Beloved SA Chefs Share Their Top Tips for Hosting Christmas on a Budget

The festive season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also bring undue financial stress as many South Africans stretch their budgets to host family and friends. This year, Laager Rooibos ambassadors and renowned twin chefs, food stylists, and sports nutritionists Tebo & Lebo Ndala (@withlovefromthetwins) are proving that you can create a magical Christmas without overspending.

“Christmas has always been a big deal in our family, and we’ve always made it a priority to connect with family over food in meaningful ways,” shared Tebo. “We grew up learning that even simple meals can feel special when made with care, and that’s something we still believe in today.”

Commenting on their festive traditions, Lebo added, “We call ourselves the Christmas fairies! We decorate the tree and then cook up a seven-colour lunch for a few family members at our home in Mamelodi. We brought in this new tradition because we’re trying to create a fairytale for those who raised us, as well as for the little ones. And we always end the night with a sweet dessert and a cup of Laager Rooibos tea - usually the Cranberry and Wild Cherry flavour!”

To help spread festive cheer without breaking the bank, the Twins have shared their top tips for making Christmas special, on a budget.

1.       Homemade Décor Ideas

It’s not necessary to spend a fortune making a home feel festive. With a little creativity, it’s possible to transform simple materials into stunning Christmas decorations:

• Laager Rooibos tea-stained gift tags or place cards: Dip cardboard gift tags or place cards in a strongly brewed cup of Laager Rooibos to give them a rustic, natural tint. Once dry, write your guests’ names on them for a personalised touch.
• Dried fruit garlands: String up slices of dried oranges, apples, or cinnamon sticks for natural, fragrant décor that looks (and smells) like Christmas.
• Candle jars: Reuse old jars or tins as candle holders for a cosy, nostalgic glow that adds warmth to your Christmas table.

2.       How to Stretch the Menu

Serving up delicious, filling dishes while keeping costs in check can sometimes be a challenge. The twins suggest these hacks for stretching the menu:

• Use seasonal ingredients: Butternut, spinach, and sweet potatoes are affordable, abundant, and perfect for hearty sides.
• Add grains and legumes: Ingredients like couscous, lentils, or rice can bulk up salads, making them more colourful, nutritious, and satisfying.
• Do a ‘Bring and Share’: Ask each guest to contribute one dish as this lightens the load for the host, adds variety to the table, and makes everyone feel part of the celebration.

3.       Laager Rooibos Festive Drink Ideas

Laager Rooibos is not only a budget-friendly, healthy ingredient, but it’s also a delicious addition to any Christmas feast. The twins have shared their best Laager-Rooibos-infused festive drinks to try this year!

Laager Rooibos Cranberry & Cherry Daiquiri

Ingredients

• 1 cup light rum
• 2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1/4 cup Laager Cranberry & Wild Cherry Rooibos simple syrup
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• Ice to taste

Ingredients: Rooibos simple syrup

• 1 cup water
• 2 Laager Cranberry & Wild Cherry Rooibos teabags
• 1 cup sugar

Method

For the simple syrup:

1.  Simmer all the ingredients together in a saucepan until mixture reduces to half. Discard teabags. Cool and store in the fridge until ready to use.

For the daiquiri:

1.    Add rum, frozen berries, simple syrup and lime juice to a blender. Add ice.

2.    Pulse the blender on low a few times. Blend on high until smooth. Adjust ice or rum                       accordingly.

3.    Serve in a chilled margarita glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Rooibos Iced Tea Punch

Ingredients:

• 4 Laager Rooibos tea bags (use the Laager Cranberry & Wild Cherry flavour if you’d like an extra festive flavour)
• 1 litre boiling water
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• A handful of mint leaves and sliced citrus for garnish

Method:

1.   Steep Laager Rooibos tea bags in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, then cool.

2.   Combine with juices and mint, and serve over ice.

3.   Optional: Add a splash of soda water for a bit of sparkle.

The Twins also note that the flavour of Rooibos perfectly lends itself to being used as a glaze for festive meats:

Simple Spiced Rooibos Glaze

This easy glaze adds a festive twist to roasts or vegetables, bringing a rich and subtly sweet flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong Laager Rooibos
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ginger

Method:

1.   Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer until thickened.

2.   Brush over roast chicken, gammon, or vegetables in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

“Christmas doesn’t need to come with a high price tag to be meaningful,” says Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos Marketing Manager. “With a bit of creativity, you can host an epic Christmas filled with special touches that really make an impact. From homemade decorations to delicious recipes, it’s all about celebrating what really matters…with some festive sparkle from Laager Rooibos!”

FAQs about Laager Rooibos

1.    What makes Laager Rooibos different from other Rooibos brands?

Laager Rooibos has been trusted by South African families for 80 years. It’s one of the oldest and most loved Rooibos brands in the country, offering authentic, full-bodied flavour and quality you can taste in every cup. Laager Rooibos embodies South Africa’s natural heritage and remains the only Rooibos tea bag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA.

2.     Is Laager Rooibos healthy?

Yes! Laager Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, sugar-free, and packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall well-being. It’s endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of SA and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer.

3.     Where can I find Laager Rooibos?

Laager Rooibos is available at all major supermarkets and online retailers nationwide. You can also explore the full range and recipe ideas on the Joekels website at www.joekels.co.za and @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.