Shop Front: Apart from The Blue Door, another place worth visiting in Naas is Nicolas Silver, opened just over a year ago by Jennie MacDougald.

The elegant store specialises in antique jewellery, but also stocks a number of items for the home, including some pieces of antique furniture, glass, candlesticks and other collectables. MacDougald has set up a small art gallery and exhibits work by 10 local artists. With interior Christmas gifts in mind, two of the most unusual things she has are whimsical tapestries crafted in North Carolina in woven Jacquard; a peacock sitting on an arched wall in sandy and aubergine colours (€500) and lily pond (€575).

Nicolas Silver, Church Lane, off 56 South Main Street, Naas, Co Kildare, tel:045-896999.