Aug 30, 2013

‘Gaelic Greetings’ Bring Glad Tidings to Yule Gatherings

Just in time for Christmas sales, the newest Irish collection from Abbey Press, “Gaelic Greetings,” brings tidings of comfort, joy and Irish inspiration to Yuletide gatherings.

Available September 15, the stoneware line includes a circular Advent wreath with four taper candles ($45 SRP), a food-safe square plate with easel ($20), a 12-oz. mug ($14), a round baking dish ($25) and an angel figurine ($25).

Kristin Huber, Assistant Buyer for GaelSong, Inc., a catalog and online marketer of Celtic products, finds the Gaelic Greetings collection appealing because “the price is affordable and its blessings are sweet.” Gaelsong, which gathers goods for those Celtic “by ancestry” or “in spirit,” has pre-ordered several pieces from the line.

Designed by artist Amie Jones, the items in the Irish Christmas collection are crafted of lustrous stoneware in antique white and celadon green with holly artwork. Each features a relief Celtic knotwork band accented by relief rope trim. The wings on the angel figurine are filled with this same knotwork pattern.

Huber feels the color scheme is especially attractive, “and the little holly berries frame the greeting Nollaig Shona Dhuit very elegantly. The detailed weave reminds me of an Aran Sweater.” She adds that the collection “inspires the Irish spirit and will look great on anyone’s table.”

The Gaelic Greetings line features Old-World style Irish sentiments, emphasizing the love, laughter and merriment that enliven traditional Irish Christmas gatherings. The mug, square plate and baking dish bear the Gaelic Christmas greeting, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, accompanied by an Irish blessing. The Advent wreath displays the words Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, along with their Gaelic translations, and the figurine also has an Irish blessing.