Wish List: Seven super ideas for your home this month

Esther McCarthy sources an exciting interior design event in Cork and feasts her eyes on foodie fabulousness

Fiona Finnegan, left, who is hosting an interior design and colour workshop at The Dean Hotel, Cork, on Saturday, October 18 (9.30am–3.30pm; the Galway tours gift set, above right, and plush pumpkins from Dunnes stores, below right.

If your walls could talk, what would they say? (Mine would beg for a cloth and some bleach, to be honest.) 

Join interior designer Fiona Finnegan for Colour Conversations: Exploring Colour and Your Style in Interior Design, a creative, hands-on workshop at The Dean Hotel, Cork, on Saturday, October 18 (9.30am–3.30pm). 

Discover how to build paint palettes, pair textures and tones, and craft interiors that truly reflect you. Expect inspiration, guidance, and plenty of colour confidence to take home. To book your place, call 086-325 5084, or email  [e-mail].

Fiona Finnegan.

Made local

Ireland’s Queen of Glamour, Dr Panti Bliss, takes centre stage as this year’s ambassador for Made Local, Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s festive campaign celebrating Irish design and craftsmanship. 

With nearly 1,500 makers and 350 retailers nationwide, Made Local invites shoppers to give gifts with heart — handmade, sustainable and proudly Irish — and you know we ADORE all that here at Wishlist. 

Discover makers near you, like Orla O’Regan, Katie Sandham, Tony Scannell, and Simone O’Shaughnessy, pictured here. Find them and more at Dcci.ie to shop, support, and celebrate Irish creativity this Christmas.

Stylish afternoon

In a moving tribute to the late Fiona Fleming (McGirr), friends, family, and the wider fashion community gathered at Fota Island Resort for Fiona’s Fashion Fusion — an afternoon of style, remembrance, and purpose. 

Hosted by Emma McEvoy, the event blended fashion, music, and heartfelt storytelling to support Cork ARC Cancer Support House, Look Good Feel Better (a wonderful charity, find out more at Lookgoodfeelbetter.ie), and the SETU Fashion Scholarship. 

A true celebration of Fiona’s sparkle, style, and enduring spirit of generosity. In the photography here by Darragh Kane are creative director Grainne O’Connor, with the brilliant organising team of Cathy O’Flynn, Deirdre Cooper and Marcella Power.

Cast a spell

Add a touch of cosy charm to your Halloween décor with Dunnes Stores’ plush pumpkins, crafted from soft, velvety fabric in rich autumnal hues.

Whether scattered on your mantel or gathered in your favourite spot, they bring seasonal warmth to any space. Prices start from just €6 — discover more in stores or at Dunnesstores.com.

Box clever

How gorgeous is this? Be Cosy, a lovingly curated collection of Irish-made treasures inspired by the Danish art of Hygge. 

Each box, curated by West Cork native Doreen O’Mahony, invites you to slow down and savour the season with cosy touches like wool slippers and lambswool socks by Sheep by the Sea, a hand-bound leather journal by Hubert Bookbindery, and aromatic Rooibos Christmas Tea by West Cork naturopath April Danann. 

We love that you can also build your own box at Becosy.ie, selecting the size and products that best suit your Christmas traditions.

Light up

Wrap up warm, guys and gals, and wander through a world of delight as Wonderlights returns this November to Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, and Cork’s Fota House. 

With over one million twinkling bulbs and a 30-metre hydro screen, you can expect glowing forests, sparkling ponds, and an atmosphere brimming with wonder. 

Tickets start from €15 — book now and plan your visit at  Wonderlights.ie.

Cute combo

Ah, would you look at this cute sock and mug combo! A playful collaboration with Irish Socksciety, featuring limited-edition PacMan-style socks celebrating Galway’s culinary culture and a bright yellow enamel mug — a perfect quirky gift for food lovers and travellers alike — and the price is right at €13. 

Each Galway Food Tours gift set champions local makers and the craft of Irish produce, from farmhouse cheeses and small-batch chocolate to locally roasted coffee and award-winning whiskey. 

The shop is live and delivering nationwide and internationally. See Galwayfoodtours.com/galway-food-tours-shop/.