Wishlist: Tea Time

With autumn on its way and the nights drawing in, it’s time to get cosy in the midst of the back to school rush. Helping with the effort, Esther N McCarthy picks a clock, some lamps, cute pottery and clothes to wrap baby in.

Sun, 08 Sep, 2013 - 01:00

* How pretty is this? I love this pink cotton blanket with linen applique flowers and now that we’re having to think about autumnal weather, it’s handy that it is backed with fleece. ’So Cosy’ quilts, blankets and baby bunting are designed and handmade by Brenda Palmer. All products are 100% cotton and machine washable and are made to order. Prices for quilts and blankets start at €50.00 + P&P for average size 80cm x 1m, bunting starts at €20 + P&P Brenda’s email is socosybaby@gmail.com

* What could be better than a little making and baking for some quality time with the kids? Keep them entertained with the bold and bright puzzles which, once completed, will reveal Mary Gosling’s delicious cupcake recipe. Get the children’s creative juices flowing as you help them bake their cupcakes and when you’ve finished you can even store them in the beautiful tin. It ticks all the boxes. http://goslinggames.ie

* Very interesting hue going on with this Ombre glass pendant. It’s available from Next nationwide for €32, or have a squint at it online at http://ie.nextdirect.com.

* Back to school people will like this one — a rather stylish desk lamp in very cool mint green — it will make the homework easier. It really won’t, that was a lie. But it might brighten up the room a bit. € 32 from Harvey Normans. www.harveynorman.ie

* Go all out with this big old fob clock — it measures 85cm x H108cm and is €299 from The Pavilion Garden Centre

* Add class to your cuppa with this gorgeous porcelain coffee set by Martha Williamson. She comes from the small gaeltacht village of Spiddal in Co. Galway, an area known for its community of artists and musicians. This creative environment continues to have a strong influence on her as a maker. She has work on show in a ceramics exhibition at John Paul II Library, NUIM (www.craftinireland.com/events/details/ceramics-exhibition-opens-at-john-paul-ii-library-national-university-of-ir/) and in the Sliding Rock Contemporary Ceramics exhibition in Galway (www.craftinireland.com/events/details/sliding-rock-contemporary-ceramics/).

* If tea is more your bag, try this cute Carolyn Donnelly stencil teapot, €12, from her Eclectic range in Dunnes.