Hot tip

Fauchon est arrive! Lovers of luxurious chocolates, rare Champagnes and a range of speciality foods such as truffles and foie gras, will welcome the recent arrival of Fauchon which is now available in Ireland.

The famous food house based in the heart of Paris is one of France’s oldest and most renowned fine food stores. Gift selection available to order online at www.planit.ie/fauchon or by phone on 01-2805795/2957522

* New Ross Christmas Market — December 8 to 10 — on the Quayside in New Ross as part of a Christmas festival in the town.

* Dublin Docklands Christmas Market — December 12 to 23, 12 noon to 8pm daily ‘12 days of Christmas’ with a Bavarian theme — German mulled wine stall, Erdinger beer bar and a programme of entertainment throughout the event.

* North Cork Co-op will sponsor a cookery demonstration by Darina Allen on Thursday, December 14, in Kanturk Hall at 7.30pm on the theme of ‘A Stress-free Christmas’.

* Check out www.cookingisfun.ie for courses on game cooking (December 13) and Christmas flower arranging (December 14) Tel [phone].