Fun meets finesse

IT’S the night before Christmas, and Dublin is tingling.

Frosty-breathed crowds admire the window displays at Bewley’s and Brown Thomas. O’Connell Street’s Christmas tree is flashing like a pound-shop chandelier. Mince pies are being gobbled, Irish whiskies are being guzzled, and there’s a last-minute grab for gifts on both sides of the river.

And the Dylan? A Christmas tree is sprayed silver in the lobby. Sultry wreaths adorn the walls. There’s a seasonal flourish to the edge and extravagance that have titillated Dubliners for several years. But fashions change. How long can this designer gift keep on giving?