Sunday Times - The Gift Magazine 2018 (Ireland)

Your complete festive season guide

TH E S PA RKL E I N CHR I S T M A S

Shop at the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, retailers nationwide or online at www.newbridgesilverware.com

Christmas is getting closer and the gift buying is under way. The streets are bustling, the twinkling lights are on, and Santas are everywhere to be seen, so it’s now time to sort through all the presents for your family and friends. But we started thinking, what do you get the person who has everything? The person who always has the best of everything, the newest styles and modern tech.

Do you get them a diamond bracelet, a high-price club membership, or the best watch around? It is difficult to know. That’s why we have given you this Sunday Times - The Gift. In this magazine, we have featured the most premium, luxury gifts, experiences and high-price toys, tech and travel you can buy, so you know exactly what to get that tricky friend.

We take you through a limitless array of presents.

We have an interview with jeweller, Paul Sheeran on what piece is most coveted. We speak to author, Laurence O’Bryan on the state of Irish literature today. Learn how to make the best holiday recipes from Michelin-starred chef, Ross Lewis and experience the luxury of Business Class with travel writer Kevin Flanagan.

Music without limits

If you want a music system to beat them all, this turntable system is the perfect choice. Once discarded to attics and sheds, the dedicated hi-fi system has made a comeback in recent years as vinyl sales have surged.

A sound system combines the best of specialist turntable, loudspeaker and electronics manufacturers to build the perfect system to suit your room and, most importantly, your ears. Great albums can be enjoyed as the artist originally intended, uninterrupted by smartphone notifications and exercising the dynamic range vinyl recordings offer. Bad sound can ruin great music, but a good hi-fi system can bring it to life.

This system from HifiHut includes a Rega Planar 3 turntable (€769), Rega Brio amplifier (€710) and a pair of Dali Oberon 3 loudspeakers (€559).

Available at HiFiHut, hifihut.ie

From sharing a private jet to premium memberships, here are the gifts for the person who has everything

The most luxury brands and premium gifts await you, so turn the page to find the perfect presents.

What’s to come...

5. Gifts without limits 6. Ultimate phones 8. Luxury tech 10. The gifts of love 12. Gourmet gifts 14. A taste of the exotic 16. The Irish spirit 18. Priceless gift of time 20. The art of winter styling 21. Fine wines 22. The magic of perfume 24. Top toys 25. The book corner 26. Fit to wear 28. Best in beauty 30. Winter experiences 32. Treasured travel 34. Christmas news A BeCreative Editorial Production | www.becreative.ie All journalist headshots by Abe Neihum except where specified

Whiskey time

If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for someone this Christmas, treat them to an Ár Muintir Membership from Sliabh Liag Distillery, Donegal’s first distillery in 180 years. Limited to only 2,000 members, the membership has exclusive rewards, from 1st bottlings over 12 years to free tours of the distillery and a chance to win a cask of Irish Whiskey. Members will also have their name engraved into a brass ring fixed around the base of the new whiskey wash still.

This is the ideal Christmas gift for the spirit lover in your life. Ár Muintir Gold membership is priced at €990 and Ár Muintir Silver membership is at €590.

The first Ár Muintir gift consists of membership certificate, a bottle of An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin, a personalised bottle of the Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey and two distillery engraved glasses all presented in a beautiful presentation box. The final order date to receive this first membership reward in time for Christmas is 15th December 2018.

Further details and applications for membership can be found at sliabhliagdistillery.com/ar-muintir/

Members only

What if you never had to queue again? The 1878 and The Premium Club, two distinctive private members’ clubs at the 3Arena, provide an exclusive experience for guests.

A member of our team was lucky enough to experience the 1878 when he went to see The Chemical Brothers at the 3Arena. He enjoyed dinner and drinks, compliments of the 1878 private members’ club. The club was plush with velvet armchairs and sofas and you could relax at a reserved table and enjoy personalised service, all just seconds from his top-quality seats.

Both memberships have priority purchase on seats for every show and members can share access to show tickets and club access among their network of family and friends, clients and colleagues.

Visit the1878.ie, cost for membership is €10,500 plus VAT or visit thepremiumclub.ie, cost for membership is €3,500 plus VAT

Come fly with me

What do you do when you want to get somewhere fast? The train is slow, the bus is packed and the car is too cramped. So why not just get on your very own plane and fly wherever you want? How about the Embraer Phenom 100 plane going for €1,700,000? Or if you are a pilot yourself, how about a vintage touring aircraft like the famous 1971 Piper Arrow for the lower price of around €62,000? You’ll never be late for an appointment again!

Where to go for snow

If you have ever wanted to experience an exclusive ski tour, the Chalet Alpaca in Méribel ski resort in Le Allues, France could be ideal for you. The luxurious modern mountain home has five double bedrooms and a large bunk room that can accommodate up to 14 people.

There is a spacious living room and bar area with open fireplace and full height windows. Relax after a hard day of skiing, in the library, the cinema room, the massage room, or in the copper hot tub, the heated ‘endless’ pool or watching the embers in the fire-pit. With dedicated chalet staff available, this is a luxurious trip meant for your closest family and friends and while the price tag is hefty, if you have the money, then it’s absolutely worth it for the ski trip of a lifetime.

Visit ultimateluxurychalets.com, €36,500 for 14 people for one week

Motorhead

Have you ever wanted to experience a driving tour of your dream car on the greatest driving roads in Europe, the USA or Australia?

Is it on your bucket list to drive the Ferrari 488 GTB around the Swiss Alps? Or speeding a Porsche 911 Turbo S through a desert?

Try out Ultimate Driving Tours’ signature driving tour, the European Supercar Tour + Monaco Grand Prix. Taking place in May, you can experience a selection of the world’s best supercars such as the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Lamborghini Aventador and Jaguar F-Type R and drive through fast-paced autostradas and country backroads.

You then continue your excitement aboard the company’s privately chartered superyacht for the Grand Prix of Monaco.

Visit ultimatedrivingtours.com, prices start from €12,000 per person and can include a champagne experience and helicopter transfers between Nice and Monaco for the Grand Prix

Gifts without limits

Find out more about aircraft sales at avbuyer.com

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Xperia of your life

A Pro in the market

The new Sony Xperia XZ3 is an entertainment centre right at your fingertips. The XZ3 even features Sony’s award-winning BRAVIA OLED TV technologies, which provides higher contrast and sharper clarity. Now you can enjoy your favourite movies and content on the go.

We hear a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technology nowadays, and this phone gift selection wouldn’t be complete without the new HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro. Currently available in Ireland in the colour black, it is the world’s first Dual-NPU powered smartphone. This means it will give people a more intelligent performance with less power consumption.

The front-facing stereo speakers feature S-Force Front Surround for powerful sound and a Dynamic Vibration System lets you feel the action. I don’t think I will ever watch television on a set again and why would I need to! The device itself is slim and elegant and it features a 19MP Motion Eye™ camera with AI in Xperia™, giving prolooking images. 4K HDR Movie recording means you can also shoot videos in incredible detail, so this is a must for those who have video channels or simply love entertainment!

Features include the new Leica Triple Camera, with Leica Ultra Wide Angle Camera, which captures landscapes with an expansive perspective and to great detail. The 4,200mAh battery of Mate 20 Pro will charge from 0% to up to 70% in just 30 minutes and last for up to two days. So if you are at a concert or travelling around the world, you don’t need to worry as much about using up the battery within an hour or two. The Mate 20 Pro comes with a 15W Wireless Quick Charging solution. A perfect gift for those who are always on the go!

Available from selected phone stores or online at sonymobile.com, €799

Available at Vodafone or online at vodafone.ie, approximately €899.99

Take a bite of the Apple

Ultimate phones

I currently have an Apple iPhone 6 and if I am honest, I would love an upgrade with a stronger battery life – particularly as I do a lot of scrolling through social media and watching shows on my phone! This iPhone Xs, in space-grey, is at the top of my ‘potential new phone’ list.

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It has an improved battery life, as well as an improved camera. The Xs, which has 64GB of storage, also has a larger screen size (5.8-inch display), without being too large. This is what I like about the Xs, as my ideal phone is one that isn’t massive and will fit neatly in my pocket or bag.

The phone features a Super Retina display, with custom built OLED panels for HDR display with the best colour accuracy and brightness. It includes the intelligent A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine for augmented reality experiences, and Advanced Face ID means nobody will ever be able to unlock your phone themselves. Unless you have an identical twin!

Available online at littlewoodsireland.ie and all good phone retailers, €1,179

Brand sparkling Nuu

NUU Mobile have recently released the NUU G2 smartphone and when our editorial team got the opportunity to test the smartphone out, there was a fight over who would use it first (I won!). The latest handset has the wow factor, with a sleek design and impressive features. And, it is only €179.99! My morning bus commutes to work are usually spent watching Netflix on my phone. So, when I heard the G2 was built with the screen in mind, ‘offering Full High Definition Plus edge-to-edge 5.99 inch-display to provide a cinematic experience at the palm of a hand’, I knew it would be right up my street. There are great visuals and the 18.9 ratio screen is ideal for reading, watching or browsing.

The 20MP main camera produces crisp and stunning photos, while a 13MP selfie lens works like magic for great selfies. The smartphone also has 64GB of built-in memory and it utilises battery optimisation technology, along with enhanced power management, for long-lasting use. The benefits of this phone are endless!

Available at Harvey Norman or online at nuumobile.ie, €179.99

Looking for a sophisticated smartphone this Christmas?

Clodagh Dooley rounds up the some of the best devices

We have you covered!

These three high-end mobile covers will make A perfect gift for the one who already has the perfect phone.

Embellish with glamour Team your iPhone 7/8 with this majolica print Dolce & Gabbana phone case from Harrods, embellished with dazzling detailing and constructed from textured leather.

Available online at harrods.com, €347.56 Sophisticated touch An elegant home for your most precious accessory, this Furla case protects your smartphone and stashes your credit cards too.

Available at Arnotts or online at arnotts.ie, €120 I heart it This leather iPhone X case with a textured, cherry-inspired heart design will add a pop of colour to your device.

Available at Brown Thomas or online at brownthomas.ie, €215

CHRISTMAS AT

Sony Home Cinema Projector

For the movie buff

Create a cinema in your home with the Sony VPL-VW260ES Projector.

This 4K projector resolution makes for pristine visuals fit for any professional movie theatre.

With its brightness, you’re guaranteed an exceptional picture even in well-lit rooms. Place on your ceiling or inside a well-ventilated piece of furniture for the real cinema experience and watch your favourite superhero flick, romantic comedy or crime drama. All you need is to make some popcorn and your movie night is sorted.

Available at HiFi Hut and good electronics stores, €4,999

Surface Laptop 2

This new Windows laptop from Microsoft is a sleek and light touchscreen laptop. The computer has a long 10-hour battery life and can get you through the full work day, watch a movie or play a game and still have some battery left over before you ever have to charge it. The power from this computer is unmatched with a fast response time even with 20 tabs open and is lightweight and portable enough to take with you anywhere.

For the busy bee

Make your home a tech haven with all the latest luxury technology on the market We are living in the Information Age. All aspects of our lives from our work, to our entertainment, to our love lives are now almost fully automated and most of us are connected 24/7. The development of technology has led to extraordinary discoveries, improved convenience and has drastically changed our daily lives.

The laptop can be bought in Matte Black, Platinum, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue.

Available at all good computer stores, from €979

This Christmas, there are even more tech products that can improve your life and help you keep up with the 21st century. Here are a few of the gifts we think you’ll want to help you stay on top of everything:

Ring Video Doorbell 2

Luxury tech

In our house, nobody wants to answer the door when it rings, and that is especially true on Christmas Day with our bellies full and our cheeks rosy. So, this is actually the ultimate gift for, well, everyone! When someone rings the doorbell your phone instantly shows you who is there in full HD, and you can talk to them too, no matter where you are.

There is nothing worse than stepping out for five minutes and the plumber FINALLY arrives! Now, you don’t have to worry about that with motion alerts, so you can tell him to wait right there while getting your pint of milk at the shop.

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Canon EOS 200D

Ring has updated their award-winning video doorbell by improving the camera quality and adding a quick-release battery. But, if you are budget conscious, the original Ring Video Doorbell is an amazing device too. Plus if your front door is far away from your WiFi router the ring Chime Pro works a treat. Overall it’s really useful bit of tech in the house!

Go selfie-mad with the first Canon DSLR camera, which comes complete with a selfie mode. Your Instagram photos will be more perfect than ever, as the camera has skin smoothing and background blurring features. This camera is perfect for those who don’t have much experience with a DSLR and for those who don’t even know what a DSLR is (it stands for digital single-lens reflex camera) as it is made to be entry-level. It is the kind of camera your favourite YouTubers and Instagram celebs would use, and now you can have it too.

Available at eu.ring.com, the Ring Video Doorbell is €99, and the new Video Doorbell 2 is €199

The EOS 200D comes in the classic Canon black, white and vintage inspired silver and tan.

Available to purchase from Conns Cameras, Amazon and the Canon store, €669.99

Dali Katch Bluetooth Speaker

If you are looking to buy a portable Bluetooth speaker, there are plenty on the market. From low-cost speakers at your local supermarket to mid-range audio online. But these speakers can often sound like you’re listening to music from the other room with next to no bass and a tinny sound.

For the music lover

So why not spend more to get more? The Dali Katch Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker comes with shockingly high-quality. The Danish brand is famous for their advanced digital technology and unique design knowhow to create an incredibly rich sound from an incredibly compact speaker. The beautifully designed pill-shaped speaker has a leather carryhandle on one end to make it easy to carry around. The small size has the power of the full-size speakers but is easily stowed away for maximum portability and easy wrapping this Christmas.

Available at the HiFi Hut, €382

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless headset

Danish company, SteelSeries have always been innovators in the elite level gaming headset market, but their latest product also offers world-class sound for when you’re not battling zombies. There are a lot of hit and misses when it comes to gaming headsets, but we’re happy to say that the Arctis Pro Wireless was by far the best sounding headset we have ever used! Winner of multiple awards for best gaming headset, it is the brand of choice of professional gamers (US gaming team ‘Evil Geniuses’ even won $6.6 million at The International 5 Tournament, an annual esports championship, using SteelSeries gear).

For the cyclist

Cycliq Fly dashcam

The headset is designed to be worn for hours on end, so they are incredibly comfortable and even sweat-free with a wide, elastic headband to keep the headset firmly attached to your head. The best bit is, you can be wireless for gaming and simultaneously connect by Bluetooth to your mobile. This is the perfect gift for the gamer or audiophile in your family and nowadays that is often the same person!

Available at steelseries.com, €350

In 2017, nearly four cyclists were hospitalised in Ireland every single day. And, with winter finally here and ice on roads increasing, it is even more dangerous for cyclists. Now there is a way to have evidence of any incidents with these Cycliq front and rear facing cameras built into powerful bike lights of up to 600 lumens. You can get a crisp HD-stabilised video of that epic ride you want everyone to see! But you also get peace of mind knowing that if something happens to you or your loved one, you will have the evidence to back you up.

The gift guide editorial team instantly felt safer on our bike commutes knowing it was all being recorded, plus the video is so easy to view and edit in the Cycliq App. With recording times of up to 8 hours, waterproof levels of up to 1m and USB fast-charging, these will make an incredible gift and could even save lives.

For the gamer

Available at cycliq.com, Cycliq Fly 12 CE front is €289 and Fly 6 CE rear is €179

Sennheiser True Wireless

XoundBar

X-mini is a company that was established in 2006 in Singapore. They have created one of the best entry-level wireless speakers, earphones and headphones for over a decade now. So if you need that final present to fill the rest of your loved one’s stockings, this speaker is exactly what you need. The XoundBar comes in a striking metallic red, and a dark mystic grey. The speaker is small enough to fit into your pocket but can play some awesome music.

In the box you receive the XoundBar speaker and a microUSB cable. XoundBar is also splash proof, for those of you who only sing in the shower!

Available at Golden Discs stores and goldendiscs.ie, €45

If you haven’t graduated to wireless earphones, then this Christmas is certainly the time! And if you are going to do it, then do it right! These True Wireless Bluetooth earphones from Sennheiser are their first truly wireless earphones and the design is modern and clean. You get an Audiophile 7mm dynamic driver for incredible sound performance in a neatly sized earphone. The case they are stored in acts as a charger giving them 12 hours of runtime.

You can also make calls and skip songs in one touch for those of us who can’t choose just one playlist. The editorial team here listened (and danced) to multiple songs to test the range of the speakers and we were just blown away. These earphones are the perfect present for any music lover this Christmas, and because they were only launched in November they will be incredibly sought after.

Available online at sennheiser.ie, €299

For the vlogger

Sony Stereo Headphones Extra Bass

These Sony Stereo Extra Bass Headphones deliver a clear, deep bass sound thanks to their inbuilt powerful sounding bass booster. As far as on-ear headphones go, it’s tight aural seal and cushioned aluminum headband makes for excellent sound isolation listening in comfort. In these headphones you are free to rock out to your favourite tunes on your daily commute at top volume in peace, free from any disturbances. They include all the features you look for in an on-ear headphone without the hefty price tag. Their remote control function makes them particularly useful for all those important and not so important hands-free calls you need to make.

Available at Golden Discs stores and goldendiscs.ie, €59

For the commuter

EOS M50 Vlogger Kit

Do you want to start a travel blog, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a beauty guru vlog?

This is the perfect gift for aspiring vloggers. The kit has everything you need including an EOS M50 camera with 4K UHD capabilities to capture everything in complete, high-resolution detail.

Accompanying the camera is an EF-M 14-45mm IS STM lens, a GorrillaPod 1K portable tripod, RODE® VideoMic GO TM microphone and 32GB SDHC card. This vlogger kit captures everything like a professional. It will be sure to turn you into a YouTube sensation as this is one of the best vlogging packs out there.

Available to purchase from Littlewoods Ireland, Amazon and the Canon store, from €800

How fine jewellery inspires meaningful gift-giving this holiday season “Jewellery is all about sentiment,” says Paul Sheeran, owner of Paul Sheeran Jewellers in Dublin, home to a breathtaking collection of diamond jewellery and exclusive watches from leading brands around the world. “It doesn’t matter what your budget is, you give jewellery or watches to people for one reason: because you love them.”

A qualified watchmaker and diamond grader, Paul has over 36 years of experience in the jewellery business.

“I love what I do and love seeing customers experience these happy moments linked to jewellery.

There is also the sad side of the business, when someone passes away and a family member comes in with a request for a lock of hair in a locket or an engraved piece to

commemorate their loved one. But, this too becomes a special moment - we can create happy moments from sad times.”

Paul has an in-house team of experienced designers, goldsmiths, watchmakers and diamond experts to help select and personalise gifts, as well as create bespoke designs for loved ones.

When asked what jewellery Irish people typically buy over the festive season, Paul says, “People always go for the classic styles, because they date best.

If it’s not engagement rings, it is pendants or diamond earrings.

“When people fall in love, they start buying their loved ones these gifts. But, it might be that the first present is lighter on value, and as the relationship progresses, you see them start to buy more valuable things. It makes sense to invest in a good piece, because it will be something you will have for decades, not just for now. My mum bought my dad his first pair of cufflinks 55 years ago and he still has them today.”

As well as his own collection, Paul stocks a wide range of top brands, including Gucci, Dior and many more. Being a self-proclaimed “romantic at heart”, Paul suggests two Christmas gifts from his Romance Collection, for the special person in your life.

“The Open-Heart Diamond Pendant set in 18ct white gold (€2,295) is a classic and elegant gift and can be worn with anything. If you’re planning on popping the question this year, the Round-Cut Solitaire Ring (from €2,000) is a simple, but beautiful option.

“Irish people have such a love for diamonds, they’re not just a fashion trend. They are the pieces you buy for the one you love.”

Visit paulsheeran.ie to browse the collection or drop into his store just off Grafton Street. Here are three more precious jewellery gifts to buy for loved ones this Christmas…

Down to a T

A T-Square bracelet can go a long way, especially this 18k gold one from the Tiffany T Collection by Tiffany & Co. Pavé diamonds shine in this bold bracelet, and there is even the option to get an engravement. Why not consider sharing a special message on the inside, to add an extra personal touch? A gift to cherish forever.

The gifts of love

Available online at tiffany.com, €12,600

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Tell me about it, stud

If you are in a relationship that is relatively new and are looking for a sparkly and thoughtful gift to show you care, these rose-gold halo stud earrings from the Rock Chic Collection will do the trick. Not only will they stand the test of time, but they will suit for both every day and glam night wear.

Available online at rocks.ie or Rocks Jewellers, €75

Special moments

Message in a locket

The Chupi jewellery brand (founded by Chupi Sweetman) has precious pieces designed to mark the more significant moments in life. Our editorial team took a look at many of the pieces and they really are stunning. Whether it is for your lover, family member or best friend, this solid 14k gold locket from the Always Remember collection is the perfect future heirloom. You can engrave the locket with a secret message on the inside that only the recipient will see, or engrave your monogram across the front.

Available at the Chupi store in Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin or online at chupi.com, €589

Actions speak a thousand words and one of the best ways to show the one you love just how much you care, is to by making the end of their day truly special. Here are two gift ideas that will put a big smile on the face of your nearest and dearest Beauty sleep For ultimate comfort, indulge in a pair of mulberry silk pyjamas (€245) from The Ethical Silk Company, an Irish company using Fairtrade production units. The pyjamas are printed by hand, using the traditional craft of block-printing. The quality and attention to detail are second to none, plus they come in a stunning gift box. Scientific

research shows that silk naturally repels dust mites and allows the skin to breathe. This luxurious Varanasi Blue pyjamas has French seams, mother-of-pearl buttons and natural ivory piping. These pyjamas are a girl’s best friend and, like diamonds, could last a lifetime!

Available at theethicalsilkco.com Relaxing haven Escape with this exotic collection of Elemis bath and body treasures that feature the iconic Monoi fragrance. The Fabulous Frangipani set includes: shower cream, body oil, body polish, hand and nail cream and an exclusive Frangipani Glow candle. Everything you need to wind down!

Available at elemis.com, €119

Ultimate kitchen

Imagine waking up to this Ultimate Christmas Hamper on Christmas morning! This exquisite hamper from Hampers & Co is filled with awardwinning wines, such as Château Vaugelas Corbières Cuvee Prestige; gourmet foods, such as Cashel Blue Cheese and Lily O’Brien’s Winter Wonderland Collection and much more. This particular hamper costs €1,000 (including tax) but Hampers & Co have a wide range of other unique hampers available, at different prices. Hampers & Co are Ireland’s leading gifting company with over 27 years’ experience providing a bespoke gifting service. Founder Emer Purcell spent the first half of 2018 sourcing and curating a luxurious product range. From vineyards in France and Spain, to local Irish producers, the Hampers & Co 2018 collection includes culinary treats and superior products from a selection of award-winning, premium producers.

Available online at hampersandco.com

Gourmet gifts

Whether it’s a smart and stylish kitchen appliance or flavoursome ingredients, these are some picks every at-home chef and food lover needs

Italian influence

Smeg’s collaboration with fashion label, Dolce & Gabbana to create the ‘Sicily My Love’ collection, promises to give your kitchen a sophisticated edge. Celebrating the rich Italian history of both brands, this beautiful kettle has been expertly decorated with quintessential Sicilian motifs, gold lemons and citrus fruits, pears and cherries.

These are framed in traditional triangular Sicilian decorations known as ‘crocchi’.

Available at Harvey Norman, €449.50

Something sweet

If you are in a rush to get to work or need something filling after the gym, The Sage by Heston Blumenthal Nutri Juicer Pro extracts the maximum juice and nutrients you want in double quick time. An extra-wide feed chute also means you can juice bigger fruit and vegetables, so whole apples can fit down the chute without having to cut them first. The nutri disc has titanium-reinforced cutting blades that are perfect for hard fruit and vegetables, while the froojie disc is designed to extract the maximum yield from soft ones like strawberries and bananas.

Available at Harvey Norman or online at harveynorman.ie, €419

A toasty home

As well as looking sleek and stylish, the eye-catching Eclipse Copper Sunset toaster from Russell Hobbs is very functional. Whether it’s for the morning rush or when hunger strikes in the evening, the toaster offers up to 55% faster toasting. The wider slots also mean there isn’t the difficulty of not being able to fit larger slices of brown bread or crumpets in the toaster. There are six options of browning control and a Lift and Look feature which allows you to check on the appearance of the toast without having to cancel and restart.

Available at DID Electrical or online at did.ie, €79.99

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Coffee creativity

Nespresso has just launched the new Creatista Uno machine, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy barista-style quality coffee at home. With three coffee recipe options (Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo), you’ll be able to create the perfect milk-foam quantity for a consistently perfect coffee.

The Creatista Uno also tells you when the machine needs to be cleaned, and there is no hanging around, with a three-second heat-up time for straightforward, fast preparation.

Available at Nespresso boutiques and online at nespresso.com, €379

Smooth secrets

Nothing beats being tucked up and cosy inside, drinking a cup of coffee, along with chocolate melting in your mouth. Green & Black’s have launched a new Velvet 70% Cocoa Chocolate Range and their taste specialist, Brandt Maybury, believes it will make even dark chocolate cynics change their mind. Maybury describes the chocolates’ ‘unique taste profile’ as striking a balance between a rich cocoa flavour and incredibly smooth texture. At the office, we all found the Velvet dark chocolate blend to be a taste explosion, particularly their Velvet Blueberries (with real fruit).

Green & Black have had a long-standing commitment to sustainable farming and source their cocoa through Cocoa Life, so you have even more of a reason to indulge.

G&B’s Velvet Edition Chocolate Basket, available online at greenandblacks.co.uk, €35

Add to the pantry

Step into the Pantry at CLIFF, Co Kildare, where the award-winning CLIFF culinary team have created a range of gastro gifts. Michelin-starred chef Martijn Kajuiter and his team of chefs from the three CLIFF properties have created a variety of gourmet seasonings including sea buckthorn vinegar, wild fennel vinegar, apple and sorrel vinegar, fragrant sea salts for fish and special spice mix for game to embellish any dish and impress every guest. Each of the salts retail at €6, while the vinegars and oils are €8 each. These can also be made into a gift set for €40. Our editorial team got the opportunity to view some of the amazing products from the CLIFF Home collection, which can also be added to a gift set for Christmas.

Available from Cliff at Lyons, Cliff House Hotel and Cliff Townhouse and online at cliffhome.ie

Irish Michelinstar-winning head chef Ross Lewis of Chapter One shares some tips and simple recipes with food writer Kevin Flanagan

Staying calm in the kitchen

I am standing in the middle of a storm. It is like a scene from a movie.

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In front of me are 30 plus chefs, positioned at different locations in the kitchen. A dozen are preparing starters on my right. A dozen more, all attired in their starched uniforms, are serving the main courses directly in front of me. Furiously wiping traces of sauce off the fine delft plates, before they are whisked away by panting waiters ferrying silver trays.

On my left, a handful of chefs are operating with military precision, as they plate up crab and scallops and soup

served in dark, heavy bowls. And, all the while, waiters arrive calling out orders as they bustle in. While the sommelier darts in between, whispering urgently to the man standing at the center of the storm immovable, calm and unperturbed.

This is Ross Lewis, perhaps Ireland’s greatest chef. In over two decades he has created an institution brick by painful brick. From very humble beginnings, Chapter One now plays host to any stellar celebrities visiting the capitol. Stars like Barbra Streisand and Al Pacino have graced the Michelin-starred restaurant.

(And that is not counting the Irish celebs.)

Ross is standing right in front of me, directing the traffic like an air traffic controller. While all around seem nervous and on-edge, he has the nonchalance of a man totally at ease with himself.

Later, in a quiet moment he shares some tips on keeping calm during the Christmas dinner madness.

“It’s all about preparation,” he explains, “Plan what you are going to cook. Make a list. And prepare as many things as possible beforehand.”

Ross believes that a major problem is Michelin star chef, Ross Lewis

that too many Christmas cooks try and present too many ingredients for too many dishes.

“They will serve three different sorts of spuds - boiled, roast, mashed - where one would do. In fact, people often try and serve too many ingredients. They do not factor in that the oven can only take so much.”

Happily all this is entirely preventable.

“People go overboard and pile the plate with nine or 10 ingredients. I would suggest limiting your main dish to only five. Good quality ham and turkey, mash and roast vegetables and great stuffing.

Go for quality over quantity and you will please your guests and reduce your stress.”

Ross suggest ways to make things less chaotic in the kitchen. “Serve a soup first, which can be made days before and frozen. Then a cold plate like smoked salmon - which can also be pre-prepared.

All this frees up the chef to concentrate on the main course.”

And having seen Ross as calm in the storm, I for one will be following his advice this Christmas.

Here, Ross has shared two “zesty and punchy condiments” from his restaurant Chapter One and the Oven Roasted Olives from Osteria Lucios, his Italian restaurant on Clanwilliam Terrace.

Pear, Ginger and Mustard Relish

“The pear relish is a Japanese style relish that would go perfectly with any cold fish, possibly with the exception of smoked salmon, as it would be too strong. If you’re fond of raw fish, such as tuna, this would work amazingly well. It probably would fare well with cold white meats also.”

INGREDIENTS: Apple & Horseradish Compote

“The apple and horseradish is, for all intents and purposes, a punch apple sauce that has been enlivened with horseradish. It would work extremely well with roast pork and crackling, duck or goose.

It would also go very well with black pudding as a first course, accompanied with leaves and mustard dressing as a starter.

I would recommend a smoked black pudding from Hugh Maguire, The Smoking Butcher, which is available at Sheridans Cheesemongers outlets. This would add a lovely smokiness to the sweet/sour taste of the sauce.”

METHOD: Sweat the apples in a pan with the zest and juice until the liquid has evaporated and the apples are soft.

INGREDIENTS: 400g of mixed olives 200mls extra virgin olive oil Sprig of rosemary and thyme 4 cloves of garlic peeled and sliced 1 dried chili 1 tbsp of fennel seeds Rind of 1 orange

INGREDIENTS: 5 large Bramley apples, peeled and diced 1 orange, zest and juice 1 lemon, zest and juice 5 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and grated 100g sugar 2tsp horseradish sauce, or to taste Add the sugar and apples and cook for another 10 minutes.

Puree in a blender until completely smooth, adding the horseradish sauce, then pass through a chinois and put into a squeezy bottle.

50g grated pear 15g grated onion 8g grated ginger ½ clove grated garlic 50g soy sauce 30g sake 25g rice vinegar 10g sesame oil 15g wholegrain mustard 5g creamed horseradish 8g mirin METHOD: Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl and check seasoning.

Store in the fridge – this can be made a day in advance.

Oven Roasted Olives

“The olives are slightly different served warm, which really accentuates the flavours of the olives and can be enjoyed around the table with a few preChristmas dinner drinks. This recipe is for four people.”

METHOD: Marinade all of the above for 24 hours (or up to 1 week), then place in a casserole dish and heat through for 5 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C.

Even more for the

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*All Prices subject to change. See in-store for full details. Available while stocks last

The spirit of Ireland

Whether they are gin lovers, whiskey drinkers or are partial to a vodka tonic, there are plenty of Irish brands that are sure to be your loved ones’ favourite tipple for Christmas. Writer Shauna McCrudden picks her favourite drinks for the festive season

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There is nothing people like better at Christmas than having a drink. And when that drink is Irish-made, it’s double the fun and worth the upgrade. But with Irishmade alcohol, it’s not just the taste but the story behind it which makes it so special.

One story in particular which drew our attention, was the Beara Distillery. The gin brand was founded by siblings John Power and Eileen Brennan, who wanted to create a drinks product unique to their home in West Cork.

“Growing up on the Beara Peninsula, the sea has always played a massive part in my life,” says John Power. “We saw the rise in popularity of gin in Ireland, and an opportunity for a product that would reflect the unspoilt beauty of the Beara Peninsula. A drink that could have real international appeal.”

And so the Beara Distillery was born, as John and Eileen travelled the globe, meeting distillers and gin enthusiasts learning the craft of distilling and blending. They decided to use Fuchsia,

the floral emblem of West Cork, as well as locally harvested sugar-kelp seaweed and Atlantic salt water in their gin.

“The Atlantic salt water infusion is what makes us different to other gins,” says John. “It adds something special to the gin and allows it to pair very well with different flavours. When people visit the Beara Peninsula, they admire the incredible sea views, travel along the Fuchsia-lined roads and hopefully now enjoy our local tipple.”

Beara Bee’s Knees: Ingredients: 50ml Kinsale Dry Atlantic mead 25ml Beara Ocean gin 15ml Lemon Juice 15ml Local Honey syrup METHOD: Shake over ice and serve with a twist of lemon.

“What we do is different,” says Eileen, “it’s a craft and a passion. That’s what people are looking for when they buy our product. We use as many Irish ingredients as possible. As an island nation and a company we depend on local support. In return, we must also support local.”

The Beara Ocean Gin comes in two flavours, Original and Pink. Both gins can be enjoyed neat, with a premium tonic such as Fevertree, or mixed in a cocktail.

Beara Ocean Gin 70cl is available from select SuperValu stores and online stockists from €46

“Too much work, and no vacation, deserves at least a small libation.

So hail! my friends, and raise your glasses, work’s the curse of the drinking classes.” - Oscar Wilde Revenge - best served cold

When you hear the name, Bertha’s Revenge Irish Milk Gin, you might do a doubletake. A distinctive name for a distinctive gin! And when you see the label, the image of the legendary cow, Big Bertha (who was called the world’s oldest cow!) from which the brand takes its name, you may smile and wonder how it was you never tried this unique Irish gin before. This drink is produced by Ballyvolane House Spirits. This ‘grass to glass distillery’ is the first artisan distiller to produce small batch milk gin from whey alcohol produced by local dairy farmers.

Serving suggestion: We savoured the sweet and creamy taste by adding a splash of water to highten the smoothness of this quirky Irish gin.

Bertha’s Revenge Irish Milk Gin 70cl is available at O’Briens, independent off-licences and select bars and restaurants from €49

Forbidden fruit

With the success of the Gunpowder Gin, the Shed Distillery have recently released their new Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka. Inspired by the Kigelia Africana plant, known as the ‘sausage tree’, the vodka combines the fruit from this sausage tree and slow distils it with Irish grain and wild Irish nettles. The spirit was served to 600 guests, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, at a St Patrick’s Day reception in Washington DC earlier this year. So you know it must be good! Served in a red-tinted bottle, the smooth and creamy taste is proclaimed to be ‘nature’s purest Vodka’ by creator PJ Rigney.

Serving suggestion: Serve over ice with your favourite soda drink and a wedge of orange.

Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka 70cl is available at O’Briens and leading off-licences, €49

Gin city

This Christmas, give the gift of an Irish specialty, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin. The Shed distillery in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim, the first distillery in Connacht for over a century, has created this fresh citrus taste which is sure to please gin lovers across the country. Fusing oriental botanicals with local Irish ones, the strong flavours of Chinese gunpowder tea, kaffir lime, cardamom and lemon are mixed with juniper and meadowsweet, which is locally sourced. The brand’s gin, symbolised by the jackalope, is served in a bespoke glass bottle harking back to apothecary medicine bottles.

The gin fuses two cultures and traditions together to create one unique spirit.

G&Tea

What do you get someone who loves both tea and gin? How about a mix of Blackwater No. 5 Premium Irish Gin with Ireland’s famous Barry’s Tea Classic Blend? The result? A drink-combo called intriguingly Blackwater Barry’s Tea Gin. Released in 2017, the initial batch of gin was sold out in just a few weeks. It is expected the same will happen this Christmas. This innovative and incredibly unique gin combines the spiciness of the Classic Blend tea with Sicilian lemons, Spanish oranges, juniper berries and cinnamon to create a refreshing flavour combination. Perfect for all Irish tea and gin lovers.

Serving suggestion: Add ice, a nice tonic and lemon and you can create the ultimate G&Tea. Blackwater Barry’s Tea Gin 50cl is available at SuperValu stores and leading off-licences, €35

Serving suggestion: Try serving Gunpowder Gin with lots of ice, tonic water and a slice of fresh red grapefruit, to really accentuate that citrus taste.

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

King of the castle

Whiskey in the jar

Named as Irish Blend of the Year in Jim Murray’s annual Whiskey Bible 2019, the Bushmills Black Bush from the Bushmills Distillery in Co Antrim is a deluxe blend. Created from 80pc malt whiskey and 20pc small batch grain whiskey, aged for up to 18 years, the richness of Black Bush is second to none. Ex-sherry casks are used for the maturation which gives the whiskey its signature bronze colour and its rich, fruity flavour.

Ashford Castle in Co Mayo has partnered with Midleton Rare Whiskey and Waterford Crystal, to create a custom-made cask with bespoke exquisite crystal whiskey tumblers and a carafe bearing Ashford Castle’s logo. The Castle is already home to the largest collection of maturing Irish whiskey in the world, so its entry into the whiskey industry is not surprising. The cask #70345 is a virgin oak American barrel, meaning it has not held bourbon previously which adds to its rich flavour. The deep, spicy whiskey is exclusive to buy for visitors to Ashford Castle.

Serving suggestion: Drink the whiskey neat to savour the real Irish taste.

Serving suggestion: Drink from the beautiful, bespoke Waterford Crystal tumblers to really get that ‘rich’ taste.

Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey 70cl is available in retailers and off-licences around the country, €26

Ashford Castle Single Pot Still is available at Ashford Castle from €950

Patek Philippe Twenty-4® SelfWinding Women’s Watch

Launched in Milan in October, the rose-gold watch is a new self-winding mechanical watch. The Twenty-4® range combines modern style with top technical expertise. The watch is designed for a dressier evening look with elegant lines. The 18k rose gold case has a 160-diamond set bezel. The feminine design is fitted with a new fold-over clasp, a silvery dial with a satin finish and gold Arabic numerals. The piece has sapphire crystal glass and a see-through case back. The lavishly adorned watch has an unmatched elegance and style.

Weir & Sons, €42,190

Gents Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Quantieme Lunaire Strap Watch

Famed for developing new mechanical innovations, the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is correct to 1/6th of a second. It features two separate mechanisms enclosed within the same case, with independent power sources connected by a single regulating component. Its dial has a moon phase, date, hour, minute and fly back seconds. But like most watches created by Jaeger-LeCoultre, it is not just a technological innovation, it is also a truly astounding watch to look at. Hand-crafted in 18k rose gold, the manual-winding movement has 374 components and a silver dial with gold plated numerals. It is a piece which will never go out of style and never lose time.

Priceless gift of time

Weir & Sons, €41,400

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Gents Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36

The most esteemed model in the Oyster collection, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual DayDate watch has been sported by presidents, celebrities and captains of all industries. The watch exudes a prestige unlike any other with a design so classic that it has not changed throughout the decades. The 18k superlative chronometer automatic watch has a selfwinding mechanical movement with a white Roman numeral dial. It is truly a statement watch to wear.

Weir & Sons, €25,800

A fine timepiece is an investment for the future. No one buys an expensive watch just to tell the time. You buy it to appreciate the craftsmanship of the build and treasure the spectacular engineering each timepiece represents.

As Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond once famously said, “A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Saville Row suit.”

Receiving your first real timepiece is a rite of passage. From fathers to sons and mothers to daughters, a watch will outlast you, and represent you, throughout the generations to come.

“The interest in watches, especially men’s watches, has grown in an unbelievable way,” says Paul Broughan, Manager of

We profile classic timepieces which will become family heirlooms

smallest detail. You can usually spot a cheap knock-off watch from a mile away as most have battery movements and the second-hand jumps one at a time.

I always say you should buy a good timepiece for the price you can afford.”

the Watch Department at Weir & Sons, Dublin’s premier jewellers on Grafton Street. “Younger people now know a lot about watches.”

Choosing a watch is the most difficult part, as there are so many beautiful pieces. So, does Paul have any advice for how to make the right choice?

Watch trends have changed over the years with women now choosing larger watches which was previously referred to as ‘men’s sizes’. But what hasn’t changed is the craft of traditional watchmaking.

“Watchmaking is a costly business as everything is perfected down to the

Cartier Santos 18K Gold & Steel Medium Model Bracelet Watch

While Cartier may be known for creating extravagant diamond jewels for women, it is also a well-respected watchmaker. Did you know that Cartier was the very first brand which influenced men to wear wrist watches during World War I? This unisex Cartier Santos Watch has a stainlesssteel case and an 18k yellow gold fixed bezel with Cartier’s iconic screw heads. The watch, originally built for aviators, has a selfwinding automatic movement with a silver opaline dial with roman numerals and sapphire crystal glass. The bracelet is stainless steel and 18k yellow gold.

This watch is a true example of fine watchmaking.

Weir & Sons, €9,150

“I never encourage people to buy a watch just for an investment. Buy a watch if you love it or if it’s in your price range. You have to love it now and not just for the future.”

Here is a selection of outstanding watches, all available at Weir & Sons, and watch specialists around Ireland.

Gents Patek Philippe Chronograph 5170-G-010 Manual Winding Strap Watch

The premium Patek Philippe brand is seen as number one in the watch industry. This hand-finished watch sports a black dial with Arabic numerals on a black alligator strap with an 18k white gold prong buckle and the fleur-de-lis emblem which Patek is renowned for. The design is very reminiscent of the classic Patek Philippe chronographs of the 1940s, as it has that classic look. The watch has a mechanical hand wound movement, and a chronograph with 30-minute counter and tachymeter scale with guaranteed accuracy. This watch keeps time better than the industry benchmark. You can never go wrong if you choose a Patek Philippe watch.

Weir & Sons, €75,450

Mastering the art of winter styling

Choose wardrobe staples that will take you from the desk to dinner, writes fashion and beauty editor Clodagh Dooley

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Timeless classic

American designer Tom Ford is the epitome of modern luxury and timeless elegance and if there is one piece worthy of investment at any time of the year, it is a designer handbag. The classic style of this black Tom Ford quilted napa leather shoulder bag will never go out of fashion.

If you dare bring this precious bag to the office, pack your small notebook and pen inside, plus a lipstick for night-time. The Swarovski® crystal trim will do all the talking on the dancefloor.

Tom Ford Matelasse Napa Crystal Bag, available at The Marvel Room in Brown Thomas Dublin, €2,490

“The joy of dressing is an art” said John Galliano, creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela and previously head designer of Givenchy, Christian Dior, and own label John Galliano. The term ‘style’ is commonly used in modern art – the way in which an artist portrays his or her subject matter and how the artist expresses his or her vision. Translate this from the paint that an artist puts on paper, to the clothing we all put on our bodies. Style is an authentic visual expression of who we are, and it is much easier to dress well when we understand our personal style.

Scientific research has shown that what we choose to wear strongly affects first impressions, attitude and potentially, professional success. When buying pieces, make sure it is an item that reflects your personal style, but also doubles up as being functional. While it is fine to follow new trends that come along every season, it is worth investing in quality pieces which will stand the test of time, taking you from season-to-season, day-to-night.

Here are just some pieces to add to your closet, that will bring joy to your life this winter and beyond.

Being style savvy

All star

A silk blouse will see you right through party season. This fun, star-printed blouse from RIXO, paired with denim bottoms or a pencil skirt, will infuse your look with effortless style. RIXO’s signature fluted necktie adds an air of sophistication. Or, for a pop of colour on Christmas Day, go with this red blouse, which is embroidered with Swarovski® crystals on its necktie.

When it comes to shopping, it can often be the case that you find yourself coming home with more shopping bags than planned. As a result, some items may stay sitting in your wardrobe unworn.

Fashion stylist and presenter on Virgin Media One, Laura Jordan (stylesavvy. ie), says, “People need to prepare for shopping like they do exercise; plan and prep, narrow the focus, know what you need, then go out and get it.” Laura offers her clients the skills to do that through personal shopping appointments for various budgets.

Give the gift of style this Christmas and treat yourself or your nearest and dearest to a voucher for a session with Laura.

Options include: wardrobe raid (€175), personal shopping (€185), or wardrobe raid plus personal shopping (€325).

Whether it is for a fresh new look, a wardrobe detox or nights out, the voucher will be ideal for the new year.

Angie All Star and Navy Micro Dot Blouse with Necktie, available on rixo.co.uk or in Brown Thomas, €220 Moss Red Crystal Embroidery Blouse with Necktie, available on rixo.co.uk, €225

That’s a wrap Stylish statement

One of the best and easiest ways to take an outfit from day to night, is with accessories.

A statement necklace or earrings can give a look a complete overhaul. Catherine de Crèvecoeur is a stylist, fashion and image consultant, who creates her own range of beautiful jewellery, using the highest quality leather and gold plate. Referring to her colour collection, Catherine says it “celebrates women in fashion who have inspired me through their work as designers and their vision to help women look and feel more confident.” These geometric Roksanda earrings are super lightweight and make the perfect statement earrings without the weight. They will lift any outfit whilst inspiring confidence!

Roksanda Earrings, available at catherinedc.com, €39.50

Wine and dine

Also available in a charcoal grey, the wine version of these Ted Baker suede ankle boots from Littlewoods Ireland caught my eye. I am already thinking about the many ways they can be worn: with a signature flowy LBD (Little Black Dress), either with opaque tights or without; or with a pair of jeans or printed skirt. The jewel tone and metal trim at the top of the boot oozes glamour for the festive season, but come summer time, the bow detail would look great teamed with a pretty floral dress.

Ted Baker Qatena Suede Bow Ankle Boot, available on www.littlewoodsireland.ie, €170

Want to know the secret to looking polished and professional for work, and dressy enough for an evening meal afterwards?

The new Keaton wrap skirt

by Folkster!

Designed in Ireland, the snake-print, suede skirt is available in three shades: antique silver, matte black, and black-and-gold.

The skirt can easily be dressed up or down with boots or heels, cosy knits or cami tops.

The wrap skirt comes in label sizes, UK4 up to a UK20, and has no zips or buttons, making it a fabulous fit.

Keaton Skirt, available in Folkster stores (Dublin city centre, Kilkenny and soon-tobe-opened Dundrum store) or online at folkster.com, €74.95

Looking for a new wine to enjoy during Christmas dinner this year? Clodagh Dooley speaks to wine connoisseur Michelle Lawlor, about her unique wine recommendations this festive season

“The Asian appetite for fine wine outstrips demand, so big deals and wine trades were an intrinsic part of

my week,” says Michelle. “The most expensive wine I ever sold in Hong Kong was to the value of €20,000 and was a magnum of 2009 Domaine Romanee Conti ‘Romanee Conti Grand Cru’.”

Domaine Romanee Conti, referred to as DRC, is so rare and so expensive that Michelle says it is often never actually drunk, but rather collected, stored and admired from a distance.

Tignanello

Ever heard of a Super Tuscan and wondered what it was? From the coastal town of Bolgheri, these are serious wines produced from the most important grape in Tuscany, Sangiovese, along with Cabernet and Merlot. Antinori’s flagship wine, Tignanello is a highly anticipated release in the wine calendar every year.

Gibneys Malahide; Redmonds; 64 Wine; Bradleys, Cork, €95

CLASSIC FRENCH GIFT box For Christmas Day, Michelle also has a wonderful package recommendation, “La Chablisienne Chablis 2015 is 100% Chardonnay, unoaked, crisp and fresh. It’s the perfect accompaniment for smoked salmon on Christmas morning. Chateau Saransot Dupre 2015 from Listrac-Medoc is a Merlot-based Bordeaux and is akin to St Emilion. Big and bold enough to handle all the flavours of your Christmas dinner!”

The big question is do they taste as good as you expect, are they worth it? “In short, yes!” says Michelle.

Michelle’s perfect package is available as a gift set for €51 from 64wine.ie

Michelle gained five years’ experience in Hong Kong selling everything from everyday Malbec to high-end French wines fetching thousands of dollars per bottle. She returned to Ireland last year to join the ELY team, who celebrate their 20th year in business in 2019. With an extensive wine knowledge, we asked Michelle to share her recommendations for the wine lovers of Ireland. Here are her top five fine wines:

Penfolds RWT

Charles Heidsieck Brut NV

Penfolds Grange is synonymous with the best of the best from Australia.

The baby brother to Grange is Penfolds RWT, a wine which has redefined Barossa Shiraz for its perfumed aromas and texture, rather than the muscular style which is the signature of Grange.

According to Penfolds ‘The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995’.

Champagne is a lovely place to start at Christmas and Charles Heidsieck Brut NV is made from the three classic Champagne grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and consistently wins in blind-tasting competitions. One of the best NV (non-vintage) champagnes on the market and retailing at €69, it’s an absolute steal.

O’Briens and all good independent retailers, €69

Corkscrew, Dublin; Bradleys, Cork; Alex Findlater and Co Limerick, €160

Chateau Lynch Bages

Bordeaux wines are often the first port of call when shopping for top-end wines, and it’s hard not to be seduced by their history.

There are over 7,000 chateaux in Bordeaux producing excellent wines, but only 61 are classified ‘Grand Cru Classe’. With an unmistakable Irish connection, Thomas Lynch of Galway founded what is now known as Chateau Lynch Bages in the 19th century; I recommend Chateau Lynch Bages from the blockbuster vintage of 2010.

64 Wine, Glasthule, Dublin , €230

Graham’s Tawny Port

No Christmas table is complete without an after-dinner Port. Graham’s 40-year-old Tawny Port is a work of generations.

Assembled by owner Charles Symington from wines made by his father up to his great-grandfather, this is an incredible wine and amazing to think that it’s 40 years old. Serve it slightly chilled with dark chocolate.

Mitchell & Son, €145

Fine wines

Michelle Lawlor has an impressive wine background, with a career in the industry spanning three continents. She was a sommelier in London, completed a winemaking course in New Zealand and, most recently, was involved in the fast-and-furious high-end, wine and restaurant world, in Hong Kong.

“Produced in Burgundy and 100% Pinot Noir, its enigmatic flavour profile continues to mesmerise those who do break the bank and open the bottle,” says Michelle. “In a recent auction in Sotheby’s, a very rare 1945 Domaine Romanee Conti topped all records to become the highest grossing wine ever sold, at a dizzying USD$558,000!”

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Amouage ‘Honour Woman’

This brand, started by the Sultan of Oman, is renowned for creating some of the world’s most exotic scents. Honour Woman is a soft floral perfume. But, as it is inspired by the tragedy of the opera, Madame Butterfly about the geisha who marries an American man and waits for years for his return, this perfume could be suited to someone with a flair for the dramatic and the romantic.

For my sister

Chloé ‘Nomade Eau De Parfum Gift Set’

A spicy, pepper smell is mixed with flowery jasmine and lily of the valley creating a deep, rich fragrance not for the light of heart. The classic, white bottle has the golden Amouage logo and magnetic cap making it seem like you just gave away a treasure of the Far East.

Available at the Parfumarija store or online at parfumarija.com, €255

Give the gift of a Chloé perfume set and you will be in your sister’s good books forever! This sweet scent has a flowery freshness to it. When seeing the bottle itself with its dangling pink ribbon, I knew I had to give this to my sister to satisfy her girly side! The French brand is the go-to brand for luxury style and scents. The Chloé ‘Nomade’ Body Lotion comes in the set and complements the perfume. It is the perfect gift for Christmas morning.

The Burren Perfumery ‘Frond Eau de Parfum’ My godmother is always asking me where I get my perfume, so this year I have decided to give away my secret. It’s important to keep it Irish, and this brand is quintessential Irishness. It is inspired by the Western landscape and all the products are made by hand in the Burren. The Burren Perfumery’s range smells like home. The Frond Eau de Parfum is a favourite of mine. The feminine scent is warm and sensual with handmade packaging making it truly unique and beautiful. The perfume range is an exquisite gift for anyone, but my aunt is first in line.

The magic of perfume

Available at Debenhams and most major chemists and perfume shops, €102.60

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Perfume is one of the most personal gifts you can buy someone. It must suit their personality, their style and their spirit. Here, writer Shauna McCrudden select a few scents for every person in her life “No elegance is possible without perfume.

It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory”, so said fashion icon, Coco Chanel. But, when looking for that perfect perfume, there are just so many to choose from. I needed to do my Christmas shopping early so headed out to try out a range of perfumes and colognes which could suit everyone on my list. I needed a sweet fragrance, a masculine scent, a fresh Irish aroma, a romantic and dramatic smell and a quirky essence.

A perfume is so personal that your loved ones will know you went the extra mile to get them that ideal gift. I have listed my choices below so who knows, maybe they can help with your Christmas shopping?

For my bestfriend’s girlfriend

GeorgioArmani / Privé Les Eaux Collection ‘Limited Edition Pivoine Suzhou Soie de Nacre’

Show her you love her with this Georgio Armani perfume. Inspired by the ancient Chinese city of Suzhou, this perfume has white peonies infused within the scent. The first spritz will make her fall in love with you even more as the flowery fragrance has a fresh, romantic smell.

The pale pink colour of the bottle is art in itself. The bottle is presented in an ivory case with a poem written in Chinese characters inscribed on the outer box. A poem and a perfume? Well now you’re just showing off!

Available at Brown Thomas, €160

Hugo Boss ‘Boss Bottled United’

For my boyfriend

For my special someone at Christmas

Want to get your new beau a new cologne but don’t know what he likes? Hugo Boss is your go-to brand. This fresh aroma has an outdoorsy air which makes it able to be worn at any time of day. From the office to the pitch to the pub. It is a long-lasting cologne so he won’t have to reapply it too often and it will last all Christmas day.

If he’s not a fan of rich, overpowering fragrances, he will love this softer scent.

Available at Debenhams and most major chemists and perfume shops, €89

Or, why not give a gift of The Burren Perfumery’s collection of scented bar soaps.

Made with organic plant oils, the soaps are scented with essential oils.

Frond Eau de Parfum 50ml, For my €45 and Burren Bar Soaps €7.50 godmother each, available at The Burren Perfumery, online at burrenperfumery. com and Avoca stores nationwide

Etat Libre D’Orange ‘Fat Electrician’

When I heard the name ‘Fat Electrician’, I knew it was the one for my bestie! I visited the remarkable Parfumarija store on Clarendon Street in Dublin and noticed that all the Etat Libre D’Orange perfumes have quirky names to fit with the cool, attractive personality of the brand. Your best friend will love this Parisian cream perfume which is incredibly wearable for day or night. It’s definitely a step up from the friendship bracelets you gave each other in 4th class!

Available at the Parfumarija store or online at parfumarija. com, €85

For my best friend

For the adventurers

For many of us, building DIY forts as children brought plenty of fun. There is something magical about having a cosy space to call your own! Let kids’ imaginations run wild with this In The Jungle Teepee tent.

Available online at rexlondon.com, €111.95

For the artists

The Discovery Children’s Outdoor Paint Easel from Plum, is a great way to get your kid to express themselves and out into the fresh air. They can be inspired by the great outdoors as they paint and discover new things. Because the easel is for outside use, there will be no mess indoors! The easel also has a clear surface for children to paint on, which is easy to clean, as well as a built-in plant pot holder to get little green fingers involved in planting too! Paint is included in the set.

Available online at cuckooland.com, €226.90 (delivery price not included)

Toys without screens!

For the little cyclists

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We all remember getting a bike for Christmas. The Strider 14x Sport Balance/Pedal Bike could be your child’s first bike, but could also be with them until they are seven years old. Strider have a brilliant reputation for balance bikes which create the foundation for instant confident, riding success. This new design means you can start it as a balance bike, yet quickly put on the Easy Ride Pedal kit once your child is ready to master a new world of adventure. It is two bikes in one, which is great for spacesaving and much better value. The bike is very durable as you’d expect from Strider, and is able to take any bangs. The kids will love it, and seeing them cycling on Christmas morning would be a gift for the adults too!

Available online at striderbike.co.uk, approximately €205 (free delivery across Ireland)

For imaginative minds

Lottie is an award-winning doll that aims to encourage kids to embrace individuality, enjoy their childhood and embark on meaningful adventures! The different Lottie characters are inspired by real-life, inventive and adventurous women and girls, such as this Lottie Stargazer Doll. Lottie makes a great role model and has a diverse range of complexions and skin/hair colours and styles.

Her body is also age-appropriate as it’s based on a real 9-year-old’s, and she never wears makeup, jewellery or high heels.

Available online at shop.designist.ie, €25

For the cool kids

Build and display the ultimate Millennium Falcon. For ages 16 and over, this is the largest, most-detailed LEGO® Star Wars Millennium Falcon model LEGO have ever created, with 7,500 pieces! This amazing LEGO interpretation of Han Solo’s unforgettable Corellian freighter, has all the details that Star Wars fans could wish for.

There is impressive external detailing, a large cockpit and detailed interior and the model also features interchangeable sensor dishes and crew. So you decide whether to play out classic LEGO Star Wars adventures with Han, Leia, Chewbacca and C-3PO, or enter the world of Episode VII and VIII with older Han, Rey, Finn and BB-8!

Available online at harrods.com or at Smyths Toy Store (smythstoys.com), from €700

If you are looking for unique Christmas present ideas to take children away from the screen for a while, we have your options covered with these fun products There is much research around the effects of computer and phone screens on children. According to the HSE, too much screen time can impact children’s physical activity, diet and sleep which can lead to obesity and unhealthy habits.

Meanwhile, Baroness Susan Greenfield, a British scientist and senior research fellow at Oxford University, has warned that social media and video games are negatively affecting children’s mental and emotional maturity.

This doesn’t mean screen time needs to be avoided completely, but the HSE’s ‘START’ campaign encourages parents to make a ‘play pact’, by committing as a family to pause their screen time for physical activity and family time. Their advice is: screens should try to be avoided completely for children under 2 years; for 2-5 year olds, stick to one hour of screen time a day; and for children over 5, have clear limits. A good guide is no more than two hours each day for over 5s.

Here are a selection of gifts to replace screen time with!

Christmas is perfect for curling up with a good book in front of the fire.

And what better book to read than one from an Irish author? Book editor Shauna McCrudden selects her favourite Irish books for the winter break For an island with only four million people, Ireland is filled with successful writers. It is not called the land of saints and scholars for nothing. And this year, Irish literature is hitting new heights.

Laurence O’Bryan, founder of the hugely successful Dublin Writers’ Conference and an author with five published novels, says that the state of Irish writing has never been better.

“Irish writing is in rosy-cheeked health,” says Laurence. “The astounding success of Anna Burn’s Milkman

winning the Man Booker Prize in the UK has left us all proud. And the recent success of Patricia Gibney has made international commissioning editors think again about their biases.

O’Brien Press compete for shelf space with wonderfully illustrated historical tomes.

“But, there is also another strand which is emerging, the independent authors.

Irish indie authors are now pace-setters internationally, from the popular sci-fi novels of Gerald M. Kilby, to the exciting WW2 mysteries of JJ Toner and the powerful Regency romance novels of Catherine Kullmann. Irish writing today is very exciting.”

So if you are going to buy books as gifts this year, it would be good to follow Laurence’s advice and support one of our many great Irish authors.

“Our non-fiction is keeping pace too,” adds Laurence, “Astonishingly beautiful children’s books from

Laurence O’Bryan’s new novel, The Sign of The Blood is available from all good bookshops and online Here are just a few of the Irish authors making waves today:

A Suggestion of Scandal by Catherine Kullman

Lovers of Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen and Downton Abbey will enjoy Dubliner Catherine Kullmann’s tale of two Regency house parties, A Suggestion of Scandal.

Life has taught Rosa Fancourt to rely only upon herself. Caught up in a shocking turn of events, she must save herself, even it means leaving all she loves behind. Sir Julian Loring cannot bring himself to believe the worst of his sister’s governess when she disappears in a shocking way, with far-reaching repercussions for his own family.

Catherine Kullman’s regency romance is a joy to read. Her attention to historical detail, likeable characters and well-developed plot makes this book an easy to read and heart-warming romance.

The President’s Cat by Peter Donnelly

This beautifully illustrated tale comes from award-winning illustrator and author, Peter Donnelly who previously wrote The President’s Glasses. It comes right on the tails of the Presidential Election, in which Michael D Higgins won the day. Now let’s discover what he really gets up to!

In the funny story, the President has just returned from holidays to the Áras only to discover he’s left his cat behind him! This is perfect for reading to kids aged 3+. But be wary, the kids might want to help find the President’s cat themselves on Christmas morning.

Available from Easons and all good bookstores nationwide

A Keeper by Graham Norton

We all love Graham Norton for his cheeky personality and quick wit. But he is also establishing himself as one of the most exciting Irish authors today. After having won the Popular Fiction Book of the Year award at the 2016 Irish Book Awards for his debut novel Holding, he’s back with his follow up book, A Keeper.

In A Keeper, the story follows Elizabeth who returns to her childhood home in Cork following the death of her mother.

She discovers a pile of letters from her father addressed to her mother and unearths family secrets with far-reaching consequences.

This book shows Graham Norton’s ability to tell a tale of a quintessentially Irish life. He shows himself to be a provocative storyteller and is able to show the true feeling of loneliness while keeping his famous dry humour throughout the book. Any fiction lover will love this novel as Norton keeps surprising everyone with how good he actually is!

Available from Easons and all good bookstores nationwide

Big Tom: The King of Irish Country by Tom Gilmore

Being from Monaghan myself, ‘Big Tom’ McBride has always been an icon to me. My dad would play his music and call him the King of Irish Country music. And when Big Tom passed away earlier this year, there was an outpouring of grief from him and the music community.

Now, journalist Tom Gilmore looks back at the life and times of the much-missed country legend, sharing never before published interviews with both Big Tom and the friends and family who knew him best.

This is a warm and memorable tribute to the man who paved the way for today’s new wave of country artists. The wit and humour of ‘The Johnny Cash of Ireland’ comes through page by page.

With Irish Country Music undergoing a resurgence in recent years, it seems like young and old country fans will get a lot out of this.

Available from O’Brien Press in all good bookstores nationwide

We’re Going to the Zoo by Sarah Bowie

In this illustrated book, readers get to follow Kitty and Clara around Dublin Zoo and meet the giraffes, tigers and more. The little ones will get to experience a trip to Dublin Zoo and you’ll get to see their faces light up as they see these remarkable animals for the first time along with the characters.

Available from O’Brien Press in all good bookstores nationwide

The Importance of Being Aisling

by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling was never supposed to be the huge bestseller it became. Springing forth from a character created in a Facebook group from Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen’s keen observations of a ‘certain type of Irish girl’, Aisling hit close to home for many of those girls. The hilarious book made waves and now the authors are back to continue the story of everyone’s favourite country girl.

In The Importance of Being Aisling, Aisling’s life is back on track, but a shock change means she needs to move back home to Ballygobbard where she finds a new set of challenges and some major surprises to contend with. The follow-up is every bit as funny as the first and is as full of heart. Every Irish girl will love the new book because after all, you either know an Aisling or you are one!

Available from Easons and all good bookstores nationwide

The book corner

Available from all good bookstores nationwide

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It was all yellow

The colder weather calls for a padded coat like the women’s sporty Ellesse Pejo Jacket. To combat the dark evenings, the team here chose a yellow colour to bring a little sunshine into the office. The hood design provides protection from the elements by blocking out cold air.

The retro puffy, padded jacket can be layered over your favourite looks and is also incredibly stylish, with models like Kendall Jenner sporting a similar look.

Available at ellesse.co.uk, €95

Just a bit to stay fit

FitBit have really kicked things up a notch with their new smartwatch. You get all the benefits of fitness tracking of a Fitbit, but with the notifications of a smartwatch. Plus, the sleek design means you barely even notice it’s on your wrist!

Do you like running with music? Maybe you like to listen to a bit of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now while you huff it down the track?

Well now you can leave your phone behind and link your Bluetooth headphones to the Fitbit. Various watch straps can be easily changed to suit any occasion. With a 4+ day battery life, it can outlast its competitors by a mile. The editorial team tried the special edition with FitBit Pay and a woven strap which is worth the small €30 increase. We were just blown away and inspired to start running all over the city!

Available at fitbit.com/shop/versa, from €199

Christmas and New Year are the times when people start focusing on staying fit after the turkey and glasses of wine take their toll. These are some of the top gear to help you get started on your fitness journey

Styling while cycling

The PEdAL ED Attakai Wool Jacket is for the everyday rider. Whether you cycle to work through the city, or love an evening spin down a country lane, this is the perfect hoodie for on or off the bike. The wool jacket has a soft feel, a polyamide/viscose mix for a snug fit and some cotton to help you breathe. The style of the jacket is perfect for a stylish, casual look, because who said you can’t look good while wearing sports clothes?

And for extra comfort and safety, try the PEdAL ED Thermo Reflective Gloves.

These offer extra warmth during the cold winter mornings with its thermal and wind resistant panels, and it offers high visibility in low light conditions with its reflective fabric. The fabric provides a natural flexibility on the handlebar so you will never lose your grip even in cold weather. We hadn’t come across this brand before, but were really impressed with the Japanese design and Italian workmanship.

Fit to Wear

Available at pedaled.com, The Attakai Wool Jacket is €160 and the Thermo Reflective Gloves are €80

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The right balance

New Balance is a very popular brand so will make a great fashion gift this winter. Their 247 range, designed for 24/7 life, has some really exciting pieces. We loved their Luxe Knit Jogger for him and the beautiful 247 shoe for her which come in various colours. Luxury leisure wear is a great look and makes for great stylish gifts. For the runner in your life they make excellent performance gear and their Fuel Cell Impulse will have them getting PBs in 2019. New Balance has a really unique style and quality to match.

Available from leading stockists and newbalance.ie, the 247 range is from €95 and the Luxe Knit Jogger is from €100

Winter ride

When cycling for hours, you are much more vulnerable to the changes in the weather. The Rapha Classic Winter Cycling Jacket is a winter jacket made to combat any type of weather you might encounter on your ride. It combines wind and waterproofing to keep you comfortable and dry.

The editorial team has tried this jacket and we found that its great fit, good insulation and protection against the elements is perfect for our weekend cycles. The quality is second to none and it got a lot of positive comments from fellow riders including “it’s really stylish and expensive looking”. The jacket also features hivis detailing for riding in low light which is important especially in these shorter, darker days. With last year’s winter lasting until May, a gift like this would be invaluable.

Available at rapha.cc/gb/en/shop, €310

YOUR NEW BABY IS READY FOR DELIVERY. ŠKODA KODIAQ available now from €329 per month.

Introducing the New KODIAQ, it’s not only ŠKODA’s largest SUV but it’s first car with 7 seats. It delivers on ŠKODA’s usual qualities of practicality, thoughtful design, as well as innovative connectivity solutions that are sure to make family life that little bit sweeter.

Available now with 2.9% finance.

skoda.ie

Typical Example: KODIAQ 7 Seater 1.5 TSI 150 BHP Active OTRP €32,950. Deposit €10,123.28. 36 monthly payments of €329 including service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final Payment of €12,880. Total hire purchase price €34,529.64. APR 2.9%. Total cost of credit €1,579.64. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Volkswagen Bank GMBH branch Ireland is authorised by the federal financial Supervisory authority (BaFIN) in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offer available on all orders taken between 15th October to 30th November 2018 & registered before 31st January 2019.

Picture for illustrative purposes only. Price includes delivery and related charges. CO2 from 163-129g/km. Combined fuel consumption from 8.5-4.5 l/100km.

Fresh and fuss-free

As a busy mother of five, Sonia Deasy needed a simple, effective skincare routine. Alongside her sister, who has a degree in biochemistry, she developed Pestle & Mortar, a no-fuss skincare range, free of harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients. “Natural healing principles were instilled in myself and my siblings from a young age – my father remedied ailments with natural ingredients while my uncle practices natural healing today in India, where my grandfather once did,” says Sonia.

“A pestle and mortar is an implement used since ancient times to grind medicines and food, and it has stood the test of time. A perfect name for my business!”

Pestle & Mortar’s Superstar Retinol Night Oil (€76) is one of the bestsellers. The lightweight

oil, which is made in Ireland with two types of retinol and cold-pressed grape seed oil, leaves the skin feeling hydrated and rejuvenated.

When I buy a new skincare product, I have the habit of applying it for just a week or two, and then stopping when I don’t instantly see results. With Pestle & Mortar’s range, I was applying it religiously every day. Even from the first use of the Pure Hyaluronic Serum (€43), my skin looked fresh. The serum can be used twice daily, to help reduce fine lines and is also useful as a primer before applying makeup. Pestle & Mortar products are perfect as stocking fillers and I would highly recommend the sleek Hydrating Duo Gift Set as a present this Christmas. The set includes the serum and Hydrate Moisturiser and is €86, meaning with the combined value of both products (€91), you are saving €5.

Available at selected pharmacies nationwide or online at pestleandmortar.com

Beauty and fashion editor Clodagh Dooley selects some of the best homegrown skincare gifts, for glowing skin this winter

Irish skin saviours

Fresh and fuss-free

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You would be forgiven for thinking the Kinvara range was imported from a hot, exotic country with its colourful, tropical packaging. In fact, the vegan-friendly and organic Kinvara products are produced here on home soil, in Co Galway. However, the brand does have some overseas influence. Owner and founder Joanne Reilly has a background in natural science and a doctorate in tropical ecology, working on endangered species like elephants and rhinos. After spending time doing fieldwork in Sumatra and earlier expeditions to Mauritius, she became passionate about using plants as a natural resource. She set up Kinvara almost five years ago because she was “frustrated with the products available on the market”. They either didn’t work for her or made her skin worse, which is exactly how I feel about some products.

I was impressed with the new Glow Getter Gift Set by Kinvara, which retails at €90.85, and currently has a special introductory offer of €67.90. The set includes the Elemental Exfoliating Powder, 24-Hour Rosehip Face Serum and Hyaluronic Youth Boost. Hyaluronic acid has become a sought-after ingredient in recent years, due to its plumping qualities and contribution to tackling aging. But, what most appealed to me was the Elemental Exfoliating Powder, which is enriched with vitamins and marine minerals to remove dull skin cells. I dislike granules or beads that are commonly left on your skin or in your hair, after washing off an exfoliator. This doesn’t happen with the Kinvara exfoliating powder, it washes off completely and there is no need for scrubbing.

Although beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, Irish skincare brands are currently making waves in the business, with a handful of small Irish companies producing niche beauty products. With people becoming more conscious of the ‘bad’ ingredients such as free radicals and oxidants, the emphasis on pure and organic is gaining momentum. I, for one, have always felt overwhelmed by the ingredients in skincare products and their effects. I decided to put some of our homegrown skincare products to the test and I wanted to understand the ingredients and story behind each brand: what makes them so unique. Now, to decide which gift to add to my Christmas wish list!

Available in select pharmacies, salons and health stores nationwide or online at kinvaraskincare.com

Beard care

Neuu Seaweed Skincare for men was a massive hit with the guys in our office. Their beautifully packaged travel gift set for €48 includes a hair and body wash, shave gel and post-shave balm. This means men can now have the lipids from Atlantic seaweed, which is beneficial for keeping skin hydrated and elastic, whilst also protecting it from the sun. They have a wide range including face scrubs and eye serum, so men can take care of their skin as well as women. Get some seaweed superfood for your skin! Prices from €21-€48.

Co-founder of Machado, Síle Headen, from Co Laois, came in to show us her brilliant beard balms, oils and soaps. Síle uses natural ingredients such as Natural Beeswax, Portuguese Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and African Shea Butter, which make the products really stand out. The men in the office were very happy with the results. They have lovely grooming sets online for the men in your life (€28.99), but they will also be exhibiting at the Gifted Contemporary Craft & Design Fair at the RDS from December 5th-9th.

Available at neuu.com

Available at machado.ie

Skin superfood

Natural stocking filler

Real luxury

Unravelling the black-and-gold branded ribbon of the luxurious Ría Organics gift set, I had a feeling I would be in for a treat.

And, in for a treat I was! I was presented with three golden lids of Ría Organics’ Restorative Eye Cream, Energising Day Cream and Replenishing Night Cream. A miniature card with a note from co-founder Nicola Shevlin added a personal touch. The card read: “If you take care of the organic oils and activities in this cream, they will continue to take care of you”. She refers to storing the products in a cool place away from direct sunlight, to maximise longevity.

As a special offer for the festive season, each premium gift set comes with a complimentary Jade Roller worth €25, which Nicola explains “helps your moisturising product penetrate more deeply into the skin and helps to improve skin tone and fine lines”. For example, when applying the Energising Day Cream

(which combines avocado, rosehip oil, vitamin E and C and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin), simply pop some cream on your face and spread around with the Jade Roller.

I gifted my mother Rita the Jo Browne Facial Cleansing Balm (€34) and Bamboo Facecloth (€7.95) last Christmas, as it was a relatively new product to the market and its presentation, in a natural bamboo tub, looked beautiful. She was impressed by how many uses she got from the tub. It lasted her for months. She only had to use a small amount of balm (which includes camellia oil, considered a ‘miracle oil’ for its healing benefits) at a time. You simply melt the freshly scented balm between your fingertips and massage onto dry skin, removing with the Bamboo Facecloth, which is 100% eco-friendly. Bamboo is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and

odour-resistant, which makes it superior to most alternatives.

This year, Joanne Browne, who is a qualified reflexologist and holistic therapist, has also launched two luxury soaps – Sandalwood and Earthy Patchoulli and Lemongrass and Wild Jasmine, both with Bamboo Silk. While I am yet to try them, they look perfect to put under the Christmas tree for my mother this year (hopefully she won’t be reading this!)

For another nice Christmas present idea, you can purchase Jo Browne’s Luxury Gift Set for €42, which includes the Facial Cleansing Balm and Bamboo Facecloth.

Products available to buy in Kilkenny shops, Kilkenny Design, House of Ireland and other select stores nationwide, and online at jobrowne.com

The cooling effect and feel of the rich cream on your skin is extremely satisfying! Nicola, who is a nurse with specialised training in skin healing and renewal, and her team, are passionate about creating products that are powerful, pure and environmentally friendly. She combined her skills with her brothers’ – Richard (who has a background in chemistry) and Andrew (a horticulturist) – to develop a range which meets the highest internationally recognised organic certification, the COSMOS-standard. As well as being filled with the most nourishing organic oils, butters, tinctures, extracts and actives, the creams smell divine.

Available in a select number of pharmacies, health stores and boutiques nationwide or buy online at riaorganics.ie/

Timeless style

Founded by Sammy Donnelly, master barber in Dublin in 1947, Pomp & Co make a wide range of incredible quality products for men. We tested their beard balm, hair cream and pomade (they made the first in Ireland, perfect for pomps, slick-backs and classic styles) and their quality is second to none. We will never put inferior products near our hair again. And, because Pomp & Co products are water-based, they wash out easily too! Prices for products start at €8.

Available at pomp.ie use code xmasgift to get 10% off.

In for a treat!

Everyone’s skin type is different and if you are unsure about what products to use, it is always worth speaking to a skincare specialist or professional. As another great beauty-related gift idea, you can’t go wrong with a voucher for a facial, beauty treatment or skin consultation. Here are two that I would recommend: Thérapie Clinic From Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, to Sligo, there are many of the Irish-run Thérapie Clinics dotted around the country. Each offer a variety of special treatments, with a skin clinic, body clinic, cosmetic injections and laser hair removal. For example, skin treatments include six JetPeel 3V sessions for €600, which is a natural procedure that deep cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates and oxygenates the skin. Or, try their popular Environ facial treatments.

Gift cards available on therapieclinic.com

The Skin Nerd I have just picked up a copy of award-winning skin lecturer and facialist Jennifer Rock’s (aka The Skin Nerd) new book, ‘Your Straight-Talking Guide to Feeding, Protecting and Respecting Your Skin’. To say that I am excited to read it would be an understatement. Jennifer and her team of expert skin analysts have an online consultation process, which allows them to evaluate your skin and come up with a tailor-made plan, with product recommendations. Buy your loved one a personalised consultation voucher with one of the expert Nerdettes (€50) and add in Jennifer’s new book to complete the ultimate beauty gift.

The Skin Nerd book is available to buy on the website or at Eason for €19.99. To purchase a skin consultation voucher, visit theskinnerd.com/online-skinconsultation-gift-voucher/

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to get away from it all and enjoy winter excursions. Here, we list some of the top experiences you can enjoy over the winter break Do you want to see your child’s joyful face when they see Santa for the first time?

Or maybe you want to take a break from Christmas planning and go to a spa?

Perhaps you want to do none of these things and, instead, sleep in a room full of ice! We have you covered for all these ideas and more.

Take a break and journey to one of these wonderful winter adventures:

Unique Winter Experiences

Wiener Christkindlmarkt

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There are plenty of Christmas markets throughout Europe, but none are as beautiful as the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna. Situated on the Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall and opposite the Burgtheater, the market dates back to the late 18th century.

This yuletide market attracts an estimated 3.5 million people a year to its famous market. Gaze up at the giant illuminated Christmas tree, listen to the advent trumpeters and choir, or just bite into a lebkuchen (a German baked Christmas treat) for a real Viennese Christmas. There is chocolate in the shape of everyday objects, hand-crafted goods as well as traditional presents on sale, all perfect for Christmas gifts.

The events in the surrounding area are also worth a visit. The park areas either side of the market feature illuminated ice skating, lit-up trees, a carousel, a reindeer train and much more.

From November 16th to December 26th, open daily. While the market is open all day, it is better to go at night to really have the Christmas experience.

Visit wienerweihnachtstraum.at/en/christkindlmarkt/

Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort

Bath Butler at Cliff at Lyons Hotel

Treat your loved one this Christmas and give the gift of a Druids Glen Gift Voucher. Your loved one can stay on the 349-acre estate in the heart of Co Wicklow, known as the Garden County, for its natural beauty.

Is there anything more romantic than a intimate couple getaway? Well how about a romantic bath at a top resort? Cliff at Lyons, in Co. Kildare have a very creative trip available called The Bath Butler. This takes bathing to a whole new level of indulgence as a bath is drawn for you using a menu of choices (the team at the office all want to go for the Lavender and Atlantic Seaweed bath!).

Stay in one of the five-star hotel’s spectacular rooms and eat at one of the two AA rosette restaurants, famous for its culinary excellence, where you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the best food around. Indulge in a spa treatment at the Elemis Spa. Choose a skincare therapy to rejuvenate you after walking in the winter air - the 70-minute Elemis Advanced Facial Ritual is a personal favourite.

You can have a gin & tonic or beverage of your choice making it a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own room! Each bath comes with a complimentary gift to recreate it at home – a jar of CLIFF Honey, or The Well at CLIFF Cypress & Atlantic Seaweed Bath Salts, or The Well at CLIFF Lavender & Atlantic Seaweed Bath Salts.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in The Conservatory and then take in a round of golf on one of the championship golf courses, which has played host to four Irish Opens and the Seve Trophy. A trip to the Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort will suit everyone, no matter what their taste.

With two nights bed and breakfast, a three-course dinner in the Orangery and late check-out, this is the perfect way to start the new year!

Visit cliffatlyons.ie. Bath Butler costs from €600 per stay for two people sharing (one bath included, but an extra bath can be added for €50)

For more information visit, www.druidsglenresort.com. Gift vouchers can be bought for up to €1,000

Seek at Fota Island Santa Experience

Every winter, the woodlands at Fota Island Resort in Co Cork are transformed into an exciting Christmas experience for the whole family.

Last year saw over 60,000 people enjoy Fota Island’s festive fun, and this year it will be made all the more special with the Seek Christmas experience. This Christmas’ event is a surprise, and all is top secret, but guests can expect plenty of festive magic and yuletide cheer within the woods at Fota Island Resort. If you are lucky, you will get to walk in a winter wonderland, meet Santa and Mrs Claus and many other characters.

Tickets sell out very fast so make sure to book online now. The best way to experience it is for the whole family to stay in the five-star Fota Island Resort. Prices range from €195 for an overnight stay with B&B in the hotel (two adults sharing) or from €620 for two nights in one of Fota Island Resort’s two bedroom self-catering lodges. Dinner in their Amber Lounge makes for an end to the perfect day.

Seek at Fota Island Resort runs from 24th November to 23rd December.

Tickets range from €10.50 per adult and from €15.50 per child.

Visit fotaseek.ie

Travel - Why Turning Left is Best

Kevin Flanagan is invited to Hong Kong to watch the Rugby Sevens tournament, and has as much fun in the air as on the ground My one abiding memory of rugby (well, it’s two actually), was playing scrum-half for my team when I was just nine years old. I was at a Jesuit-run Preparatory school in Wimbledon. It was rugby-mad, and I had somehow clawed my way into the first team. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I remember an ice-cold wind. Somehow, we were on top through my first-ever try in rugby. Soon I had a second and then a third. Being scrumhalf was turning out to be easy - or so I thought. Then two things happened. The opposition No 7, a bull of a boy, rammed his scrum-capped head into my groin as I went to pick up the ball and score. I can still feel the pain!

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As I took my seat, I was handed a glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne, an awardwinning bubbly of the highest quality

I dropped the ball and they scored at the other end of the field. For the rest of the game, I was hobbling around as the opposition slowly caught up, and then surpassed us by a score.

As the game drew to a close, we had a scrum near their line. This was a final chance to clinch the match. Again I picked up the ball, and this time evaded the No 7 and made it over the line! But with the match in the bag I decided to go for glory and go under the posts. In my euphoria I stepped over the end-goal line. The try was disallowed, and the ref blew his whistle. I had single-handedly lost the game. My rugby career would never recover from the shame, but my love of the game survived, at least as a spectator.

Fast-forward 40 years, and I get an invite from Cathay Pacific to see the worldfamous 2018 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Competition. This was an irresistible offer on two fronts. First, I had never visited Hong Kong before. Second, it was the chance to see super-fast sevens rugby at the highest level. Count me in, I replied!

Cathay Pacific now fly direct from Dublin to Hong Kong, but as I was on business in London, we met at Gatwick Airport and were whisked off to the Business Class Lounge. No queues, no hassle, straight into a world of luxury and quiet. And, this continued as we were escorted onto the plane. There is no feeling quite like turning left when getting onto a longhaul flight and being escorted to your Business Class seat. It is not really a seat, more like a futuristic space-pod, that extends into a full bed. There was a large high-def TV, which displayed just about everything you could wish for. From menus to movies, to cameras mounted on the plane which gives you forward, tail and under-belly views as you take-off and land!

Kevin overlooking Hong Kong

and one of my favourites. And, quality was really the hallmark word for the rest of the flight.

It was the sense of space that appealed to me the most. You could turn a handle and your seat would stretch in or out, changing your body position as you wish. No squirming in your seat, as you sit bolt upright, trying to get some sleep.

Knowing you have 12 hours to fill, in the utmost space and luxury, you settle yourself into an enjoyable rhythm. I changed into comfy slippers and loose clothing, my jacket and shirt being hung on hangers by the ever-attentive staff.

Then I toured the Business Class cabin.

The cockpit door was open and the pilot, a broad-shouldered Aussie and his South African co-pilot, allowed me to glimpse the state-of-the art displays, giving me an outline of what countries we would fly over and what weather to expect in Hong Kong (much warmer than chilly London!).

Then it was back to my seat to finish my second glass of champagne and await take-off. I switched between cameras, as the plane gathered speed on the runway and took off. It was then that the legendary Cathay Pacific Business Class service kicked in.

We started with dinner, which was really like eating in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Full silver service and beautiful wine tumblers for the excellent selection of wines. A full menu of cocktails.

NEW MEAL SERVICE Cathay Pacific has a new meal service, allowing passengers to have greater

choice when selecting their meals, as well as more control over when they receive them. I had a choice of three appetisers, as well as six main course options. And both Western and Chinese-style dishes were available. I went for the Asian option and sampled Wok-fried seafood with lobster soup, ginger, spring onion, and crispy and steamed rice - which turned out to be a mouthwatering dish. Later, I went European and had Garganelli pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and virgin olive oil. The pasta was al dente and the fresh basil as fresh as if it had just been picked.

It was a truly amazing experience enjoying this quality of food at 38,000 feet, sipping fine Bordeaux wine as the sun set over the mountains of Eastern Europe below. Unforgettable.

Then it was a movie, deep sleep (uninterrupted and dream-filled) and before I knew it, breakfast was served and I was craning out of the window as we flew low over Hong Kong waters.

Below there was a palpable change in the atmosphere. Chinese fishing boats bobbed up and down on the water, as the neon signs of Hong Kong announced a different culture. We landed and a whole new world opened up. Hong Kong was a revelation. Tall buildings, an eclectic mix of people, all rushing about their business amid buildings young and old, several with a strong, colonial past.

We stayed at the Kowloon Shangri-La (shangri-la.com), a 5-Star hotel that had every amenity you could wish for, and a level of service that seems unique to the

Orient. For me, visiting Hong Kong for the first time was love at first sight.

HONG KONG SEVENS The next day, we went to The 2018 Hong Kong Sevens at the impressive Hong Kong Stadium, the main sports venue. Located in Causeway Bay, and with a capacity of 40,000, this stadium hosts rugby for rock stars. Before we even arrived, we could hear the roars mixed with thudding rock music. It was that deep-seated sound that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Once inside, the cauldron of noise increased, and we were swept up with a surge of people of all ages, colours and nationalities. Some were in fancy dress (a feat given the 30-degree heat!), some waving flags and blaring horns. All were in good spirits.

This was the 43rd edition of the Hong Kong Sevens tournament, and the seventh tournament of the 2017–18 World Rugby Sevens Series. The performances at this tournament would determine the seedings of the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens - so it was as serious on the pitch as it was fun on the terraces!

I was invited to the Cathay Pacific Lounge, and soon found myself rubbing shoulders (much larger shoulders, I must admit) with legends such as Jason Leonard and World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio. Hot and cold food kept us fueled, while an endless supply of drinks lubricated the proceedings. And unlike the bustling terraces outside, there were no queues! The best part for me

was dancing along to the Queen-like rock anthems that filled the stadium after every match (and try). People of all ages were literally bopping in the aisles!

For the rugby aficionados, Fiji won the tournament, defeating Kenya 24–12 in the final. (Fiji also drew the biggest roar of the weekend when thrashing favourites New Zealand 50–7). We stayed on late to watch the Boys in Green. They were appearing for the first time in the World Series Qualifier tournament, and were the dominant team during pool phase of the competition. But Japan won 12–7 in the semi-final, and we wandered home a little deflated.

But that didn’t last long! A night out in Hong Kong will lift anyone’s spirits. By the end of three days, we must have watched most of the 45 matches played.

Then it was back to Dublin, but not before enjoying the hospitality of one of the Cathay Pacific’s three lounges at Hong Kong airport. Filled with Asian food, a world selection of wines and cocktails galore, it certainly took travelling long-haul to a whole new level. (and you can avail of showers and rest areas to nap).

After this experience, it will be hard making a right-hand turn on any longhaul flight. But, as I remind myself, I will always have the memories of my Hong Kong Sevens Heaven to remember, and maybe new experiences to forge in this gem of the Orient.

See cathaypacific.ie

Chefs enjoy cuisine in the air My friend, former Young Chef of the World, Mark Moriarty, a 26-year-old from Ventry in Kerry, was also recently in Hong Kong. He was accompanied by Graham Neville of Dax Restaurant and Mickael Viljanen of the Michelinstarred Greenhouse on Dawson St. They were in Hong Kong to cook a seven-course tasting menu, for expats and locals, featuring dishes that included Asian and Japanese flavours paired with Irish and European recipes. The reaction was, as Mark told me, “very positive”.

Irish hospitality was at the front and centre of the week-long venture. Mark describes it as a very positive experience. “And, very exciting to cook for a new group of people with three very different chefs.”

When I asked Mark if he enjoyed the catering in

the sky, he heaped praise on Cathay Pacific in general, and Paul Cruttenden, in particular, who flew the three chefs from Dublin to Hong Kong and back, on the new non-stop flight. The first flight connecting Asia and Ireland.

“Chefs can be difficult to please, but we found the Cathay Pacific food offering exceptional.

There were three different lounges in Hong Kong, and the level of service was outstanding.

The food on the flight was delicious and catered for all tastes. But, the standout out for all of us was the hospitality that the Cathay Pacific staff delivered. That and the fact that we flew direct to Dublin with no transfer. Overall, outstanding.”

Details of Cathay Pacific Dublin - Hong Kong direct: cathaypacific.ie

Mickael Viljanen, Mark Moriarty and Graham Neville

District Magazine Issue 005: Roots

District Magazine (€9.95) explores the various cultural influences that continue to make Ireland unique. With a strong focus on music, its topics range from hip hop, ancient belief systems and everything in-between; this magazine will leave you wishing it came out more than twice a year. For details on the latest events in Dublin, District’s weekend guide on their website also has this covered.

See.Sense Ace Bike Lights: Front and Rear Set

These recently launched smart bike lights from Northern Ireland were among the best lights we have ever used. They are so bright and noticeable (from a mile away), a friend even asked “are you trying to light up the moon?” And, all this from a small and light package! The front and rear set are an ideal gift to give the cyclist in your life, to keep them safe on the road this winter and beyond. They also have an accompanying app and are USB-charged, all for €89.59. It’s great to see an Irish company being so innovative and their product is certainly noticeable, which is exactly what you expect from a top bike light!

Available as a digital and physical magazine at districtmagazine.ie. Issue 005 available in Hen’s Teeth, Fade St. & The Library Project, Temple Bar

From bike lights to smart sticks, Tahlia Kraefft rounds up some of the best gifts today

For more information, seesense.cc

News, news, news…

Our Table

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Our Table is a community-driven, non-profit project aiming to highlight the need to end direct provision in Ireland. Direct Provision is the government programme which facilitates 4,300 asylum seekers in Ireland while they wait for their applications to be processed. Under this scheme, asylum seekers are not allowed to work or cook.

Our Table was founded by activist Ellie Kisyombe, currently living in Direct Provision, who believed that a conversation needed to be started. She and a team living under the scheme set up a café in the outdoor area of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin to highlight the problems with Direct Provision, and to express their culture through food. Our Table sell a range of hot sauces including their Extra Hot Chilli Sauce, Smokey Lemon Herb Hot Sauce and their Mild Lemon Herb Hot Sauce. They are the perfect accompaniment to any meal but get ready to feel the burn!

Our Table’s range of products are sold in The Good Food Store, Dublin 2. Every 50 cent from each product sold will be donated to education funds for children in Direct Provision. For more information, visit ourtable.ie

NOW TV Smart Stick and Entertainment Pass

Christmas is a stressful time from presents, to dinner, to which family member you should leave out of the invitation. But what shouldn’t be stressful is what to curl up and watch with the family on Christmas Day. The handy, portable NOW TV Smart Stick device with HD & Voice Search plugs straight into the HDMI port of your TV, and lets you watch all your NOW TV Passes on your big screen.

Give the gift of a NOW TV Entertainment Pass (€15 per month and 14day free trial) and watch over 300 box sets of the most binge-worthy tv shows around. Or how about the Sky Cinema Pass (€15 per month and 14-day free trial) and enjoy over 1,000 movies on demand! The Sky Sports Pass and Kids Pass are also available.

Optica Wolfhound Irish-made glasses

Having been inspired by Ireland’s landscape and heritage, Wolfhound Eyewear were driven to create unique, beautifully crafted eyewear.

If you have ever felt that your glasses don’t suit your face, not to worry!

The Wolfhound range features a specially curated colour palette and designs chosen to harmonize with the wearers’ appearance and be just the right style. These glasses have a balance of classic design and handcrafted quality and all of their sunglasses include custom Zeiss lenses.

Wolfhound glasses are designed in Ireland and crafted using traditional manufacturing methods in Italy.

The entire eyewear collection is available in Optica, 6 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

For more information, visit opticadublin.com

Sign up at NOWTV.com/ie

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4

The previous COD game sold well over $1 billion globally and the follow up might be no different.

Its new blackout mode is the big change, where a Battle Royale of up to 100 players descend (a literal descent from a plane!) onto a massive map with only the last man/woman standing. Despite the removal of campaign mode, you have an expanded Zombies game plus the always fun multiplayer mode.

The pace of the action in the game is a level up from last year, so everyone will enjoy this as a gift for the Christmas break.

Available now from €65-70 (specialist edition exclusive to GameStop) For more visit, callofduty.com/blackops4. PEGI 18+

Dunne & Crescenzi Gift Hamper

The Dunne & Crescenzi chain of restaurants in the heart of Dublin offer an authentic Italian dining experience. Now you can take their fabulous food home with you. Dunne & Crescenzi Gift Hampers make the ideal gift for the foodie in your life! These hampers are beautifully wrapped and brimming with deliciously decadent treats, carefully chosen Italian wines and exclusive produce to Dunne & Crescenzi.

Filled with a selection of Italian products including festive Panettone, luxury biscotti, authentic Italian coffee, delicious Italian pasta, DOP extra virgin olive oil and fine Italian wines – there’s something for everybody! Dunne & Crescenzi have hampers available to suit all budgets and can tailor the contents to your preference to create a unique gift for your loved one.

Visit dunneandcrescenzi.com

Douchebags

Don’t be put off by the name! Jon Ohlsson, the man behind these ultra-cool, smart travel bags happens to be a former champion freestyle skier, and ninetime medal X-Games winner.

With his business partner in Norway, Truls Brataas, they discovered they both shared a passion for new exhilarating ski travel, however, both found the hassle of carrying ski gear frustrating. Their innovative range of backpacks, ski and bike bags reflect this mission ‘to make better journeys’. With 200 top athletes using their bags for everyday use Douchebags have been conquering mountains. The Douchebag range includes ‘The Backpack’ for €199 and also caters for the urbanite and their everyday concrete jungle exploring. The quality of the bag is obvious, and the style really makes them stand out as the perfect travel gift. They certainly are not just for ski travel but also the perfect daily accessory.

See douchebags.com