"Dining and entertaining play a significant role in people's lives, whether it be formal ceremonial or celebratory occasions or impromptu, informal gatherings and serviettes are always needed. Display them in an unusual and beautifully designed serviette holder and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary," explains Boyes. "I encourage designers to 'mess around' with creative ideas, draw on their own unique inspiration and create a serviette holder that is innovative, fresh and functional."
Entrants need not have any particular design experience or qualification to enter the competition, they simply have to design a beautiful, innovative and functional product and create a three-dimensional prototype of their design, submit it along with a completed entry form, a copy of their ID and a one page CV to the company.
In order to maximize their chances of winning, designers are encouraged to produce work that can be viably manufactured in aluminium, stainless steel or pewter (the metals mostly used by the company). However, prototypes can be designed using any material that is available to the artist, ranging from wood, ceramics, plastic or even wire. In terms of design, Boyes is looking for fresh and original design talent that is not derivative in any way of her own design style.
Entry forms can be downloaded from http://metal.carrolboyes.co.za.
