Seven weeks and counting: Sophie’s Christmas preparations are well underway and central to this year’s celebrations is her terrace. Verbier to Vico is the theme. As she shelled out a fortune on a new Moncler jacket, Sophie is determined to get some mileage from the purchase. She has styled herself on Aerin in Aspen and has been applying a nourishing radiance serum to accentuate an outdoorsy inner glow.

As for the terrace, Sophie has been sourcing the most sustainable fire pit, and is getting the local carpenter to knock up a wooden frame from which she will hang lights and fir garlands, or in worse case (rain) scenario, a heavy duty tarpaulin cover. Other accessories to be sourced include lanterns, a log store, sheepskin throws and lots of potted eucalyptus and rosemary. So much to do, so little time …

Sophie is planning the big terrace reveal for the first week of December, and has already planned a carefully stage-managed teaser campaign across Insta Stories and Twitter. Sourcing a series of matching Christmas jumpers for the family has also taken time to plan. Fair Isle, Aran, Nordic and ironic, Sophie has made sure she has all themes (and festive colour palettes) covered.

As for catering, on the menu is the three Cs – cheese, champagne and chocolate. Raclette and fondue evenings will be interspersed with barbecues. Tony, her husband, has done a Weber advanced course and is now a whizz at “under lid” barbecuing – the turkey will be cooked al fresco. For sweet treats, Sophie is au fait with Butlers brilliant festive range and has selected her favourites.

Sophie is using the Butlers red Christmas baubles, €8, filled with yummy truffles, as part of the decor and found that the Butlers Yuletide cracker collection €10, is ideal for party favours. With after dinner espressos, Sophie also recommends a square of Butlers Dark Chocolate with Irish Atlantic Sea Salt, €4. She is also planning on filling bowls with Butlers Irish Whiskey Truffles, €7. Wrapped in different colours of green foil they look so pretty in the candle light! Sophie is determined to use Christmas to pivot her new career as a lifestyle guru in 2022.

Sophie recommends these party pleasers:

Butlers Advent Calendar, €20, is an indulgent daily treat and the best way to countdown to Christmas. The collection of 24 chocolates, includes classics and festive chocolates, such as Salted Hazelnut Caramel, Midnight Ginger and Passionata.

Butlers Large Velvet Presentation Boxes, €25, are decadent and tactile. Once open (it’s almost too pretty to destroy the packaging) the collection of 28 assorted chocolate truffles and pralines includes signature Butlers Chocolates, such as Chocolate Flake Truffle and White Butter Praline, and favourites including Salted Almond & Butterscotch and Mango & Lemongrass.

Butlers Hazelnut Truffles Powder Puff, €10, is filled with delicious milk chocolate truffles, generously rolled in roasted hazelnut pieces. This beautiful red keepsake box is the perfect stocking filler.

www.butlerschocolates.com