Long-time PR and events professional O’Connor is based in Kildare but goes wherever she is needed in order to be the host with the most. Her expertise at styling led her to launching her own homewares brand The Designed Table in 2021, demonstrating her parallel flair for fashion, design and interiors.

So down tools, grab a cuppa and read on to see how O’Connor works, rests and plays.

What was your dream career growing up?
I always wanted to run my own business and have loved hosting and organising events since my teens, so I was bound to end up in this industry. I started from a young age – I was on a committee to organise our graduation ball in college and I loved it. My first job from college was a marketing graduate and part of that role was an internal launch event.

What work projects are making your heart sing at the moment?
I love designing collections for The Designed Table, which is a collection of table linens and accessories, designed in Ireland by me. Whether it’s a formal dinner party or a family feast, The Designed Table has everything to create the perfect setting for a memorable gathering.

How do you balance work and wellness?
I make sure to work out twice a week and go for a walk at least three times. I went to an amazing health coach recently, my friend Zoe Jordan, and she came up with a great plan to keep me on track over the coming months. I’m just tired all the time – it’s probably menopause symptoms – but Zoe suggested I do some sessions with her.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I love my sleep and need at least 8-10 hours a night. I try to go to bed around 10.30pm at the latest.

What puts a spring in your step in the mornings?
My sons, JP (12) and Drew (10). Drew always comes into my room in the morning and I get the biggest hug. We then go into the kitchen together and have breakfast. I tell him I won’t get out of bed until I get my hug.

Do you have a nighttime ritual?
As soon as dinner is over I put on my Moon & Mellow PJs, of course, cleanse my skin and twice a week I try to do a face mask. I use Dr David Jack as my skincare, who has a great Blue Face Peel that rehydrates my skin. I like to watch some TV to wind down before bed, and I don’t sleep with my phone in the room so I like to read before bed.

How would you describe your bedroom decor?
It’s a bit of a mix and match. We have duck egg blue and purple colours and then neutral walls. I like the room to be a calming space.

What books are on your nightstand?
Wives like Us by Plum Sykes – I love the Cotswolds so always love reading about fictional characters based there. I’m also reading Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long & Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. Ikigai is fascinating, as it’s about understanding longevity and what makes for a meaningful life. Okinawa, where they practice Igikai, is one of the world’s ‘blue zone’ regions, which has one of the highest rates of centenarians. It’s really fascinating and slowly I’m trying to apply parts of it to everyday life.

For the season that’s in it: favourite Halloween movie?
I’m not that into scary movies, neither are the kids. We do love to watch family movies at least once a week though – and I rarely get to choose. It’s usually Disney films or Avengers. Sadly no princess movies in our house.

When and where was the last time you truly unplugged?
Every year in Connemara where we holiday I take a long weekend off social media and phone. I try and put it away for a digital detox for at least two to three days over the summer.

Autumn is a great time for travel, whether within Ireland when the trees are turning, or for a last hurrah in the sun. Where are your favourite places for a mini break?
In Ireland I love Cashel Palace, Tipperary for a night away from kids, with my husband. Then we love a city break to The Westbury in Dublin. We’ve gone with the kids every year for the night on December 23 since they were young. It’s so nice to wake up to the magic of Christmas and the buzz of the city on Christmas Eve.

Money no object, where in the world would you wake up tomorrow?
Harbour Island in the Bahamas. We visited there early this year and I adored it. It’s three miles of pink sand beach and is just paradise. We can’t wait to go back.

In contrast, imagine a much-anticipated Friday night on your own. Your Moon + Mellow PJs are on, and you have the TV and couch entirely to yourself. What is your go-to feel-good film/series, snack and refreshment?
So I’m loving the new Jilly Cooper Rivals series at the moment! I try not to snack late at night, but if it was a movie night we make popcorn and have lots of chocolate and a nice lychee martini for me.

Who would be your top three celebrity pyjama party guests and what would your playlist include?
Madonna, author Paulo Coelho, Anna Wintour (and my girlfriends). Music would be lots of 1980s and 1990s and, of course, a Girls Just Wanna Have Fun vibe.

Which are your favourite Moon + Mellow pieces and why?
I love all my Moon + Mellow pyjamas as they are so easy to wear. The fact they are all such colourful and fun prints is why I love to wear them. I spend so much time in them all year round, and I love how they wash and iron so easily. And I always size up in my PJs for extra comfort.

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