Year-End Parties: Ideas For The Perfect Staff (or Other) Function

We’ve made it through 2022!

It’s time to celebrate successes, gather friends and family, and treat hard-working colleagues to a fabulous fling before the holidays kick in. To suit all tastes and adventure thresholds, we’ve rounded up a bunch of ideas for a memorable year-end bash: from long-table feasts and picture-perfect picnics to kayaking adventures, a leisurely catamaran cruise and even a gin-tasting kombi tour!

Segue into the holidays in sparkling Cape Town style.

Jordan

In the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, this estate is the perfect location for a joyous end-of-year get-together. Smaller groups can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, brunch or lunch of easy-going country fare, and curate their own tasting of Jordan’s award-winning wines (which also includes a pairing with Afrikoa chocolates). In the afternoons, guests can tuck into a Vintner’s Platter or delectable flammküchen (pizzas). Unwind and take in the majesty of the Stellenbosch Mountains from your spot on the deck of The Cellar Door.
For larger groups (16 to 40 people), a lunch in the picnic pods on the lawns surrounding the dam is just the ticket for a super-chilled alfresco celebration. They’re set up with blankets, cushions and ice buckets. Picnic baskets are filled with locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie, artisanal breads, pulled-pork pitas, scrumptious salads, farm-made condiments, sweet delights and more. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Good to know For an evening celebration, an amazing three-course dinner can be booked exclusively – and accommodation is offered in the Jordan Luxury Suites (sleeping up to 30 people sharing).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm (picnics from 12.30pm)
Cost R625 per picnic basket (for two)
R169 for a kids’ basket (includes a gift)
Contact 021 881 3441, [email protected]
Where to find it Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch
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Kiff Kombi

The name tells you everything you need to know: kiff is South African slang for “super-cool” and a kombi is a minivan. So, when you join the joyride on one of these brightly coloured vehicles, be prepared for an equally vibrant tour of Cape Town and surroundings, making stops at some of the city’s best gems. After a working year spent in front of screens or cooped up in offices, an adventurous daytrip where everything is organised and sorted (no need to lift a finger, even to drive) is just the ticket.
Kiff Kombi specialises in company parties for between 20 and 40 people (larger groups of up to 60 people can be accommodated in a bigger bus). Each tour includes food, drinks and a host of fun-filled activities – choose from a Gin Jol, a Craft Beer Safari, or the Wine, Beer & Biltong tour (the latter two include a braai lunch).
Good to know If you’re looking for something more personalised (such as a bachelorette, anniversary or birthday party), Kiff Kombi Tours will help you curate your own adventure.
Cost From R1 210 per person
Contact 072 213 3888, [email protected]
Where to find it Buitenkloof Studios, 8 Kloof Street, Gardens
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Country Grand Franschhoek

It’s got the views, it’s got the vibe. If you’re planning the event of the year, and want a setting to do it justice, Country Grand’s stunning backdrop of the Franschhoek Mountains enfolded by vines and long views down the valley hits the mark. From the cellar-vaulted restaurant to the wide terraces designed for sundowners and live music, and the lawn and lower deck strung with fairy lights amid the vines, it exudes casual luxe. The entire place can be booked for year-end functions; it seats 120 indoors, 130 on the umbrella-shaded terrace and 90 on the deck. The menu is as versatile as the venue. From canapés and platters to a variety of mains and the signature giant thin-based pizzas, Country Grand is known for delicious casual dishes made with local ingredients.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 10pm
Contact 021 569 9352, [email protected]
Where to find it Dieu Donné Vineyards, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
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The Cellars Hohenort

In the picturesque Constantia Winelands, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is a scenic oasis a mere 15 minutes from the bustle of the city. This season, the historic hotel is welcoming private parties and corporate groups to celebrate the end of the year in its beautiful, sumptuous surroundings. Choose from a gourmet three-course festive set lunch in The Conservatory, a special festive season high tea in The Greenhouse (with treats including turkey pot pie, eggnog panna cotta and chocolate yule log cake), or a tapas-driven garden picnic under the towering camphor trees. All include a welcoming glass of bubbly and a Christmas cracker.
View the set lunch menu
View the high tea menu
View the picnic menu
Good to know Additional beverages, wine and bubbly have an extra charge. Add-on snacks for the picnic start from R65 (for adults); for children and babies from R50.
Cost Lunch: R595 per person
High tea: R545 per person (includes a special gift); R285 per child (4 – 11 years)
Picnic: R545 per person
Dates Lunch and picnic: until 15 December 2022
High tea: 21 December 2022 – 1 January 2023 (excluding 25 + 31 December from 2pm)
Contact 021 794 2137, [email protected]
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
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Scootours

For a team-bonding outing that’s loads of fun, try this off-road adventure, freewheeling downhill on a nonmotorised scooter custom-designed for navigating mountain slopes. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you whizz through a beautiful landscape on these two-wheelers, which are extremely stable and ecofriendly. The outings are led by a guide, include a photographer to capture the memories, and no special skills are required (anyone from age 10 up can “drive” one of these, as long as you can ride a bicycle). There are three locations to choose from: Table Mountain in Cape Town, Chamonix Wine Farm in Franschhoek or Middelvlei Wine Estate in Stellenbosch (which includes a glass of wine afterwards and the option of a boerebraai lunch).
Good to know The special group rates are valid on weekdays (Monday – Friday) only. Minimum group size for all Scootours team-building outings is six people.
Contact 021 100 3900, [email protected]
Where to find it Table Mountain Kloofnek parking area, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town
Chamonix Wine Farm, 40 Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek
Middelvlei Wine Estate, Flamingo Street, Stellenbosch
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La Parada

Since La Parada took over the iconic thatched-roof restaurant at Constantia Nek, one of Cape Town’s oldest dining spots has taken on a new lease of life – channelling a lively Spanish-tapas vibe. The spacious, multi-roomed venue lends itself to year-end functions of all kinds, and for views, the wide panorama of mountains and forest can’t be beaten. Booked as an exclusive-use venue, La Parada can seat 100 people indoors and a further 160 out on the terraces shaded by umbrellas. Or up to 350 people at a cocktail-style gathering. Best known for its tasty tapas, La Parada also has a delicious variety of mains and desserts, plus pizza, all of which can be adapted to create a tailored menu for special functions. So raise a glass to the end of the year in relaxed and vivacious Spanish style. Arriba!
Opening times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 12am
Wednesday + Sunday, 9am – 11pm
Contact 021 795 0620, [email protected]
Where to find it 1 Hout Bay Road (M41), Constantia Nek
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Kayak the Atlantic Seaboard

Glide gloriously into summer in Cape Town on the waters of this iconic coastline. The exhilarating sense of freedom and adventure adds an extra sense of celebration to this outing – which is perfectly suited to end-of-year parties and special occasions. You’ll get close encounters with marine life (penguins, seals, sunfish…), perhaps join a dolphin patrol, plus you’ll get to snap that perfect picture of the city and its glorious mountains from the water.
The two-hour guided kayaking trip ventures along the coastline to Bantry Bay or, in the other direction, past the lighthouse into Table Bay and towards the V&A Waterfront. For that extra golden touch, the Sunset Adventure adds the magnificent skyscapes of sundowner time.
Good to know Minimum age is six years old. “Average” fitness levels are required (no previous paddling experience needed).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 7am; 9.30am; 5.30pm
Cost R500 (2 hours)
Where to find it 179 Beach Road, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town
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The Chef’s Studio

The Chef’s Studio, run by Matt Manning of the popular Grub & Vine bistro, is a playground for passionate foodies, where they get to cook up a storm in a professional, state-of-the-art kitchen under the watchful eye of the chefs. The fun begins with welcome drinks and canapés, and ends with a five-course long-table feast that you’ve helped to cook. The Chef’s Studio classes are ideally suited to end-of-year celebrations, team-building and special events. The experience can be arranged to include competitions for teams, and festive-themed or bespoke menus on request.
Good to know Afterwards, linger longer with celebratory drinks downstairs at Culture Wine Bar or cocktails and live music at The Blue Room.
Cost From R750 per person
R600 per person extra for a wine-paired meal
Contact 076 256 8654, [email protected]
Where to find it 103 Bree Street, CBD, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Misfits by Ideas Cartel

Inspired by some of the world’s legendary members’ clubs (without the stuffiness), Misfits is an out-of-the-box hotspot, serving casual and delicious food and drinks. Add to that a host of fun on hand (including an indoor golf simulator, table tennis and poker tables), live piano music or a DJ playing bangin’ tracks, and you’re all set. Misfits is a great venue to hire for a special function, with a capacity of 250 people for a cocktail-style event. Eclectic decor, red-brick walls and comfy seating (think Chesterfield sofas, velvet seats, leather booths) create a stunning backdrop – there’s no need to spend a lot on decor, furnishings, crockery or glassware, and service staff are on hand. Smaller events (up to 40 guests) can take over the upper booth level or gorgeous private courtyard. Custom menus (whether for brunch, dinner or canapés) can be arranged in consultation with Misfits’ talented culinary team, including the option of a gin-and-ice-cream pairing experience.
Good to know Private sections of the venue can be hired for your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday 7.30am – 10pm
Sunday + Monday 7.30am – 4.30pm
Contact 021 180 3098, [email protected]
Where to find it 74 Prestwich Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town
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Nederburg

An icon of the Paarl Winelands, Nederburg offers a variety of experiences, all centred around the stately, gabled Manor House (dating back to 1800). It’s a very family-oriented wine estate, making it the perfect choice for those “eat, drink and be merry” year-end work gatherings, holiday outings and family reunions. Summertime is gourmet picnic time, of course – tuck into a tasty basket of delights while enjoying fine estate wine and the beautiful views over vineyards and the Drakenstein Mountains. Alternately, the elegant Manor Restaurant serves delicious seasonal fare, including all-day breakfasts and platters. Enjoy an alfresco meal under the trees on the terrace or on the verandah. (Catch the Saturday Sunset Stoep Sessions, where you can unwind with snacks, drinks and live music.)
View the menu
Apart from stellar winetasting, Nederburg has other tantalising tasting experiences: cheese-based mini dishes perfectly paired with wine; a single-origin coffee and wine tasting (with nibbles); and a Five Senses (blindfolded) food-and-wine pairing. For children, this festive season they can decorate cookies at Santa’s Little Helper Workshop, enjoy a flavoured-milk and cookie tasting or delicious non-alcoholic “mocktails”. The awesome playground at Nederburg has jungle gyms, ziplines and a treehouse, and there are lawn games such as giant Jenga and bowling. Booking is essential.
Opening times Wednesday – Monday, 9am – 4pm
Cost Picnic: R540 (for two adults); R120 (kids)
Winetasting: R70; Five Senses pairing: R500
Contact 021 877 5155, [email protected]
Where to find it Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
Book Through DinePlan

Explore Collection cruises

As an option for an end-of-year party in one of the most beautiful port cities in the world, a boat cruise is a must-do. For the quintessential Cape Town sundowners, there’s nothing quite like cruising on a luxury catamaran, sailing towards that horizon where the sun is setting against a technicolour backdrop. A daytime champagne cruise is equally appealing for a special, celebratory function. Explore Collections’ teak-decked catamarans, Explore and IQ, sail out of the V&A Waterfront on regular scheduled cruises, heading from Table Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard. With cushioned seating, trampolines to recline on at the foredeck, a sound system, wifi and onboard bar, you can soak up the stunning views in summer-loving style. For the ultimate spoil, book a private charter: picture your sleek yacht anchored off Clifton, with you taking dips in the ocean straight off the boat and enjoying a meal or on-board braai. Plus you can add on stand-up paddle boarding or seal snorkelling experiences.
Good to know Explore seats 35 guests and IQ seats 33. The cash/card bar serves a range of drinks (or BYO alcohol and pay corkage).
Cost Sunset Cruise: R450 (1.5 hours, includes a glass of bubbly)
Champagne Cruise: R350 (1 hour, includes a glass of bubbly)
Morning or Midday Cruise: R300 (1 hour)
Where to find it Shop 8 Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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SUP around the Waterfront

A popular choice for birthdays, team-building and end-of-year-parties, stand-up paddleboarding is also perfect for anyone who wants to embrace this iconic summertime water activity. The calm, wave-free canals of the Waterfront are the ideal training ground.
SUP Cape Town also offers a great venue for a special function (with the emphasis on “fun”). They provide tables and chairs and an undercover area, and there’s even an XL SUP board to accommodate everyone. You’ll be provided with all the gear and training – expect a few tumbles into the shallow water – and once you’ve mastered the art of balancing on the board, it’s time to set off on a three-kilometre loop of the waterways.
Good to know Minimum age is nine years old; younger kids may be assisted by an instructor or a parent (at additional charge of R200).
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
Cost R250 per person (1 hour)
Where to find it Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (parking access from Alfred Road, just behind City Lodge)
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Kick back at Kirstenbosch

The “green heart” of Cape Town is a no-brainer choice for a special outing on a glorious summer’s day. The 36-hectare Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is renowned for its beauty and diversity of flora and fauna, so there is much to see and enjoy (the Boomslang Canopy Walk is a definite highlight for those views!) When it comes to festive-season gatherings, there is much to enjoy – and ample space for everyone. It’s a great choice for a family-friendly occasion, as the kids can roam free. Pack a picnic, bring the deckchairs and blankets, and settle in for a few laidback hours of bliss. A fuss-free option for large groups are the pre-catered picnic baskets or platters that can be booked and collected from the Moyo Restaurant or Fynkos Tearoom – and while you’re there, pick up some special takeaway treats for your party, such as cakes, waffles, gelato and milkshakes.
Good to know If you’re in the mood for music and dancing, the summer sunset concerts make for a wonderful end-of-year party. Another cool choice for a special shindig are the open-air movie screenings, with street-food picnics and drinks available.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 7pm
Cost R90 (SA residents + SADC nationals with ID)
R50 (students with a valid card)
R30 (children 6 – 17 years; free under 6 years)
Contact 021 799 8782, [email protected]
Fynkos: 021 797 4883
Moyo: 021 762 9585
Where to find it Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
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