As winter continues, nothing beats cosying up by a roaring WillowWarm fire. Whether the weather’s after turning (in typical Irish fashion) or you’re just looking’ for a quiet night in, here are the top 5 winter activities to enjoy by the fire.

1. Read a good book

   For those looking to romanticise those long, chilly evenings, there’s nothing like curling up with a good book. And with the fire blazing, it’s the ultimate bit of relaxation. This winter, grab a copy of “The Wren, The Wren” by Anne Enright or dive into “Trespasses” by Louise Kennedy. If you’re after a bit of drama or suspense, “A Death in the Parish” by Richard Coles will keep you hooked ’til the wee hours. A cup of tea, a blanket, and the fire crackling away – what more could you want?

2. Have a toasty movie marathon

   Grab the blankets, settle on the couch, and throw on a few winter favourites for the ultimate movie night by the fire. At the minute, “The Killer” is all the rage on Netflix, and “Saltburn” is the talk of the town on Sky Cinema. Add a bowl of popcorn, and you’re sorted!

3. Board games and puzzles

   There’s nothing like a bit of craic with a board game to keep the whole family entertained on a cold night. Get the gang together and break out games like Monopoly: Super Mario Edition, Harry Potter Scrabble, or even Exploding Kittens. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, grab a 1,000-piece puzzle and gather round the fire. With a bit of friendly competition, sure you’ll have great memories to look back on, and the fire keeps everyone warm and toasty.

4. Hot chocolate tasting

   Sure what’s winter without a good mug of Dairy Milk or Nesquik hot chocolate? Take it up a notch with a proper hot chocolate-tasting session. Go mad with different flavours – from white to mint – and throw in all the trimmings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a splash of Baileys if you’re feeling fancy! While you’re sipping away, throw on some tunes from Spotify or Apple Music.

5. Tell stories or play music

   There’s nothing more Irish than a good yarn by the fire. Gather everyone ’round and let the stories flow – whether they’re ghost stories, family memories, or even a few tall tales. If someone’s handy with the guitar, bring it out and have a bit of a sing-song! You can belt out Dermot Kennedy’s “Kiss Me” or stick to the old reliables to keep the night rolling. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a night in, with the fire blazing and the craic mighty.

With these activities, you’ll have the perfect winter evenings sorted. So, light up the fire, grab the blankets, and settle in for some grand nights at home. Whether you’re losing yourself in a book, binge-watching the latest flicks, or enjoying a sing-song, you’re all set for a cosy and fun-filled winter.

The festive season is a time for great craic and celebration, and decking out your home is all part of the festive fun. But don’t forget to keep safety in mind, so your celebrations are free from any unwanted drama. Here are some essential safety DO’s and DON’Ts for Christmas decorations to help you enjoy a merry, accident-free time.

Safety DO’s

1. Do use UL-listed decorations

Make sure all your lights and electrical bits and bobs have been tested for safety by a recognised group like UL (Underwriters Laboratories). No one needs a dodgy set of lights causing havoc!

2. Do inspect lights for damage

Before stringing up the lights, have a good look for any frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. If anything is damaged, bin it straight away – better safe than sorry!

3. Do use LED lights

LED lights are the way to go – they’re cooler and far more energy-efficient than the old incandescent ones. Plus, they lower the fire risk and save you a few bob on the electricity bill!

4. Do follow manufacturer’s instructions

Have a read of the instructions – even if you think you’ve got it sussed. Sticking to the manufacturer’s advice will keep things safe and sound.

5. Do use indoor and outdoor lights appropriately

If it says “outdoor,” keep it outside! Indoor lights aren’t built for our wet weather and using them outside could be asking for trouble.

6. Do secure decorations properly

Make sure all your decorations are properly fastened. Use the right hooks or fasteners, sure it’s worth the extra effort!

7. Do turn off lights when unattended

Always turn off the lights when you’re heading to bed or out of the house. No need to leave the tree glowing away while you’re not there!

8. Do keep real trees hydrated

If you’ve gone for the real deal with a Christmas tree, keep it well-watered. A dry tree is like a tinderbox waiting to go up in flames, so check the water every day!

9. Do keep decorations away from heat sources

Keep anything flammable well away from fireplaces, radiators, and candles. The last thing you want is your decorations catching fire!

Safety DON’Ts

1. Don’t overload electrical outlets

Don’t go mad plugging too many decorations into one outlet. It can overheat and cause a fire.

2. Don’t block exits with decorations

Make sure your decorations aren’t blocking doorways, hallways, or any emergency exits. You don’t want to be tripping over a tinsel-covered reindeer if you need to get out quickly!

3. Don’t use nails or staples on electrical cords

Don’t be hammering nails or staples into your electrical cords. It could pierce the insulation and cause a shock or fire. Use insulated hooks or clips instead.

By following these safety DO’s and DON’Ts for Christmas decorations, you’ll be set for a safe and jolly festive season, free from any unwanted mishaps. Now, that’s the kind of Christmas everyone can enjoy!

Have a WillowWarm cosy Halloween

The spooky season is now well upon us, and as the Irish winter weather becomes crisp and the evenings become darker, there’s no better excuse to stay in, light up a crackling WillowWarm cosy Halloween fire, and spooky movies. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly flicks to enjoy with the kids or spooky thrillers for after they’ve gone to bed, we’ve got you covered. We’ve lined up our top Halloween movies and where to watch or stream them. So, grab a cup of tea, some biscuits, and let the warm glow of your WillowWarm fire enhance your perfect Halloween/Bank Holiday movie marathon.

Family-Friendly Frights

Hocus Pocus – Disney+ (PG)

Halloween isn’t complete without an annual viewing of this cult classic. Follow the misadventures of three witches resurrected on Halloween night to steal as many children as possible. It’s the perfect mix of spooky and fun, and the whole family can enjoy it without any nightmares afterward! Don’t forget this movie now has an equally entertaining sequel.

Monsters, Inc. – Disney+ (G)

Who would have thought that monsters could be scared too? When a little girl sneaks into the monster world a fun adventure ensues as Sulley and Mike Wazowski try to protect her. Lighthearted, fun, and endlessly charming, this Pixar classic will keep the whole family engaged while cosy by your WillowWarm fire.

Hotel Transylvania – Netflix (PG)

Join Dracula and his monster pals at his luxurious resort for a laugh-filled adventure. When an ordinary human crashes his daughter’s birthday bash, chaos begins, but so do the laughs. This heartwarming story reminds us of the importance of family, all the while keeping the tone light and entertaining.

Twitches – Disney+ (PG)

Looking for something light-hearted and magical? Twitches is the perfect family-friendly movie for a cozy Halloween night. Twin sisters, played by Tia and Tamera Mowry, are separated at birth and only discover each other—and their magical powers—on their 21st birthday. They must join forces to save their mother and kingdom from unknown spooky forces at work. Full of charm, adventure, and sisterly love, Twitches is a fun pick for anyone looking to combine magic and Halloween in one delightful story.

The Nightmare Before Christmas – Disney+ (PG)

Pumpkin King Jack Skellington tries to take over Christmas in this beautifully crafted Tim Burton stop-motion film. It’s a seasonal must-watch, blending Halloween spookiness with the warmth of Christmas, making it a perfect choice for a cosy WillowWarm Halloween family movie night.

Coco – Disney+ (PG)

While not strictly a Halloween film, Coco brings the enchanting traditions of Día de los Muertos to life. Follow Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead and warm your heart with this touching film about family, tradition, and remembering those we’ve lost.

Grown-Up Screams for After the Kids are in Bed

Beetlejuice – Netflix (15)

Why not revisit a classic before seeing the long-awaited sequel in cinemas? Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is a wonderfully weird tale about ghosts and mischievous characters. With Michael Keaton’s iconic performance, this film is the perfect blend of humour and horror for a more light-hearted, grown-up movie night.

A Quiet Place – Prime Video (15A)

Silence is key in this terrifying post-apocalyptic film. Starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place will keep you on the edge of your seat as a family tries to survive in a world where the slightest noise can be dangerous. The perfect way to round out your night of grown-up Halloween thrills.

The Omen – Disney+ (18)

If you’re ready for a truly chilling film, The Omen will get your heart racing. This 1976 supernatural horror classic about a boy who is actually the spawn of the devil has stood the test of time, offering genuine, edge-of-your-seat moments of terror.

Carrie – Prime Video (18)

Stephen King’s unforgettable tale of telekinesis and revenge is brought to life in Brian de Palma’s Carrie. From its quiet beginnings to its unforgettable, shocking finale, this one is for horror fans who want to stay on edge all night.

Halloween – Netflix (18)

For slasher fans, there’s no better pick than the 2018 Halloween, which returns to the roots of the original 1978 film. Follow Laurie Strode as she faces her masked tormentor once again, with tense, nerve-wracking moments that’ll have you glancing over your shoulder even from the warmth of your cosy WillowWarm Halloween fire.

So, this bank holiday, warm up the home with WillowWarm, grab your cosiest blanket, and settle in for a night of spooky delights. Whether you’re sharing laughs with family or watching something a little scarier after dark, WillowWarm’s carbon-neutral briquettes will keep you toasty and relaxed all night long. Find your local stockist now.