Shopfront: Monogrammed fabric is as old as the hills but a relatively new shop in Dún Laoghaire - called the Monogram shop, funnily enough - takes the craft of embroidered letters to the extreme.

If it can be monogrammed, they've done it: bedlinen, towels, pillow covers, tablecloths, toiletry bags, aprons, jewellery boxes, stationery sets, table runners, wine bags . . . you get the picture.

Owner Maria Waters is marketing the shop to those looking for something personal for themselves or for gifts that aren't outrageously expensive.

As far as interiors are concerned, take a look at their high quality bedlinen. While they sell plain cotton sheeting, Oxford pillowcases (€28) in white or lilac are particularly good-looking and available in gazillions of different fonts.

Initials are what most people go for but you can also have a romantic message embroidered too (but keep it succinct - long winded declarations of love just aren't practical). White letters on white linen are the most discreet. While not monogrammable, blue or ecru toile de Jouy quilts are also worth a look.

Towels come in white, blue and cream from €10 for a guest to €49 for a bath sheet. If looking for a gift for a baby, try the pink and blue baby blankets (€29) which can be monogrammed with the baby's name and date of birth.

The Monogram Shop, 26 Upr Georges Street, Dún Laoghaire. Tel 01 2360311