During lockdown, I have often wondered which I love most: An Post or the internet? The former has brought surprises, catch-up cards, treats â and the occasional bill; while the latter has let me escape, explore and find out more. While digital communications are often pitched as the enemy of good old-fashioned letter writing, itâs hard to imagine life without either, and sometimes they can come together to make something beautiful happen. In March of this year, after realising how much my nice yellow mug cheered me up, I asked a group of people to pick the thing that did the same for them, to share with Home and Design readers. Emily Connell of Ballinspittleâs Chalk & Easel chose her Donegal wool blanket, by Helle Helsner, which she described as a âbeautiful handknit hugâ. We had lovely feedback from the piece, as some people evidently looked fondly at their treasured objects, while others began to dream of new ones.