Irish Independent Christmas All Wrapped Up gift guide 2017

1 December 2017

Inside:

GREAT GIFT IDEAS For him, for her and for the kids

Pat Shortt, Lisa Cannon and other Irish stars share their festive plans

Christmas ALL

Wrapped UP

PLU S: Delic with ious recip Chef es A d rian Chris tm even ts no as miss t to be ed!

Christmas

1 December 2017 I Irish Independent

Contents

04 Gifts for the kids 05 Modern gifts with a nostalgic twist 06 Christmas recipes with Chef Adrian PLUS gifts for foodies 08 Gifts for tech lovers 10 Gifts for her 11 Gifts for him 12 Stocking fillers PLUS hotel breaks for the holidays 13 Festive fashion 14 Christmas event guide 15 Your Christmas directory A BeCreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ie EDITOR: Clodagh Dooley DEPUTY EDITOR: Shauna McCrudden CONTRIBUTOR: Brendan O’Donohue ADVERTISING: Terri Byrne (01) 705 5469 DESIGN: Robert Armstrong, INM Design Studio, Belfast REPRO: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

ALL Wrapped UP

03

Christmas with the stars Eight well-known Irish faces tell us about their festive plans

✱Pat Shortt

180°C and jumped in, a lot less Hotel Kenmare. I love getting the hotel suffering!” ready and welcoming guests on Christmas Pat Shortt. Image Catch Dustin in Polly and The Eve. We use real trees and decorations such credit: Tarmot Tulit What are you most looking Beanstalk at The Olympia Theatre as holly and ivy, so the hotel looks magical.”

Photography forward to this Christmas? from Friday 15th December until What’s on your wish list this year?

“This is the first year that one of Sunday 14th January “I want for nothing and really appreciate our children is away at college, so it the smallest gesture. My niece and nephew will be extra special to have everyone home ✱Lucy Kennedy gave me a voucher for Specsavers a few together under the one roof.”

Presenter of TV3’s ‘Ireland’s Got Talent’ years ago, and it was only then I realised I What’s your fondest Christmas memory?

What is your fondest Christmas memory? needed glasses! That was a great gift. John “About 20 years ago, there was a power cut “Now that I have children, every year is gives me concert tickets and my friends in the village I live in which lasted for a few my favourite, but last year was particularly always keep me well stocked with books. days. The whole village spent Christmas special because I came home from the Christmas is a good time to give back and by candlelight. We barely got Christmas Coombe with our little baby Jess. She was that is very important.” dinner cooked with one gas oven! But, it a gift to my children, Jack and Catch Francis in an ‘At Your Service’ Christmas was magical walking to neighbours’ houses Holly, and we were all so Special (based on CareBright in Bruff) on and the local pub when everywhere was excited.”

RTE 1 over the festive season only lit by candles.”

What do you like most What is your favourite Christmas song? about Christmas? ✱Lisa Cannon “The ‘Jumbo Breakfast Roll’ Christmas “My favourite part Presenter and Edition. I wake the family up to it every of Christmas is producer of Christmas morning!” actually the build up weekly movie Pat is on tour for his show How’s Tings, which to Christmas Day. show ‘Box is on nationwide, and in Vicar Street on Friday Picking the tree, Office’ on 6th and Saturday 6th January 2018. decorating it, and TV3 See patshortt.com for full tour listings watching my son Jack What are sitting on my husband you most Lucy Kennedy ✱Rosanna Richard’s shoulders looking forward Davison trying to place the star! I to this year?

Author of ‘Eat love buying and wrapping presents, “Spending Christmas Yourself Fit’ and then there’s the anticipation of with my husband Richard Lisa Cannon ‘Eat Yourself Santa and being with family and and my dad, and my family.

Beautiful’ friends, I love it all.”

It’s been a busy year so I’m What’s your looking forward to some downtime. I’m favourite ✱Stefanie Preissner planning a trip to Bristol for a friend’s 40th Christmas Writer and creator of RTE’s birthday just before Christmas and myself, memory?

‘Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope’ and my dad and Richard are also heading to “One of author of ‘Why can’t everything Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny. It will be my earliest just stay the same?’ a Christmas present for all of us to each Rosanna Davison. Image Christmas What are you most looking forward other! I’m also thinking of bringing Richard credit: Gill Books memories remains to this Christmas? to Liss Ard in Skibbereen, Co Cork. He one of my favourites “Sitting in nana’s warm living room, already knows about it, so I’m not worried to this day. I was three or watching mam potter around the kitchen, if he reads this!” four years old and woke up on Christmas watching ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ on TV, Whatare your favourite Christmas morning to find a huge Fisher Price a warm drink in hand and putting the feet movies? kitchen from Santa in my bedroom. It was up. No doorbells, phones or otherwise.

“I love the classics, such as ‘Willy Wonka incredible. It had an oven, microwave, Although, CCWC season 2 is filming now and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Mary Poppins’, sink and various cookery utensils, pots and there are often last‘ET’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Scrooge’. and pans. I think it helped to kick off my minute re-writes that I watch ‘Elf’ every year and I recently passion for food.” need to happen interviewed Will Ferrell, who told me How do you keep healthy and active over quickly, so I’ll be his own kids have it on a loop over Christmas? keeping a close eye Christmas!”

“I enjoy indulging on Christmas Day but on my emails over try to be sensible with alcohol and snacks the holidays.” ✱Mark Feehily during the lead-up to Christmas, as there What’s on your Singer, songwriter are plenty of temptations on offer at festive wish list? and former Westlife Stefanie Preissner. parties and gatherings. I keep up my fitness “My mam says I am star Image credit: Emily regime and I enjoy walking after Christmas notoriously difficult What is your Quinn dinner.” to buy for, so she will favourite part of be reading this to get ideas Christmas? ✱Dustin the Turkey for a present. So, mam – stick to vouchers “The Christmas dinner, of Singer, megastar, politician, ladies’ man please! I’d like a Sprout & Co gift card. I course. And, just when you and writer of new book ‘Wikibeaks’ also know what I don’t want... ‘NOW! That’s think you can’t eat any more, Mark Feehily What’s on your Christmas wish list? what I call music’. I haven’t had a CD player out comes the selection box!

“The Seoige sisters.” for about five years and mam still buys the I love spending Christmas with Do you hide away during Christmas CD every year!” loved ones. But this year, instead of Frank dinner?

Sinatra singing Christmas carols, it will be “Of course! I tried dining ✱Francis Brennan my album on repeat, whether they like it or with the Happy Pears Hotelier and television personality not. I try to get a Christmas Day walk twins, who are What do you like about on Strandhill beach too.” vegans, before. But, Christmas?

What’s on your Christmas wish after ten minutes “I spend every Christmas list this year? of listening to and New Year with my “A number one album!” them I just turned brother John and all the Mark’s new album ‘Christmas’ is the oven up to team working in Park out today Dustin the Turkey. Image Francis Brennan credit: Keith Dixon in the Park Hotel Photography Kenmare

Actor, comedian and host of ‘Music from D’Telly’

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Irish Independent I 1 December 2017

ALL Wrapped UP

Santa’s grotto ‘Tis the season to enjoy the look on a child’s face when they open the perfect Christmas present. Make their Christmas with this selection of toys for the greatest holiday memories A WINTER’S TALE

A beautifully illustrated picture book from a bestselling author is exactly the gift every child deserves. A sweet story with a humourous side, the plot involves Worm deep below the earth, who dreams of having more space and up above, while Bird sits alone through sun and rain and wind. The stunning artwork raises the tale of loneliness and belonging into being a life-affirming fable for children and adults alike.

‘The Worm and the Bird’ by Coralie BickfordSmith, available at all good bookshops nationwide, €16.99

I’M BATMAN!

Everyone is a Batman fan. From his toolbelt to the cool car, who can resist daydreaming about the Dark Knight and his adventures? Now, the Batbot Xtreme is here to make those adventures come true. One of the most sought-after toys this Christmas, the Batbot robot is two-feet tall and has projectile launchers, extendable wings, a voice changer, a hidden Batcycle and a trigger on his back to send out a super fist punch. Kids aged three to eight will have fun helping the Batbot defend Gotham City from all his evil super villains.

Batbot Xtreme, available at Smyths Toys, €109.99

THE COLOUR OF CHRISTMAS

The Big Box of Colours is the ultimate case for every budding artist. Filled with two drawing pencils, eight watercolour paint blocks and two paint brushes, 18 wax crayons and 16 felt tips in a huge range of colours, it is beautifully presented in a wooden box. The box is illustrated with a stunning white woodland design. You can even customise the box by colouring the design!

Every item has its place so it is easy to keep the collection in good order, which is always useful when it comes to kids and paints. Suitable for age nine and over.

Djeco Big Box of Colours, available at Avoca, €44.50

FAMILY FUN

If you have ever wished the family could spend time together playing board games, then BrainBox Cities is the one to choose. The game isn’t just fun but it also helps to improve observation and memory skills, as well as increase your knowledge about the most iconic cities in the world. To play the game, you study a card for 10 seconds and then answer a question based on the roll of a

die. If the question is answered correctly, the card is kept, and the person with the most number of cards is the winner. It’s fabulous family fun!

BrainBox Cities of the World, available at Arnotts, €14.50

AN UN-EGGS-PECTED TREAT

The Hatchimals were the hottest toy last year and now Hatchimals Surprise is here. Hatch two adorable twin Hatchimals from one egg! Hold and tap on the egg and the Hatchimals inside will make little sounds that tell you how they feel. The twin creatures will talk, dance, sing, tell jokes, play games, say ‘I love you’ and, they’ll even bicker!

Every kid from five onwards will love their Hatchimal twins just like one of the family.

Hatchimals Surprise, available at Hamleys, €87

STYLE ESSENTIALS

Perfect for carrying out all those girly essentials, this bag has a cute sausage dog design. An ideal fashion look for any little one.

Kid’s Sausage Dog Bag, available at M&S, €16

I, ROBOT

It’s never too early to start coding! Build one of five multi-functional robots and control them with the easy-to-use coding blocks on your tablet. You can choose between building Vernie the Robot, who walks and talks, Frankie the interactive cat who plays and purrs, the M.T.R.4 rolling rover, the Guitar4000 musical instrument or the Autobuilder, an automated production line which really builds mini LEGO models. Boost the creativity of boys and girls between the ages of seven and 12 years old.

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox, available at Argos, €151.99

PARTY TIME

Draw the party together with the fun of the Draw Something Party game, the tablet version of the social Draw Something game, based on the app of the same name. To play, you draw on the screen with your finger or the stylus - no drawing experience required!

Choose a word on the card to draw, and if a team member shouts out the answer, your team wins coins. But if your team is too slow, the other team can steal and earn the coins. The game includes a game drawing tablet, stylus, 180-card deck, card box and game guide. Whether you draw the Mona Lisa or a stick-figure man, you’re guaranteed to have loads of fun!

Draw Something Party Game, available at Early Learning Centre stores, €15

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ALL Wrapped UP

We wish you a delicious Christmas!

Five foodie gifts to enjoy this Christmas Gin city

This Christmas, give the gift of an Irish gin. A hand-crafted specialty, The Shed distillery in Drumshanbo has launched a new gift box, available in limited quantities and aimed at gin lovers across the country.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin 70cl, widely available at O’Briens, Molloys, Tesco, Dunnes Stores and independent off-licences, €49

One of the first things you think of when it comes to Christmas time is the food. But what if you want something a little different than the usual turkey dinner? Celebrity chef Adrian Martin, whose book ‘Fakeaway’ became a bestseller this year, has exactly the recipes to have you salivating and looking for a second helping

Quick and Easy Food

Jamie Oliver’s new cookbook, ‘5 Ingredients’ uses just five key ingredients, ensuring you can get a meal together fast. With over 130 recipes on chicken, beef, pork, lamb and more, there’s plenty of quick-and-easy recipe inspiration to choose from.

‘5 Ingredients’ by Jamie Oliver, available at all good bookshops nationwide, €29.99

Sweet treats

MAIN COURSE:

Beef Wellington INGREDIENTS 400g of beef fillet 400g of portobello mushrooms Four slices of smoked bacon English mustard for brushing the meat 200g of puff pastry Two cloves of garlic Three sprigs of thyme Two egg yolks Sea salt and cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. Heat oil in a large pan and fry the beef, seasoned with sea salt and cracked black pepper, until it’s brown. Remove and allow it to cool, and then brush with mustard.

2. Roughly chop the mushrooms and

blend in a food processor with the thyme, garlic and salt to form a purée. Scrape the mixture into a hot, dry frying pan and allow the water to evaporate. When dry, set aside and cool.

3. Lay out the four slices of smoked bacon, each one overlapping the last.

With a pallet knife or spoon, spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the bacon.

4. Place the beef fillet in the middle and neatly roll the bacon and mushrooms over the beef. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

5. Roll out the pastry thinly to a size that will cover the whole beef (you can use

Chef Adrian

frozen puff pastry). Egg wash the edge of the pastry and place the beef in the middle. Roll up the pastry, cut any excess off the ends, and fold in the ends covering both sides.

6. Place pastry on a tray and egg wash over the top. Chill again for approximately five minutes. Egg wash again before baking at 200°C for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy!

DESSERT:

Lemon meringue tart INGREDIENTS Plain flour, for dusting One 375g-pack of shortcrust pastry Three tablespoons cornflour 270g caster sugar Three medium lemons 50g unsalted butter, cubed Three free-range egg yolks Four free-range egg whites

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C/gas mark five. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to the thickness of a ¤2 coin. Fold the pastry over your rolling pin, then drape it over a 23cm loosebottom fluted flan tin.

2. Press the pastry into the edges. If the pastry tears, patch it up with leftover bits. Trim the pastry with a knife, then

push it 1cm to 2cm up the sides of the tin.

3. Cover the base of the tart with heatproof clingfilm and fill it with baking beans or uncooked rice. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked.

4. Remove the clingfilm, and return the tart shell to the oven for four to five minutes. Take the tart shell back out of the oven, leave to cool, and reduce the oven temperature to 150°C/gas mark two.

5. Make the lemon curd by placing everything into a bowl and whisk over a bain- marie until thick. Spoon the curd filling into the pastry case, and spread it out evenly. Leave to cool for 30 minutes in the fridge.

6. Now, make the meringue. In a clean

The Donnybrook Fair Hamper includes a wonderful combination of confectionery from both Ireland and beyond. You’ll enjoy a range of chocolates, Irish handmade fudge and sweet biscuits.

Donnybrook Fair Sweet Treats Hamper, available at Arnotts, €80

Sweetened and seasoned

When cooked, Calvey’s Achill Island Mountain Lamb is succulent and juicy, lashed with flavours of coastal heather hilltops, misted seaweed shores and everything in between!

This exquisite artisan lamb meat is crafted and produced by Calvey’s on-farm abattoir butchers since 1962 on Achill Island. Delivery nationwide. Fully prepared carcase or side.

Order today by calling (098) 43158 or on www.AchillLamb.ie

Cheese please

bowl, whisk the egg whites for one minute, or until thickened. Begin adding the rest of the sugar a little at a time, whisking well, until you have a thick, glossy meringue.

7. Use two tablespoons to blob the meringue over the cooled curd, making peaks as you go or pipe it. Grill for four or five minutes, or until golden and set.

Tuck in and enjoy!

This festive season, Tesco has devised an assortment of premium Irish and European cheese boards, each with a delicious selection of traditional and festive varieties.

These include finest handmade Gorgonzola Piccante from Milan and finest Mature Coolea produced in West Cork. Whether you choose the Glenstal Christmas selection, the finest Irish cheese collection or the Carrigaline Farmhouse cheese gift box, a delicious and seasonal fig paste and quince paste will complete the festive board.

Irish and European cheese boards, available at Tesco, entry level €5, festive selection €5.99, finest cheese selection €8 and the seven-piece selection pack is €8

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Tech the halls!

Here are 10 top gadgets for tech lovers ✱SMART MOTIVATION

Is it one of your resolutions to get fit after Christmas?

The latest in the Fitbit family, the Ionic smartwatch and fitness tracker boasts advanced features putting it a step above the rest. With a vibrant screen, smart notifications and changeable straps, it looks the part whatever your style preference. The device is water-resistant, and features a heart-rate monitor, step counter and built-in GPS. It’s the perfect gift for fitness fans, and anyone looking for a new and improved training pal.

Fitbit Ionic, available at Currys PC World, €335

✱NO SILENT NIGHTS!

For booming sound on the go, gift music lovers with the Luckies Smartphone Speaker. Don’t be fooled by the size of this retro-inspired speaker. It may look small, but it has impressive volume and quality.

Compact and lightweight, the speaker is the perfect pocket accessory for camping at festivals or bringing along to Christmas gatherings. Suitable for any smartphone, MP3 player or laptop.

Luckies Smartphone Speaker 2.0, available at Avoca, €29.95

✱EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Last year, Virtual Reality (VR) consoles took off big time and this year, they’re still a must-have. The VR Starter Pack for PlayStation 4 will bring an immersive experience to your living room, perfect to keep the whole family entertained over Christmas and beyond.

PlayStation VR Starter Pack (includes PS VR headset, PS Camera and VR Worlds), available from stockists nationwide, €399.99

✱KEEPING TABS

✱TAKE CONTROL

Referred to as a ‘revolution in your hands’, the DUALSHOCK 4 bring PlayStation players a higher level of control and interaction during games. Available in a variety of colours to suit your preference, including blue and red, the controller has a new feature, the Share button. This allows gamers to share their greatest gaming achievements or live-stream their gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress. Because if you’re good at the game, it deserves to be noticed!

PlayStation DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller available from stockists nationwide, €64.99

✱MADE FOR ‘U’

Nothing feels as connected and personal as the sensation of touch or the warmth of an embrace – you affectionately squeeze the hand of the one you love. The HTC U11 is inspired by the power of this embrace, with a revolutionary squeeze interaction called HTC Edge Sense. Lightly squeeze your phone and you can speak your message and send texts, or take a photo without having to press buttons. As a bonus, the HTC won’t mind if you’re too clingy!

HTC U11, available at Carphone Warehouse, €545.99

✱FROM A GALAXY FAR AWAY

An ideal gift to keep ‘Star Wars’ fans entertained, R2-D2 Artoo is one of the most well-known and loved robots of all time. Control this Droid through your smartphone or watch it patrol on its own.

On R2-D2’s spinning dome head, you’ll find all of the blinking lights and sensors you’d find in the movies. The app also allows R2-D2 to watch and react to ‘Star Wars’ movies such as ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One’. So, if you’re having a hard time convincing someone to watch your favourite movie for the hundredth time, R2-D2 will be a happy companion.

R2-D2 Robot, available at B Cool! The Gadget Store, €199.95

An affordable tablet you can take anywhere, this midnight-coloured Lenovo tablet is a stylish companion for work commutes or lazy days by the fire. With full HD display, it not only offers a brilliant viewing experience for online videos or movies, but it is also perfect for gaming.

The battery delivers up to 10 hours of uninterrupted use, although we would recommend taking a break in-between and keep tabs on screen time!

Lenovo Tab 2 10.1” Tablet, available at Harvey Norman, €189.99

✱WAKE-UP CALL

Mischievous and genius, the Clocky Alarm Clock from Suck UK will ensure that you never oversleep again. Created in shiny silver, it gives you one chance to wake up.

Press the snooze button and Clocky will jump from your bedside table and wheel around until you get up to turn him off. A perfect gift for those who love their sleep a little too much!

SUCK UK Clocky Alarm Clock, available at Brown Thomas, €55

✱ON YOUR MARKS

Go head-to-head with family and friends to see who is the best flyer. Set up a racing course around your house with different check-in stations and see which drone will reach the finish line first. LED lights on the front allow you to battle in the sky and hit targets to win. It’s one race where a little cheating is necessary!

Twin Racing Drones, available at M&S, €135

✱I’VE GOT THE POWER

There’s no denying the mystical powers of the mighty unicorn and they even expand into battery power. Pop this Unicorn Powerbank in your pocket or bag and when you need to boost the battery on your smartphone – let this 2000mAh battery work its magic.

Thumbs Up Unicorn Powerbank, available at Carphone Warehouse, €19.99

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✱Dear diary

✱Fabulash

Every girl loves a smoky eye, and there’s no better way to achieve this signature look than with Inglot’s ‘Blackout’ gift set.

Includes lashes, liner brush, gel liner, kohl pencil, and Inglot’s Duraline, which can intensify the colour of any powder and transform it into a water-resistant liquid eyeliner. Your eyes will always look on fleek!

Inglot Blackout gift set, available at Inglot stores nationwide, €60

✱The sweetest scent

Perfume is always at the top of the list for many women. Beyonce’s award-winning fragrance line is now collected in this one gift set. Try Rise’s flowery and fruity fragrance, Heat’s enticing and sensual scent, or Heat Rush’s blend of the two. The woman who wears this will instantly feel bootylicious!

Beyonce 30ml Rise and 15ml x2 Heat, Heat Rush, available at all pharmacies nationwide, €36

✱Beauty essentials

An accessory for any makeup fan’s beauty table, these rose gold makeup brushes are expertly crafted with natural and synthetic bristles. Stored in a stylish clutch bag, the set contains a powder brush, a silk finish brush for powder and mineral foundation, a face shape brush for contouring and blending, a blusher brush, a concealer brush, two eyeshadow brushes. Plus, there’s a brush to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner, which is always so tough to get right.

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set Volume 01, available at Arnotts, €79

Collect all your dreams and desires in this stylish secret-keeper.

Bound in beautiful black cloth, this journal is your companion to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, skydiving from 10,000 feet in the air, or falling in love while dancing. Collect all your ideas in this journal filled with tips, motivation and everything you need to start your adventures.

Bucket List Journal, available at www.myshiningarmour.com, €34

What

✱Swatch out

If you’re looking for the perfect watch for a night out, look no further than the Swatch Skingala watch. With an iconic style, the display is black with gold-coloured dial and print. The chic bracelet made of adjustable polished stainless steel with black PVD finishes off the elegant look, which makes it ideal for any outfit.

SWATCH Skingala, available at Swatch Stores, €125

✱Bee beautiful

women want

Give the lady in your life something special this Christmas ✱For the bookworm

John Banville, Man Booker Prize-winning author of ‘The Sea’ returns with ‘Mrs Osmond’, the tale of Isabel Archer, the heroine of Henry James’s masterpiece novel, ‘The Portrait of a Lady’. Banville continues the story of the young American woman, who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and creates a strong heroine for everyone to enjoy. A remarkable novel in its own right, this is one for every girl’s Christmas stocking.

‘Mrs Osmond’ by John Banville, available at all good bookstores nationwide, €14.99

✱Glow and behold

Love your skin with the PIXI Hello Glow Kit. This beauty kit includes the Glow Booster in PeachGold, to add incredible radiance to your skin; Beauty Blush Duo in Peach Honey, to add colour to your cheeks and achieve a lush, glowing finish; and the LipLift Max in Honey Sheen, to plump up lips. Goodbye dull and hello glow!

PIXI Hello Glow Kit, available at M&S, €27

Burt’s Bees A Bit of Burt’s Pomegranate includes a full-size lip balm and mini hand and cuticle cream to soothe skin troubled by cold winter weather. A great stocking filler or secret Santa gift for her.

Burt’s Bees A Bit of Burt’s Bees Pomegranate, available at Avoca, Cloud 10 Beauty, Nourish, The Health Store, Evergreen, and selected pharmacies and health stores nationwide, €8.95

✱A sparkling Christmas

Pandora’s latest collection is inspired by the icy beauty of the winter months. The glittering heart pattern is delicately made with a Cubic Zirconia stone. This handfinished collier necklace in sterling silver is for every girl with a love for the finer things in life.

Heart of Winter Collier Necklace, available at Pandora, €59

✱A league of hair own

If you have always wanted a salonworthy blow dry in your own home, then this Remington Pro Luxe Hairdryer can help you achieve just that. With heat technology and unique features, the PROluxe dryer uses heat to shape, sculpt, and lock your style in place. The Pro Luxe Hairdryer produces frizz-free shine for every party look.

Remington Pro Luxe Hairdryer, available nationwide at independent Irish electrical retailers and pharmacies, €59.99

✱Christmas scent

Treat her to something special this season with the Burren Perfumery’s range of scents. A feminine perfume with warmth, sensuality and an underlying complexity, Frond Eau de Parfum promises to have the lady in your life smiling on Christmas morning.

Frond Eau de Parfum 50ml, available at The Burren Perfumery, online at www.burrenperfumery.com and Avoca stores nationwide, €42

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1 December 2017 I Irish Independent

✱Gym ready

After overindulging during the festive period, it’s time to get fit for the new year. This Irish designed grey fleck hoodie will keep him looking and feeling good while he’s pounding the pavements or hitting the gym. The hoodie’s fleck fabric provides warmth and comfort, while remaining flexible for maximum comfort.

Gym + Coffee Grey Fleck Hoodie, available at www.gympluscoffee.com, €65

✱Read all about it

Not many have achieved the heights of success like Colm ‘The Gooch’ Cooper.

Winner of five All-Ireland Senior Football championships and eight All Stars, the former Kerry forward has cemented his place in Irish sporting history.

His autobiography traces his path from humble beginnings to superstardom, while delving in some of his darkest moments and revealing where that famous nickname came from. An absolute must read for the sports fan in your life.

‘Gooch: The Autobiography’ by Colm Cooper (Transworld Ireland), available at book stores nationwide, €20

✱Spin right round

Vinyl is coming back with music lovers returning to record players to enjoy their music collection.

For those who enjoy the oldfashioned sound of a record player with a modern twist, this retro-style turntable will play those classic records. It also offers vinyl to MP3 conversion, meaning you can enjoy the sound of a 12” record when you leave the house as well.

The ION Max LP Turntable, available at Currys/PC World, €89.99

ALL Wrapped UP

All he wants for

Christmas

Great presents for boyfriends, husbands, brothers and friends this Christmas ✱Time for style

Nothing completes an outfit quite like a wrist watch. ‘Noir Intense’ from Swatch is a sleek all-black watch that will give him that touch of class and style to suit any special event. Its simple style and comfortable fit also means it can be used while playing any sport. Part of a wide collection of fashionable designs, this Swiss-made watch is durable and reliable, so he’ll always be on time!

Noir Intense Swatch, available at Swatch Store Grafton Street and selected stores nationwide, €160

✱Shave the beard away

2017 saw the end of the beard. This Christmas, make sure the man in your life is on trend with the clean-shaven look.

Marram Co have taken the chore out of shaving with their new selection of shaving creams. The ‘Taster Collection Shaving Creams’ come in four 20ml bottle of creams, each suited for different occasions. Wake Up Call, Night Out, The Morning After and Power Up shaving creams ensure a comfortable shave and will make sure he is looking smooth and sharp.

Marram Co Taster Collection Shaving Creams, available at Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, €30

✱Football fanatics

Does the man in your life wish to be a world-class football manager? If so, Football Manager 18 will have him spending hours plotting his team’s route to success.

The latest edition in the series gives players the closest experience of managing a club for real by introducing a host of new features. A new dynamics system links management of the dressing room with performances on the pitch, giving your man more influence on the team’s performance. The scouting system has also been upgraded making it easier to find the next Lionel Messi!

Football Manager 18, available at footballmanager.com/buy, €54.99

✱For the GAA fan

Is there a GAA nut in your house? If so, an annual membership to the GAA Museum’s ‘Friends of the GAA Museum’ programme is the ideal gift for the man with a passion for Gaelic games. The GAA Museum at Croke Park is the national custodian of all archives and artefacts of the Gaelic Athletic Association and by becoming a friend, he will make a crucial contribution to its ongoing and future development.

Highlights of the membership includes year-round access to the GAA Museum with a guest, a ‘Friends’ VIP Gala evening, a guided tour with the museum curator and a welcome pack with a personalised mini-hurley.

Membership for ‘Friends of the GAA Museum’, available at www.crokepark.ie/ gaamuseum-friend, €100/year

✱Classic scent

Treat him this year with the David Beckham: Classic Blue gift set. Ideal for daytime use, the fresh subtle aromas of the 150ml shower gel and 40ml Eau de Toilette will start his day on the right note.

David Beckham: Classic Blue, available at pharmacies nationwide, €19.95

✱Christmas tipple

✱Sock it to ‘em

Traditionally, socks were a last-minute item placed under the Christmas tree without much thought, but now they’ve become another fashion accessory. Make him stand out with one of the Happy Socks’ gift boxes.

These unique socks come in different designs that will give a splash of colour to any outfit.

Happy Socks, available at Arnotts, €29.95

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‘Though this be madness – yet there is method in’t’, Shakespeare wrote. Well, there’s nothing mad about offering him a bottle of Irish whiskey on Christmas Day. Method and Madness Single Grain is an Irish whiskey influenced with notes of warm toasted oak, fresh peeled grapefruit and zesty wood spices. A present sure to go down well, especially with the ‘old man’.

Method and Madness Single Grain, available from all good off licences, supermarkets and independent specialist retailers nationwide, €49

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Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

GLOWING MEMORIES

What is so unique about Yankee Candles is the fact that each one evokes a special memory, making one of their many giftsets a thoughtful present. Fill your loved one’s home with festive aromas with this set of five Votives. From the warm, buttery icedcookie scent of ‘Snowflake Cookie’ to the crisp scent of evergreen and golden amber in ‘Winter Glow’, there’s something to suit every mood.

5 Votive Giftset, available at Yankee’s The Candle Store (Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Jervis Street, Blanchardstown, Limerick and Galway), €12.95

Irish Independent I 1 December 2017

Stocking Fillers

k Brea is th away mas t o Chyroiusr loved odnifefetrent

KILLARNEY GIFT WRAPPED

Drop that roll of wrapping paper, leave that sticky tape in the drawer. We’ve got Christmas Treat g a little is thin l th all wrapped up for you. Take some nd specia book a and the hassle out of your Christmas tmas Chris otel stay shopping with a gift voucher for one ah of Killarney’s favourite holiday and entertainment destinations. A trip to The Gleneagle (www.gleneaglehotel.com), The Brehon (www.thebrehon.com) or the INEC (www.inec.ie) is a fantastic present for your loved ones and by opting for a gift voucher they can choose for themselves when to plan their visit.

Vouchers are available to purchase on the websites or by phoning (064) 667 1550

Nothing beats the feeling of putting your hand inside the Christmas stocking to discover what treats are inside. Whether you’re gifting yourself or a loved one, here are 10 ideas!

Experience the magic of Christmas in Killarney

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS!

A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Brighten up someone’s Christmas with Spotlight Whitening’s new Teeth Whitening Pen. The gel includes the active whitening ingredient Hydrogen Carbonate Calcium, which you apply to your teeth and leave for five minutes to dissolve stains. Perfect for use after any wine consumption over the festive season!

Teeth Whitening Pen, available at www.spotlightwhitening.com, €14.99

With over 600 hotels and guesthouses to choose from, an Irelandhotels.com Gift Card is the gift they’ll really want!

Available online at Irelandhotels.com or by calling 1890 876769. Post or email to any address this Christmas.

SPECIAL TREATS

And now, onto the bad (but irresistible) stuff for teeth – sugar! For the sweet tooth in your friendship group or family, you simply can’t go wrong with candy, particularly with this jar of American-style cookies by Stateside or these Lindt Teddys.

Stateside Chocolate Crunch jar, available at Avoca, €4.95 Lindt Teddy Christmas Jumper chocolate, available at all supermarkets nationwide, €6 (200g) & €4.50 (100g)

MAGICAL PACKAGE Treat yourself to a two or three-night luxury Christmas break at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Sligo from the 24th-26th December.

Package price for two nights is €345 per person sharing and three nights is €460 per person sharing. All food is included.

Nestled between the beautiful vistas of Sligo Bay and Benbulben Mountain, the hotel, which has a fresh new look, sits comfortably along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering beautiful views for guests. The hotel is also just 3km from the bustling centre of Sligo and a shells-throw from seaside village, Rosses Point. A perfect destination for strolls after a delicious Christmas buffet.

For further information and to book now, call (071) 914 0008 or email info.sligo@radissonblu.com

VICTORIOUS READ

The idea for ‘The King of Lavender Square’ came to author Susan Ryan while she was living in a flat in a Victorian Square in Rathmines. Watching neighbours pass by, she wondered what would bring these people, who were deliberately ignoring each other, together. That’s where main character Patrick Kimba comes in – an African-Irish boy with an ill mother and a dream to become a professional footballer.

Soon, neighbours are rallying together to take care of young Patrick. The book is beautifully written and has received rave reviews. Susan has also written a book about Ireland’s only 2-Star Michelin restaurant, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in 2011, where she met her partner, and restaurant manager, Stephane Robin.

‘The King of Lavender Square’, available in all good bookstores nationwide and online, €14.99

ONES TO WATCH

Do you know someone who doesn’t like watching movies? Thought not.

With films such as ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’, ‘Peter Rabbit’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ set for release in 2018, a cinema voucher is a gift that will certainly not be wasted!

ODEON Christmas Gift Card, available from ODEON cinemas nationwide

FLYNN HOTELS CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS

BECOME A MILLIONAIRE

Millionaire Raffle is back, and the odds are better than ever with over 5,000 cash prizes up for grabs. You could give someone – or yourself – the gift of a million euro this Christmas! The draw takes place on New Year’s Eve in National Lottery offices in Dublin, and the top prize winner will become the National Lottery’s first millionaire of 2018. Each ticket is presented in a gifting wallet and envelope, making it the perfect Christmas gift.

Tickets are limited and are now on sale on lottery.ie and from all National Lottery agents nationwide, €25

Spend €250 or more on a gift voucher for any of the Flynn Hotels, including The Imperial Hotel, Cork; Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny; The Park Hotel, Dungarvan; and The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis; and get a gift of a FREE night’s stay at any Flynn Hotel for yourself, or for the lucky recipient. The choice is yours!

Gift vouchers are available online at www.flynnhotels.com or from in any of the four hotels

Christmas

1 December 2017 I Irish Independent

ALL Wrapped UP

‘Tis the season to be stylish

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✱Boot-iful!

These boots were made for walking – and showing off in. Velvet is big this autumn/winter and is a trend that never seems to get old. Dress up your feet and make a statement in these wine heeled boots.

Velvet sock boots, available at Monsoon, €108

Fashion writer Clodagh Dooley selects some fashion investment pieces for the festivities

T

he Christmas party season is almost in full swing, and it seems women look forward to choosing their festive outfit more than the actual party itself! A survey by clothing retailer AX Paris last year revealed that 59pc of women look forward to planning and shopping for their Christmas party dress, with 71pc even going as far as to say they enjoy this more than the night itself. However, 81pc admitted they have occasions when searching for the perfect outfit can be stressful.

But, outfit planning shouldn’t be stressful when you know exactly what you’re looking for and what your winter wardrobe is missing.

You don’t need to splurge on an entire new outfit to create a new, glamorous look. There are many items which will see you through from day to night or season to season. Here are some of the fashion staples worth investing in this Christmas.

✱Statement earrings

Diamonds, and tassels, are a girl’s best friend. These gorgeous earrings from Betty & Biddy will add some sparkle to any outfit, taking you from the office to afterwork party-ready in an instant.

Gift set (includes two pairs of earrings), available at bettyandbiddy.com, €18

✱Winter woolies

An essential for the colder months, this cosy jumper won’t just see you through Christmas, but through the entire year.

Wear with jeans for a casual day look, or match with metallic separates, such as this skirt (right) from Next.

Jumper, available at & Other Stories, €59 Metallic Skirt, available at Next, €55

✱Coat to covet

Paint the town red with this vibrant coat.

It’s perfect with a crew-neck top and trousers for strolling around the shops on Christmas Eve, while also ideal paired with a black midi dress or culottes for an evening event or meal.

You’ll never have an excuse to leave the house without your coat again!

Coat, available at River Island, €107

✱Christmas in the bag

The festive season is when all things glittery and sequined come to life, but avoid being mistaken for your Christmas tree by simply adding one sparkly accessory to your look. All eyes will be on this pretty bag.

Bag, available at F&F at Tesco, €15

✱Sparkle delight

If you really want to amp up your outfit this year, this metallic wide-legged jumpsuit from M&S Collection will do wonders, especially for New Year’s Eve. And, there’s the bonus of not having to worry about shaving or tanning your legs! You’re welcome.

Jumpsuit, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer, €80

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Christmas

Irish Independent I 1 December 2017

ALL Wrapped UP

Experience the magic of Christmas The Christmas period is packed full of incredible events for all the family. Whether it’s a fun-filled panto, a magical castle or supporting a charity, there is something for everyone ✱The Moving Crib

Opening its doors for its 61st year this Christmas season, The Moving Crib at St Martin’s at Parnell Square, Dublin, is a free event that never fails to entertain both children and adults alike.

Wind your way down to the basement of this Georgian building where you are greeted with a montage of fun stories, including Noah’s Ark, The Wise Men and many more. Children are encouraged to draw and colour a leaf, cut out the shape and bring it with them so that they can be placed in the Garden of Eden.

Don’t miss the wonderful Bray Gospel Choir singing at the event, whose passion for Gospel and Soul music is renowned.

For more information, visit www.stmartin.ie/crib

✱Beauty and the Beast

TheatreworX Productions returns to The Helix Theatre in Dublin this Christmas with their hilarious adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

It stars Orla Jennings as Beauty and Chris Corron as The Beast, with Ireland’s premier young tenor, Paul Byrom rocking the role of Gaston.

There will also be a sensory friendly production of the pantomime on 19th December, which includes no sudden noises or bangs, softer and brighter lighting, and music at a suitable level.

There is a family pass for four to Beauty and the Beast the Pantomime at The Helix,

Santa is coming to Lullymore Heritage Discovery Park, Co Kildare this December.

This Winter Wonderland of family fun has some very special guests to entertain you along the way!

Visit Santa and receive a gift from the Elves in the workshop. Take a trip on the Festive Train which will take you on a magical ride through ancient woodlands, glassy lakes and a beautiful peatland landscape. The park will have Elf and Christmas Fairy Holograms and an illuminated walkway through the woodland.

The Christmas event runs until 23rd December. No booking is required for family visits.

For best times, visit www.lullymoreheritagepark.com/ lullymore-christmas

✱Christmas at the Limerick Milk Market An event celebrating the best of local food, drink and crafts, the Limerick Milk Market Christmas edition is set in the heart of Limerick City, where there is a Christmas feast of the senses.

The event includes a Christmas market with artisan chocolates and festive brandy butter, a special Santa visit, handcrafted gifts for that someone special, lots of music from local choirs and a host of festive fun!

Running until 24th December, there is free entry for all the family to enjoy.

For more information, visit www.milkmarketlimerick.ie/xmas

✱Santa’s Enchanted Castle

Running until 23rd December, one of Ireland’s much-loved Christmas experiences, Santa’s Enchanted Castle in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, is a magical event for both young and old. Families can venture through the Castle with Santa’s Elves, Mr Scrooge and a number of Disney characters.

They can explore Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, the Magical Troll Garden and the Frozen Room with Jack Frost who has promised that he might have an ice lolly for the children...if they behave!

Santa’s Enchanted Castle is also introducing Sensitive Santa Visits. These new Santa Tours are specially designed to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children, so they can enjoy a magical Santa Visit.

Book your ticket on www.santasenchantedcastle.ie

including a gift box, available for €103.

To book tickets, visit www.thehelix.ie

✱Lullymore Christmas

✱Waterford Winterval Festival Winterval in Waterford allows the whole family to experience the wonder of Christmas.

Winterval is packed with Christmas markets, the Winterval Illuminates light show, a new ice rink at Winterval on Ice and much more.

With over 45 different fun events and activities for people of all ages, there’s so much to see and do for everyone at Winterval.

For further information and to book tickets, visit www.winterval.ie

✱Remembering loved ones this Christmas 290,000 people will experience the pain of loss this Christmas. You can remember your special someone this Christmas and support the vital work of The Irish Hospice Foundation’s (IHF), as they help those nearing death or suffering from bereavement.

This unique Never Forgotten Appeal invites people to write a personal

message to their loved ones, which is handwritten into the 2018 Book of Remembrance. People can donate online at www.neverforgotten. ie. The 2018 Book of Remembrance will be proudly displayed in the IHF library throughout next year and visitors are always welcome.

✱Rathwood Santa Train

Take a trip down to Rathwood in Carlow for the country’s most popular Santa Train.

The Rathwood Santa Train brings children and parents through the Enchanted Woods along with Mrs Claus and Trixie the Elf. This year, Rathwood are introducing the Rathwood Funfair! It comes with a carousel and hook-a-duck skills games.

The experience can be purchased on www.santatrain.ie

✱Adopt a donkey

Since 1987, The Donkey Sanctuary, Ireland has loved and cared for over 5,600 donkeys from across Ireland. This Christmas, adopt a donkey as the ideal Christmas gift for that special person in your life. For €25 a year, you can help look after the donkeys in their care. There are nine beautiful donkeys to choose from. You will receive a special adoption pack with a personalised certificate, donkey sketch and biography.

Visit www.adoptadonkey.ie for further details and to find your special donkey