1
Anna and her friends haven’t met in person for eight months and decide on a festive afternoon tea. Here’s hoping Dr Tony won’t interfere with their plans.

2
Deciding on a date, venue and style of tea are all hurdles. The unanimous decision is to have the “+ champagne” option wherever they go.

3
They book The Westbury which never disappoints on service or people-watching opportunities. The idea is to go Christmas shopping afterwards. Each has requested a half day off work.

4
Claire decides 3pm works perfectly for her 14:8 intermittent fasting regime. The others would like it to be a light lunch or late breakfast. WhatsApp messages ping.

5
Emma insists they incorporate a Secret Santa element and sets a €15 price point. Anna does the maths. Between the blowdry, manicure and afternoon tea, this will be a costly jaunt.

6
Competitive dressers and gifters to a woman, all begin scrolling for inspo. Anna sources a subtly sparkly dress from Caoimhe Murphy and will wear Choos.

7
Palo Santo incense bundles from Nunaia come in under budget for Anna’s Secret Santa gift. She just knows the others will have gone to Penneys.

8
Fiona gets to the Gallery lounge first. She has brought diamanté crowns as “a surprise”. Anna and Claire are incensed – the crowns cheapen their ensembles – but gamely put them on for a pic.

9
Ravenous, they all dive in for the finger sandwiches. At this stage in a rollercoaster year, who cares about calories?

10
Shopping abandoned, the friends rehash their Debs ten years before. Anna confesses to getting off with Fiona’s date on the coach home. That date is now Fiona’s husband. Oh my goodness, is that the time?

Illustration by Becky Donnelly