Interiors wish list: Cosy for Christmas

Noah’s Ark is a whimsical throw blanket for the little boy or girl in your life, packed with cheerful creatures from the sky, sea and land. 

The heirloom-quality baby blanket is made from 100% colour-fast, pre-shrunk cotton, making it durable yet cosy. Or why not try hanging it on the wall like a tapestry? Noah’s Ark (137 x 137 cm) is €130. Available online from www.loominations.ie. Free shipping in Ireland.

Feast your eyes on these handcrafted ceramic beauties. The Astier de Villatte designers draw inspiration from the history of decorative arts, folk art, and abandoned objects found in skips.

They long to create new and original pieces that appear to have always existed: imaginary witnesses to a Paris of dreams.

There’s a bit of maintenance though, be warned, no dishwasher, microwaves or ovens for these beauties. handle with care. These knife and fork pieces are by John Fourchette and cost €100 each from www.electra.ie

Budding artists or just art fans, listen up. Sinead McCarthy from RTÉ’S “Painting the Nation” had created this painting ‘The Lee Valley’ which will be auctioned at Griffins in Dripsey on December 8. It is a 50 x 70cm oil on canvas, and will be framed.

There’s lots of other arty stuff planned including a paint-off competition. Tickets are €15 and all proceeds to Dripsey National School.

The weather may not be beckoning you outdoors right now but whatever the season, a workman is only as good as his tools.

The Tool Forge is an Irish online shop.They are Ireland’s only supplier of brands such as Sneeboer, Glaser, and Istor Swiss Sharpeners. www.thetoolforge.ie

Meadows & Byrne red throw, €79.95 instore and online at www.meadowsandbyrne.com

Søstrene Grene is a retail chain established in Denmark in 1973 by sisters Anna and Clara Grene.

They recently opened in Patrick’s Street in Cork and unusually, there were no press releases, no launches, no disks of high-resolution images dropping on to the desk, no phone calls from public relations professionals.

What gives? Apparently, they prefer to keep things low-key. There are lots and lots of lovely things in there at very reasonable price points and I really wanted to share it with you. So with a little street smarts and a sly smartphone, I present these large ceramic jugs, €6.92. You are welcome. www.sostrenegrene.com

Snuggle up with these rather handsome handwoven blankets with a snail trail design. They’re priced from €79 and are available from I am of Ireland’s Christmas shop. www.iamofireland.ie