Celebrating Mamas
A Morning of Tea, Baking & Beautiful Things
May 2026 · Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Sandton
There are days that simply feel different — softer, more considered, filled with the kind of warmth that has nothing to do with the weather. The recent Mamas Tea event, at the timeless Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sandton, was precisely that kind of morning. It was a celebration of mothers, of craft, of togetherness — and, of course, of extraordinarily beautiful things.
Guests arrived to discover a world carefully laid out: floral-patterned teacups nestled on botanical tablecloths, blush and sage-toned birdcage pastry stands laden with hand-crafted treats, and the warm, enveloping scent of fresh baking drifting through rooms adorned with gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Before a single cup of tea was poured, it was abundantly clear that every detail had been considered with love.
From delicate pastries to meaningful conversations, every detail was designed to inspire and delight — a beautifully curated afternoon in honour of the women who mean the most.
Live Baking with Janet Kohler
At the heart of the morning was a live baking demonstration, led by celebrated baker Janet Kohler. Guests gathered around the work stations — draped in vivid, pattern-printed tablecloths — to get hands-on with the kind of baking that goes well beyond measuring and mixing. It was, in the truest sense, a craft lesson. Cracking eggs into ceramic bowls, weighing ingredients on precise scales, following printed recipe cards with a focused calm — these small domestic acts took on a new significance when shared in such beautiful surroundings.
Janet brought to the experience not only her considerable skill but also a generosity of spirit — encouraging, patient, and clearly delighted to be sharing something she loves with a room full of women who came curious and left inspired. The apron-clad Fairlawns team moved seamlessly alongside her, ensuring that every guest had everything they needed at every moment.
Presided over by Fairlawns' own pastry chef — the afternoon tea spread was nothing short of spectacular. Arranged across tiered birdcage stands in mint, pink, and gold, the display included freshly baked scones, delicate French macarons in pistachio, blush, and ivory, petit fours adorned with edible florals, crème-filled choux pastry, and jewel-bright bite-sized tarts. Small cups of mousse and spiced compote dotted the edges, inviting guests to graze and return.
The artistry involved in constructing such a display — the careful placement, the colour-matching, the play of height and texture — spoke to a kitchen team that takes genuine pride in its work. This was not catering; it was confectionery theatre.
Where Craft Meets Luxury
Woven throughout the morning — quite literally, in the form of a beautifully styled accessory display — was the presence of Winklmayr, the Austrian heritage leather house founded in 1691. Known for working exclusively with natural ostrich leather sourced in South Africa, the brand brought a collection of accessories in a striking olive-green that felt entirely of the moment: structured mini bags, zip wallets, card holders, and woven crossbody straps, all arranged with the same careful eye as the tea table itself.
Guests were invited to browse, to touch, to try — and the soft gleam of natural leather under the Sandton morning light proved utterly irresistible. The Winklmayr shopping bags, pristine white with forest-green ribbon handles, became a familiar sight by the end of the morning as guests made pieces their own.
The pairing felt intuitive: a brand rooted in centuries of artisanal craft, celebrating an event that was itself a love letter to making things by hand.
Winklmayr
Seit 1691Winklmayr is an Austrian heritage leather house with over three centuries of artisanal craftsmanship. Working exclusively with natural South African ostrich leather, the brand creates accessories that are both exquisitely beautiful and built to last a lifetime.
The limited-edition collections available at Fairlawns' FOUND boutique blend old-world heritage with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
Visit winklmayr.comFairlawns Boutique Hotel
Sandton, JohannesburgOne of Johannesburg's most celebrated boutique hotels, Fairlawns is set in tranquil, manicured grounds in the heart of Sandton. The hotel hosts an award-winning spa, fine dining, and a curated programme of lifestyle events throughout the year.
Visit fairlawns.co.zaA Day Worth Remembering
Events like this are rarer than they should be: gatherings where the aesthetic ambition matches the warmth of intention, where guests leave not merely satisfied but genuinely moved. The Mamas Tea at Fairlawns was a beautifully produced lifestyle experience — a room full of women, laughing and learning, sharing stories over exceptional food, and marking the extraordinary ordinary act of motherhood.
We look forward to the next one.
