Full of cheer:Avid fans of Rosaleen Linehan and Des Keogh's wit and wisdom will love receiving Des & Rosie Alive!, a recording of satirical songs from their most recent tour.
It's full of good cheer. Consider Ms Linehan's take on Daniel O'Donnell (O'Donnell Abu) or Mr Keogh's view of political junkets (Fact Finding Mission). We couldn't be without them. The CD, recorded at the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire, costs €16.99 from Celtic Note in Dublin, HMV, Golden Disc and Roxy Records nationwide, Sound City in Galway and Top 20 in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Patsey Murphy
Present sense
Smart shoppers are opting for original works of art. Printer Cliona Doyle (whose work is pictured left) and painter Kate Peyton are but two affordable artists. The former's carborundum prints of botanical beauties range in size from A4 to A1 and upwards. Doyle has already exhibited in the National and Hugh Lane galleries, as well as the Chester Beatty Library and the RHA. Her work is currently on view in her pop-up gallery space, Temple Tree House, at CHQ in the IFSC in Dublin. Prices start at €250 for unframed works. Her contact number is 087-9689056.
Madrid-based Kate Peyton recently held an exhibition in Old Conna Village in Rathmichael, Co Dublin. Her vivid palette attracted a lot of interest and she sold all but two from her True Colours show. Her work can be viewed at www.picasaweb.google.com/ artwork.kate and her contact number is 00-34-661-990880. A word of advice - by all means wrap the gift, but you don't have to have the present framed before you give it. Alanna Gallagher
Lights out
When it comes to saving energy in our homes it's always tempting to look at the big ticket investments - wood pellet burners, wind turbines, solar panels and so on. But most of us neglect to do the little things that can make such a huge difference - turn off lights when not in use, switch to energy saving light bulbs, turn down the heating, and close doors and curtains at night. The first Power of One Street Challenge, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, showed just how effective these measures can be. Eight families were involved this year and they each achieved an average saving of €540, reducing their energy usage by 20 per cent. Entries are now being accepted for Power of One Street II, which will take place in 2008. Five households, three businesses and a school will be selected to be coached by energy expert Aodhan MacPhaidin. The deadline for entries is January 1st 2008. Register by logging on to www.powerofonestreet.ie. Michael Kelly
Spare the schmaltz
This Christmas, spare a thought for those less fortunate than you - but don't let it ruin your day. So says Jarlath Regan, who is pitting his comic genius against the usual schmaltz this festive season by releasing a run of offbeat cards specially designed for the humbuggers among us. Complete with violent Santas and vengeful reindeer, these cards are joyously devoid of cuddly cheer, and as such provide a welcome dose of cynicism delivered in the best of humour to those who can only take so much decking of the halls. To order your own dirty dozen, go to www.jigser.com/shop/christmas.html and pop these in the postbox for some irreverent festive fun. Fiona McCann
Aladdin's cave
Cavey Interior Design on Shaws Lane, off Bath Avenue in Dublin 4, is not the easiest shop to find, but perseverance will be rewarded. From sofas to side tables, cushions to consoles, lamps to log buckets - Aidan Cavey has sourced a broad selection of contemporary, yet classical pieces. Don't miss the paddle coat stand (made from three boat oars) at €740; the Dakota oval dark timber dining table with centre pod chrome leg (to seat eight) for €3,190 and a slim French console in a distressed green/grey painted finish priced at €1,650. Cushions in wonderful colour combinations and styles by William Yeoward are made in specially woven fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton and silk velvets and retail at around €200 each. An exclusive range of perfumes, soaps and bath products, plus scented candles and home perfumes, comes from Catherine Memmi in Paris. Memmi is renowned for her high quality contemporary furniture and textiles and in 2005 she introduced her own range of perfumes which is now stocked exclusively by Cavey Design in Ireland. See www.cavey.ie. Isabel Morton
Objects of desire
This retro-style chrome phone (€94.75) is one of many unusual, stylish gifts to choose from on the Irish website www.giftslikethese.com, run by Cork sisters Anne and Sinéad O'Donnell. Hot pink and turquoise leather laptops cases by the French company, Laurige (€199.95), will appeal to city slickers, and for the guys there are smart leather grooming sets (€74.95). Kids will hanker after the mounted and framed insects, imported from around the world and hand mounted in France (from €69.50). Orders are being taken up until December 18th for normal delivery, and after that date by special arrangement. Patsey Murphy
Hassle-free christmas
If shopping for supplies for Christmas dinner conjures up visions of overflowing car parks, mile-long check-out queues, and struggling with wonky shopping trollies stuffed to the gills, take heart, there is another way of doing it. A phone call to caterer Georgina Philips of Wild Thyme Food & Wine could see you joining those infuriatingly organised people who actually enjoy a leisurely Christmas Eve. Philips, who trained at Leith's in London, will deliver everything you need for a slap-up lunch or dinner to addresses in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare (further afield by arrangement). The turkey or goose comes ready stuffed, the ham cooked, the vegetables peeled, the gravy made, and the puddings and pies are part of the package. The approximate cost for a three-course banquet for 10-12 people is €500. Philips can be contacted on 087-2314127, and is taking orders up until next Thursday, December 20th. Orders can also be tailor-made, and you can check out the selection at www.wildthyme.ie. Marie-Claire Digby
Something a bit different . . .
Inside Out on George's Street in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin has some lovely stock that changes in keeping with the season. At the moment the shop has a wonderful and very different selection of Christmas decorations, including fairies in sugar candy colours with wings and wands (€30-€80), Christmas creatures - classic goblin style characters (from €75) and American-style decorations in bright fairground colours. This range includes snow globes which play seasonal tunes (€30-€60) and a classic Jack-in-the-box (from €35 upwards). For the more minimalist home, there is an unusual set of three pine trees made of brown feathers with gold tips (€95) and a simple nativity set made from linen (from €45). The Inside Out range of contemporary chrome indoor lanterns look particularly up-to-date when used with the black sparkle Irish candles which come in various sizes to fit each lantern (from €150 upwards, including candle). Isabel Morton
• UCD Choral Scholars and the Earley Musick Ensemble are singing for the season at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, next Wednesday, December 19th, at 8pm. Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Tickets €20/€10 from tickets@ ucdchoralscholars.com