Communion season is in full swing now and if you’re worrying about hosting a get together at your home, perhaps you could go out for a bite to eat instead. Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan has some great Communion menus and offers that are affordable and delicious and they takes so much stress off parents on the big day. Everyone gets fed, you don’t have to cook and you come home to a clean house! That’s a definite win-win! We went to check out the newly refurbished bar and lobby at Bracken Court last weekend and enjoyed a girly Afternoon Tea. As always, the food was fresh and delicious and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly. We had some sandwiches and cakes left over and they were happy to parcel it up for us to take home. We’ve had family birthdays, retirement parties, weddings and communions there and it is a firm family favourite. If you are still getting the last bits and bobs together for the Communion, here are some helpful tips. Penney’s has a wonderful range of Spring clothing instore now, we particularly love the Rita Ora collection. There are floaty, romantic dresses for Mums, cute outfits for siblings and smart trousers and shirts for Dads and Communion boys. For fancy accessories, check out new Irish company balootclothing.com/ Gorgeous hairbands, bags and wraps to jazz up any outfit. If you would like to get the Communion child a special piece of jewellery, Absolute Jewellery have stunning bracelets, necklaces and earrings for girls. Tipperary Crystal have nice snazzy silver cross pins for boys, perfect to pop on the lapel of a jacket or waistcoat. They make a lovely keepsake. (Check out our FB page for Communion Jewellery competitions here:facebook.com/mams.ireland If you are hosting people at home, don’t be afraid to ask family and friends to bring along something to help out. Everyone has a special dish, whether its savoury or sweet or even a few bags of crisps and it’s a great help when people contribute! The most important thing is that the child and their whole family has the best possible day. That - and hopefully no rain!!