Desire Lines: our new column for beautiful things and big ideas
Follow your desires with our weekend recommendations.
Electronic Sheep and Natalie B Coleman have teamed up to host a pop-up shop this weekend in the curious surrounds of Dublin’s Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
From Electronic Sheep, expect knitwear from the new collection and archive pieces including signature scarves and limited edition sweaters, skirts, dresses and hats with prices from €70.
From Coleman, expect printed velvet party dresses, silk taffeta skirts and embellished t-shirts handmade in Dublin with prices from €200.
The pop-up is open from 12pm to 7pm today and from 10am to 4pm tomorrow at 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Fresh from creating exquisite floral installations for Hermès in London, founder of acclaimed florist The Garden - Mark Grehan - has just launched a second shop and studio space in the Blackpitts area of Dublin 8.
Join Mark there for a wreath-making workshop on November 29th and December 6th where you’ll make a beautiful winter wreath from scratch using natural materials inspired by the Connemara landscape.
Mark will also be sharing his experience and flair at workshops at the Howth Castle Cookery School on December 1st and 3rd. Let your creativity flow. €120.
The reviewers have been wowed, the preview shots are phenomenal and the soundtrack is captivating, so run, don't walk to a cinema near you on December 1st for Maestro.
This fearless love story chronicles the lifelong relationship between composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein and Broadway actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein and has been called an ‘emotionally epic portrait of family and love’.
Director, co-producer and star Bradley Cooper worked with the composer’s family to ensure his portrayal of Bernstein is as authentic as possible and he is almost unrecognisable in the role of the composer.
The original soundtrack album is available to stream now and due for release on CD and vinyl on December 1st.
- Maestro is in cinemas from December 1st and on Netflix from December 20th.
The Sea Studio 2024 calendar is the perfect gift for the sea swimmer or kayaker in your life this Christmas.
Based in Co. Wicklow, photographer Niall Meehan swims daily and takes beautiful immersive photos from the perspective of the swimmer - resulting in unusual angles and low-down views from the sea.
The calendar features captivating images taken in locations including The Cove in Greystones, The Captains in Skerries and the Mousehole in Cornwall, as well as at the Kish Bank and Coliemore Harbour.
Printed on high-quality paper, the calendar is available at a number of stockists nationwide including Forest & Flock in Bantry, Grey Heron in Bandon and Isabel’s Place in Dungarvan.
- Also available online at www.seastudio.ie. €30.
Speaking of sea swimming, not only does independent store Designist stock brilliant tide clocks (€83) and barometers (€95) by French brand Ocean Clock, but they have lots of other ‘remarkable’ gift ideas year round too.
You’ll find Cognitive Surplus wine and whiskey glasses (€25) and beautiful little lamps with laser-engraved dandelions inside (€51).
There are great gadgets for gardeners, cyclists and foodies alike (a mushroom growing kit anyone?), smart stationary and scented candles, creative toys and cool Christmas decorations.
Best of all it’s an independent store that stocks lots of Irish brands including Sam agus Nessa, Irish Socksciety, The Nature of Things and The Handmade Soap Company.
The crew at Bar 1661 have set their sights high since they opened and have been elevating the Irish cocktail scene ever since.
Having recently won several awards for their cocktails and their Little & GREEN canned poitín drinks they’ve just launched their Christmas cocktail collection.
The retro wrapping paper design is nostalgic and cool but it’s what’s inside that counts.
The All Wrapped Up range includes a Mistletoe Margarita, a Festive Old Fashioned and a Gingerbread Punch - each made with premium spirits and handmade syrups, cordials and infusions.
For Christmas, think of seasonal ingredients like orange spiced bitters, sloe gin and gingerbread spices.
The 200ml bottle (€12.50) makes for a great Secret Santa present while the 700ml size (€35) is the perfect gift for any Christmas party host, or, you could just drink them yourself.
- Available for delivery nationwide at www.craftcocktails.ie.
We’re lusting after one of the new bags from Irish accessories brand August Night.
These beautifully voluminous bags hold a multitude but look stunning enough for any special occasion.
Inspired by artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, the sculptural bags have an opulent feel due to the ruching and gathering of the satin fabric.
The Mini Ruche Hobo bag seen here can also be adapted for use as a clutch - perfect for party season.
- Available at Emporium Kalu in Naas and from www.augustnight.ie. €275.
Party goers can really push the boat out this Christmas with a festive night out on the Lee thanks to Popscene Christmas Cruises. Due to huge demand an additional cruise has been added on December 2.
Dance the night away aboard a Cork Harbour Cruise vessel with a full bar on board and Popscene DJs playing classic tunes from the 80s and 90s.
Tickets for this unique party experience include two drinks, complimentary finger food and free entry to Popscene - Cork’s dedicated 80s/90s throwback bar in the Voodoo Rooms on Oliver Plunkett Street.
The cruise boards at 6pm from Customs House Quay with a strict sailing time of 6:30pm.
- Tickets cost €65 through Eventbrite.
