From festive afternoon tea to immersive cultural experiences and decorating the tree – here are some Glossy things to get up to this weekend…
Revisiting: Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co Cork. Chosen by J Crew as the location for its recent “Mind Your Manors” festive campaign shoot, the hotel was also selected by Goop editors in its “The Forward-to-Your-SO” gift guide. Regardless of the glow up, Ballymaloe has never been out of style in our opinion. Book a festive stay, or pop into its Shop and Cafe for present inspiration, where you can pick up the new limited edition Ballymaloe Vodka Cranberry Sauce for a decadent addition to the Christmas pantry. A favourite weekend treat is Saturday pizza at the Cookery School. www.ballymaloe.ie
Investigating: The Book of Kells Experience, a new immersive digital exhibition that transports visitors into the illuminated pages of the 9th century manuscript and the collections of the Old Library. There’s also a reconstruction of Trinity’s Long Room. This experience supports the conservation of the Old Library. www.visittrinity.ie
Dining in: The Dunmore restaurant, housed in the former Bowery building in Rathmines. Specialising in seafood and cocktails, it’s a new venture from siblings Clifden and Louise Foyle who run the Strand Inn in Dunmore East, Co Waterford. 196 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, Dublin 6 @thedunmored6
Singing Along to: The Irish premiere of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical at Bord Gais Energy Theatre, on until January 7. Memorable songs include The Candy Man and Pure Imagination with new numbers from lyricist and composer Marc Shaiman and Scott Witman. We’re booking The Circle Club to enjoy the evening in style. www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
Booking: The new Deerstone Eco Resort, in Laragh, Co Wicklow. The luxury hideaway includes five eco cottages, four shepherds huts and two suites designed to integrate with the landscape. On hand are yoga, massage and relaxation therapists to help guests unwind further. www.thedeerstone.ie
Decorating the tree: From disco ‘shrooms to rustic toadstools with red caps, mushroom Christmas decorations are trending. Got the look with mushroom shaped string lights (find pretty glass versions at M&S), or use ceramic mushrooms as place settings.
Reading: Jake Arnold’s Redefining Comfort, by Rizzoli, €55, while snuggling in front of the fire. It’s essential reading on how to decorate the house ahead of guest arrivals.
Wearing: Queens of Archive vintage-inspired dresses and blouses in winter florals, metallic gold and star prints. The brand was founded in 2021 by Sarah Plunkett from Dublin, and Nicola Orme, from Cheshire. Find the collection at Arnotts. www.arnotts.ie.
Consulting: Sea Studio’s calendar for 2024, to find the perfect spot to take the plunge (also a good gift for sea swimming friends). www.seastudio.ie.
Indulging in: A festive afternoon tea experience in the elegant Gold Salon at Carton House, Co Kildare. Sittings are available to book every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm, priced at €65.www.cartonhouse.com