Aine has been self-isolating, by choice, for most of 2021. She has 80,000 words to deliver by December 15 – the first draft of her memoir, working title High Res – and thus far her output could best be described as slow and sloer.

An occasional tipple of her own sloe gin concoction has hindered progress, as has her need to frequently restyle her “writing corner”. Complete with a vintage Remington Steel typewriter beside a Georgian window overlooking a meadow, Aine loves to Instagram her surroundings though finds captions have taken up further creative energy. However, it’s all in a good cause – massaging her profile as an observant and sensate creature, she fervently believes in Diana Vreeland’s maxim that elegance begins in the mind.

Aine is feeling particularly buoyant about Christmas: she has always endured rather than enjoyed the festive season. Secret Santa, work drinks and office parties are her bête noir. Now, using the latest public health notices and her deadline as an excuse, she can swerve any social gatherings completely.

Not that she is frugal or a Scrooge. A daily treat she cannot forego is popping into her local Butler’s Chocolate Café for an extra hot cappuccino and some of her favourite praline and caramel truffles. After a brisk walk around the block, she returns to cross reference her orders and deliveries; Aine has a perfectly Merry Clickmas underway, with packages arriving daily which she will place under a self-lighting faux olive tree.

Her book advance has almost been spent in these late night self-gifting forays. Her rationale – there’s no point writing about her luxury lifestyle if she’s not feeding it. An assortment of lipsticks, cashmere socks, LED masks and velvet barrettes are stocking fillers. To offset the expenditure, Aine has also been decluttering and attempting to gather some shekels via Depop and eBay. As a result she’s on first name terms with all delivery companies.

Aine is looking forward to emerging from her creative cocoon as a fully-fledged author and is already picturing the book launch in early March, with a podcast to follow. Hair appointments have been carefully choreographed to ensure she is tressed for success. Roll on 2022!

Aine recommends the following:

The Dark Platinum Collection, €15; The ultimate collection of classic and contemporary luscious dark chocolates, beautifully presented in a stylish platinum box, with a mini clutch-style story card detailing the opulent chocolate selection inside.

Christmas Music Tin, €20; This combines old school glamour, which Aine loves, with delicious treats inside – as the song says she fully intends to have her own Merry Little Christmas.

Deluxe Presentation Box, €49.95; It’s all about the details and this one kilo assortment is presented in a handmade box and handtied with a luxurious ribbon. Inside, the chocolate selection is guaranteed to please the most demanding of chocolate connoisseurs.

www.butlerschocolates.com