Desire Lines: The denim co-ord, family calendar and iconic Cork bag

Who says festive fashion can't live past Christmas?

Chocolates and Co-ords, Calendars and Cards, we have it all.

The denim co-ord

Who says sparkle is only for Christmas? Coster Copenhagen’s ‘casual Christmas capsule’ is all about festive pieces that can live beyond the festive season. We adore this studed denim co-ord (top, €119, pants €179). Wear it out for NYE, and for date nights, parties and girly get-togethers well into 2026. Available at selected boutiques across Ireland including Sorella Navan, Weardrobe Tralee and Killarney, and Honey in Belfast.

Coster Copenhagen Denim top with studs €119 and matching pants €179 Stockists nationwide

costercopenhagen.com

The calendar

We always start the year with such good intentions... and this bright and bold calendar from BOLD BUNNY really makes us feel like we can bring that into every month of 2026. The Forget-Me-Not family calendar is built for everything. From managing playdates and piano lessons, keeping track of everyone’s dental appointments, earmarking family weddings and planning date nights, this is what the brand calls its ‘lifesaving’ piece of kit. With 850 stickers, you won’t be short of reminders... €29.95

The bright and bold calendar from BOLD BUNNY, €29.95

boldbunny.ie

The best dressed 

Naas Racecourse is raising the style stakes on January 4 with the return of its Winter Best Dressed competition to coincide with the Grade 1 Ballymore Novice Hurdle. This year’s judge is stylist Marietta Doran, with the 2026 Winter Best Dressed winner taking home a prize that includes a €2,000 Frasers gift voucher to spend at their Whitewater Shopping Centre store, and a two-night stay at Kildare’s Kilkea Castle. Every adult racegoer attending Naas Racecourse on the day will have the chance to enter a special draw for a prize of €10,000. There are seven races on the card, with the first going to post at 12:25. Early bird admission €15 if purchased before December 22.

Marietta Doran Unveils Naas Racecourse’s Winter Best Dressed Competition

naasracecourse.com

The truffles 

Forget the Swiss big-sellers, our go-to truffles are always Lily O’Briens. We all have our favourite centres, but the Assorted Truffles includes a mix of all their classic fillings, including vanilla, salted caramel, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Luxurious, bite-sized and Irish-made, these addictive Assorted Truffles are available in two sizes, 337g, €15 and 200g, €9. Widely available in good supermarkets and online.

Lily O'Brien's assorted chocolate truffles

lilyobriens.ie 

The bag

Every year, when we are making the trek home with a bag full of presents, we are grateful to our McWilliams bag. The guaranteed Irish, B Corp-certified brand based in Crosshaven has never let us down, whether it’s trekking across continents or surviving the Christmas commute home. The water-resistant bags are, of course, also the perfect sports gear bag. We love The 70’s Bag, available with black, navy, pink and red strap, from €85.

"The 70’s Bag" from McWilliam Bags, €85

mcwilliambags.com

The family adventure

If you’re heading up North over the festivities, make time to detour to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Up until January 4, the Castle grounds have been transformed with 10 playful Snowdogs and one Snowman, inspired by the much-loved animated film, The Snowman and the Snowdog, the sequel to Raymond Briggs’ classic picture book and film adaptation The Snowman. An enchanting family experience, kids will be greeted by a life-sized Snowman and Snowdog before exploring a magical woodland trail and festive treats. Inside the Castle’s former stable block-turned-learning-centre, you can catch daily screenings of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog too at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00, with viewings included with a gardens ticket on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in County Down

hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle

The print

We always stive to support local businesses so MyMind Design really caught our eye. In her own words, Amy Flinn’s handmade whimsical cards and stickers are created to spark joy. Inspired by her life with autism, a love of drawing and her 87-year-old granny who taught her the magic of handwritten notes, she’s just launched a website to sell her designs. In her own words, Amy hopes her “cute and humorous illustrations help reignite the joy of sending cards in a world of instant messages”. We love the Exhausted Pigeon A6 print, €5. A5 and A4 sizes coming soon.

Exhausted Pigeon A6 print, €5. A5 and A4 sizes coming soon.

myminddesign.shop

• Compiled by Vickie Maye, Nicole Glennon and Jillian Bolger, [e-mail]