Taking Christmas decoration seriously

HOME decoration for the festive period (it seems obscene to mention the "C" word in October) is becoming increasingly adventurous…

HOME decoration for the festive period (it seems obscene to mention the "C" word in October) is becoming increasingly adventurous and Ballymaloe Cookery School is running an afternoon course on Christmas wreaths, garlands and swags on November 24th and 25th. The materials used are all natural - from fir cones to berries and dried orange peel - and the courses begin at 2 p.m. and end at 4.30 p.m. and the cost is £55. On December 9th there's an afternoon course aimed at those who take present-wrapping seriously. Called Wrapping up Christmas it costs £45 and also runs from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. During the course of the afternoon, tutor Margot Heskin will cover all the tricks of wrapping gifts successfully - including awkwardly shaped objects - and will also show you how to make boxes, bows and gift tags and how to print your own paper. To book, call Ballymaloe at (021) 646785; fax (021) 646 909 or e-mail enquiries@ballymaloe-cookery-school.ie