Wish List: Flock placemat and coaster sets

Esther N McCarthy follows the herd to find animal motifs, chair affairs, terrific textiles and a decluttering dynamic duo.

Pic 1: There was lots to see at the at Showcase 2014 in the RDS last weekend. We love these Flock placemat and coaster sets from www.greengorgeous.ie. Nothing brings a bit of personality to the dining table like a nice fluffy sheep, eh? These 100% wool felt eco chic tableware are designed and made in Ireland by Green Gorgeous. If green doesn’t do it for you, you can choose from shades of red, magenta, purple and warm grey. They are for sale on the website and will be available at selected retailers this spring. From €19.95 for a set of 4.

Pic 2: Oxfam and high-street fashion retailer Monsoon launched their second collaborative collection of home wares before Christmas, they’re worth checking out. Working with small artisan producers in India, the collection features a vintage style polka dot print adorning the stylish enamel home range and a colourful gift selection. The wooden animal gifts, such as this elephant doorstop, made by Tara Project, which works to improve access to health, education and economic opportunity in nearly two dozen different countries. €17, available in Oxfam shops. You can find out more at www.oxfam.org.uk/shop

Pic 3: The Hotel Meyrick is offering a Chair Affair, an up-cycling workshop in conjunction with The Gaiety Antique & Vintage Store, on Saturday 8th February. So if love the idea of taking a piece of furniture and giving it a second life, this might be worth a visit. Participants will be provided with the chair, paint, fabric and the tea. Two nights of 4 star accommodation in Galway with breakfast each morning from €159 per person sharing, with the Chair Affair workshop an extra €100. For more info visit www.hotelmeyrick.ie or call 091-564041.

Pic 4: January is the perfect time to resolve to make positive changes to your home. MnF Decluttering Inc are a new Cork company who want to help. As someone who has taken over every wardrobe in the house — yes even the innocent children’s, what do they need hangers for? — I can identify with the concept. Sometimes it’s hard to part with your possessions, even when they’re no longer practical, and it can be hugely helpful to have a fresh pair of experienced eyes to help you sort through everything. Enter Frances Murphy and Mary Shannon — the clutter-clearing queens. Mary, who comes from a background of interior design says, “Sometimes a fresh mind, set of eyes or hands can make a big difference. With our help your space can be one you enjoy spending time in again.” Frances adds, “Our motto is: No job is too small, no job is too big. We endeavour to honour our clients’ homes in this process. For me, decluttering is more than organising people’s clutter. It is also about bringing light and fresh energy into their living/working place.” The Douglas ladies also offer a commercial service for companies moving office or needing more space. For a free estimate find them on Facebook MnF Decluttering Inc or contact Mary Shannon 085 2293166 or Frances Murphy 086 8193808.

Pic 5: The Cake Café in Dublin has an interesting product collection, with a range of signature textiles and home ware accessories, designed by Niall&Nigel at Pony design studio. They are all Irish made, which we love, and include cushions, aprons, tea towels, table runners and table cloths, available in four new designs, with prices starting from €17.95. www.thecakecafe.ie as well as in gift shops nationwide.

Pic 6: Alison Ospina from Green Wood chairs is based in Skibbereen in West Cork. She specialises in using “green” or unseasoned hazel and each chair is created in an environmentally-friendly way. Good woman, Alison. She selects the wood from the woodlands nearby her studio. Pictured is the birch rocker with cherry seat, isn’t it gorgeous? Price €650. www.greenwoodchairs.com or 028 21890.

Pic 7: I love this aqua metal wall clock from Littlewoods. Your home will tick along nicely while staying on-trend with this vintage industrial-style wall clock. In cool distressed aqua, it’s got a metalwork face with Roman numerals and a solid centre with decorative clockwork cogs. An added plus is the open metal design means your wallpaper will shine through. €49 from littlewoods.ie.