The Handbook Team’s In’s and Out’s For 2025
A new year is almost upon us, and with it comes a chance to reset. Out with the old and in with the new and all that. To honour the new year, we’ve asked the team what they want to see left in 2024 for good, and what they would love to see or do more of in 2025, from committing to hosting more and joining our new Book Club to skipping out on commuting worries by cycling. Here are The Handbook team’s in’s and out’s for 2025.
Natasha, Digital Editor
In – Hosting
“As much as I love eating (and drinking) in town, this year, I’m looking forward to leaning into hosting. From crafting pretty tablescapes and levelling up my cooking game (I’m going to face my slow cooker anxiety head-on), I think this is the start of my dinner party era. Next step? Finding my signature cocktail.”
Out – High-maintenance hairstyles
“While the Dyson is a great tool, I’m instead favouring a low-effort hairstyle that you don’t have to spend long on. I much prefer the time back in the morning (and my hair holds for longer!)”
Robyn, Managing Director
In – Reading
“I will be joining The HandBook Club for inspo!”
Out – Dry January
“Take it easier, of course, but moderation over abstinence – it leads to more long-term change”
Patrick Dunne, Editorial Assistant
In – Meaningless competition
“I joined a competitive football team again this year after many years away, and it reminded me how much I love competing in completely meaningless events – it adds a bit of edge to my life. After university opportunities are more scarce, but next year I plan on doing more, whether it’s football, padel or chess.“
Out – “Guinnfluencers”
“I’m Irish. I love Guinness as much as the next person. But we have to stop with the Guinness influencing grift. I’m seeing my fellow Irish lean into stereotypes just to rack up overseas followers, and people with posh British accents rack up hundreds of thousands of followers drinking the stuff – it has to end.”
Nicole, Senior Graphic Designer
In – Journalling
“Whether jotting down the day’s events, introspecting on my feelings or merely junk journaling, this new hobby I’ve taken up in 2024 has scratched the creative itch for me, as your notebook can become whatever you want it to be. Just give me a fountain pen, a few cute Japanese sticker sheets and washi tapes and I’m good to go. “
Out – Doomscrolling
“2024 is the year I fell out of love with social media. As much as it is an endless source of inspiration if you’re stuck in the endless loop of consuming content, you will never take the next step towards creating.”
Andrea, Food, Culture & Lifestyle Writer
In – Foodie adventures
“I’m looking for more exciting foodie adventures next year – a bar on top of a mountain? A restaurant that makes me swim to the table? You know what, count me in.”
Out – Sugary cocktails
“I’m a bit tired of sugary cocktails, which are more dessert and less drink – I think I enjoyed these the first few times I tried them, but now I just want a drink that tastes like a drink. I love a good cocktail and a drink with some theatrics, but I think I’m over the flowery, sugary stuff.”
Elle, Venue Partnerships Manager
In – Commuting by Lime bike
“Exercise and it’s quicker (with a helmet, of course).”
Out – Commuting by bus
“The number 37 bus, I can no longer have that kind of unpredictability in my life.”
Kayla, Editorial Intern
In -Becoming an at-home barista
“I picked up a Bialetti Moka Express coffee maker while in Rome this fall and I’m determined to use it and my other coffee gadgets that often go unused to replicate my favourite drinks at home.”
Out – Too-small handbags
“I am unapologetically carrying massive totes in 2025, there’s too much stuff that I need in a day to carry in a tiny clutch.”
Imogen, Junior Graphic Designer
In – Mental wellness
“In 2025, I’m making an effort to focus on my mental fitness, not just physical.”
Out – Long gaps between TV show seasons
“Back in the day, we had 20-episode seasons running every year; now, it takes two years to make 10 episodes, and by then, you’ve completely forgotten what happened.”
