If you want to celebrate the Chinese new year in style, the Merrion hotel has a rather exotic oriental endeavour. From 8-19 February, world-renowned chef Ken Hom joins forces with the hotel's own Ed Cooney to add a festive flavour to the already delicious Cellar restaurant menu. And not simply offering a feast for the palette, the Merrion will add to the experience by hanging a selection of work by leading Asian artists represented by the King's Road Gallery, London, around the restaurant. Worth getting inspired.

Cut above the rest

Waterford Crystal has certainly pulled a rather fabulous rabbit out of a hat with the launch of their new Clarendon Collection of intricately cut, coloured glasses in Martini and Champagne flute styles. Easy to hold, and pretty to display, the olive and diamond cut of the stemware makes them gleam, while the deep ruby tones combined with the clear crystal look inviting and festive. Also available in cobalt blue, these glasses will dress any table to perfection.

Hey, Sweetie!

If you're a pudding person, the latest Delia Smith re-release will leave you drooling uncontrollably. The Delia Collection, Puddings is a pictureheavy tome that's packed with old favourites, new ideas and classics with a twist. There are 50 recipes in total, from mouthwatering crumbles, cobblers, cheesecakes, steamed puddings, jellies, meringues and more. The fifth in her collection series, when you flick through the pages of photographs, failsafe recipes and handy hits, you'll realize why she's sold over 18 million cookery booksf so far. Out 10 February.

Wine by the class

The dark days of Liebfraumilch and paint stripper masquerading as vin du pays seem a long time ago. We are now much more at home in the world of wine . . . even if that just means we can now order Gewurztraminer in a restaurant without pointing at the wine list. But if you'd like to gain a deeper understanding of great grapes, the Vaults Wine Club is an excellent place to start. The four-week course concentrates on a different region each week, including Australia, South Africa, France and Spain, and a regional dish to complement the wines of the night is served. The Wine Club, which kicks off on 21 February, costs 30 per person per night and as spaces are limited, you're best advised to book now. The Vaults IFSC, Harbourmaster Place, Dublin 1, tel: 01 605 4700

The big mac

Too warm for an anorak, too cold for a jacketf and just too darn ladylike to want anything short of chic? We are just loving the cotton swing mac that's about to hit Marks and Spencer stores next week.

Part of its Limited Collection, this oversize coat comes with highbeam glamour, that's matched with utter comfort and an affordable price tag of 109. Perfect for the season's hot new monochrome look, it'll work with skirts or slimline pants, the oversize buttons adding a very gamine twist. Available from Marks and Spencer stores nationwide from 14 February, get there quick.

King of the ringers

Just when you think you have the most handy dandy Nokia handset, along comes another divine device to wipe your eye.

The latest collection of Nokia Fashion Phones really is guaranteed to set you apart from the monochrome set.

The L'Amour collection is a three-strong group of very striking phones that come with textured, etched surfaces, made from a mix of materials (including leather and mirrored parts). They also, of course, feature the latest in pioneering and essential features. Each has its own personality . . . the 7270 slides open to reveal the dial keys while the 7380 has no buttons at all, just a touchsensitive scroller. Available sim-free with prices from 269 plus VAT.

Stylish kids in the riot

Die-hard Libertines fans will be delighted to hear that Pete Doherty's former bandmate Carl Barat will appear in Ireland to play with his new band Dirty Pretty Things as part of the first 2006 Bud Rising gigs. Budrising South happens from 23-26 February in Cork, Waterford and Wexford and hits a whole host of music hotspots featuring established acts, new names and thumping DJs over the long weekend. Check out a roll call that includes Guillemots, Dave Couse and DJ sets from Groove Armada Donal Dineen, Mr Scruff and Hospital's fourdeck maestro, Calvin James. Check www. budrising. ie for details.

Elementary Holmes

David Holmes is Ireland's first, and arguably most famous superstar DJ. Known as much for his thumping live sets as for his scorching Hollywood soundtracks (Oceans 11/12, anyone? ), and for his shock of peroxide spiky hair as for his regular 'no shows', he returns to Dublin on Thursday, 16 February.

Teaming up with Seb Fontaine at the Village, the two will have previously judged the PSP Wipeout Pure DJ competition in conjunction with Spin FM before playing with the eventual winner on the night. Head to the Wexford Street venue for a night of big names, and bigger beats.