever had. Everything from the bars, décor, furniture and unique interactive food stations - BLEND provided it all. Service with a smile was the order of the day, with the barmen whipping up custom-made wine cocktails to tantalize the guest’s taste buds. Six quality wines were also on offer and were clearly distinguishable by the custom branded bars from which they were served. This birthday bash was truly an event to write home about!
View Wine Tourism Gallery
Western Union at Lourensford Wine Estate
Lourensford Wine Estate, established in the 1700’s and arguably one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world was the venue for the last stop of Western Unions’ Cape Town conference tour in March 2009.
800 guests were bussed to the Estate and were warmly welcomed by Blend with a refreshing welcome. Blend was tasked with running the floor and the operation of 2 beverage bars, both serving 400 guests. While Blend barmen were kept busy making cocktails, guests partied till the early hours of the morning.
View Western Union at Lourensford Wine Estate Gallery
February
Blend proudly assists the Red Cross Children’s Hospital
We were proud to have been chosen to facilitate the service and running of the Red Cross Children's Hospital Art Benefit, in February of this year. The event was in aid of raising the much-needed funds for the construction of the new wing and family resource centre within the hospital.
BLEND provided 120 efficient staff members from Floor Managers, to Bar Tenders, from Wine Stewards to Service Staff as well as Porters who attended to the guests every need, in a professional and friendly manner. The venue incorporated a crisp white theme including crystals, silver and sparkling chandeliers to complete the elegant atmosphere. Owner of BLEND Eventlife, Ian Ashforth stated, “Not only did it make us proud to be chosen for an event of this caliber, but to be part of a positive awareness campaign for the Red Cross Children's Hospital.”
The benefit was the fifth to date with a grand total of R9 million raised since its inception in 2003. Patron of the trust, Amanda Bloch stated, “The benefit this year was an enormous success and raised R3.07 Million for the construction of the new family resource centre.”
View Red Cross Children's Hospital Gallery
January
The 2009 J & B Met
With every year that passes the J&B Met just seems to be getting bigger and better, and this year was no different. Blend provided the main hospitality village with in excess of 65 staff members, which ranged from bartenders, service staff and porters to managers, all working as one cohesive unit, to meet every need of the client.
Starting the day at six thirty in the morning, Blend staff knew that they were in for a long and hot day, and were not proven wrong when only clocking out at one the following morning. Blend also provided two picnic sites, with bar structures and furniture. These two picnic sites stood head and shoulders above the rest and were enjoyed by all of those who joined us.
View J & B Met Gallery
2008
Infected Mushroom
The Infected Mushroom Concert was held at the Bellville Velodrome, for 5000 people. The Blend team was responsible for the set up of 39 meters of white and black bars, all uniquely branded. Furniture and cigarette dispensers were also brought in by the team and were set up with hours to spare.
View Infected Mushroom Gallery
A Pink 21st Like No Other
The special request for a pink themed 21st was perfectly embraced by the Blend crew. The brief from the client was ‘as much pink as possible’! The white bars and white plinths, both with pink lights, looked amazing. Specific décor was chosen to complement every aspect of the function, from fairy lights to mirror boxes and of course pink candles were on display. A variety of ottomans and love benches were also provided to help those out who might have had one too many or simply needed to rest their legs after a razzle on the dance floor. It was truly a Pink 21st like no other.
View Pink 21st Gallery
Sael Year End Party
The Sael Offices were the venue for the Sael employee appreciation, year end function in November 2008. French Bistro was the theme, the existing courtyard neatly tucked away off the busy street, was lit with beautiful red, white and blue hanging lanterns an array of fairy lights suspended from high palms trees. On arrival guest were greeted with a classic French 75 cocktail and a beautiful replica of the Eiffel Tower. The food was served by Blend’s very own French Maids and Sailors and all guests received authentic French berets. The evening continued with entertainment from 2 man live band and ended as a traditional noisy French café.
View Sael Year End Party Gallery
Party in the Park
Black River Office Park held their annual Party in the Park function and Blend was proud to be associated with this event. With an expected attendance of about 700, the Blend team were out in full force to ensure that the high level of service was maintained and that the function ran without a hitch. A 6m bar was erected under the Bedouin and stood out as a feature. This was complemented by only the best barmen. Music by “Goldfish” was the main attraction on the evening and they absolutely rocked the party. The request to have goldfish in bowls on the bars was met with open arms and really added that little something extra.
View Party in the Park Gallery
2006
An “Ignited” New Years
Ignite needed a stylish bar to accommodate the expected 1000 guests at their New Years Eve party. The bar needed to fit well with this Camp’s Bay clubs’ décor and image and serve the purpose to increase turnover on the evening.
View New Years Gallery
ACSA Year End
Where better to have a function for Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) than at the Airport. The bongo drummers, live cockerels and hens and Pap and Gravy complemented the traditional Shabeen theme. Dinner was served on enamel crockery, the tables were dressed with shwe shwe linen, and centre pieces were made from handmade wire flowers. A live show from Cape Gum boot dancers was the entertainment for the evening. Guests spent the rest of the evening dancing or chilling out in the lounge areas decorated with colourful beanbags, beach sand and chicken cages.
View ACSA Year End Gallery
Johnny Walker 2006 Eat Out Awards
Blend provided the perfect setting for a prestigious evening, for Eat Out Magazine's Awards. 300 guests and 4 courses plated was the order of the evening. BLEND organized & supplied a full set up and break down crew and Wine stewards and Service Staff, to create an award winning experience. BLEND worked alongside some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country and is featured on page 219 of Eat Out Magazine 2007.
View Jonnhy Walker eat out Gallery
