The festive season is an exciting time of year, there’s the David Jones window displays, carolling in the park and my favourite, all the pretty decorations that light up the city. So, we decided to ask some of our favourite bloggers about what they love about Christmas and what they hope to find under their tree!

1. YELLOWTRACE www.yellowtrace.com.au

Dana Tomic Hughes, a Sydney-based interior designer, shares her love for “great design and clever people” on her cutting-edge and influential design blog, Yellowtrace.

“Christmas, for me, is all about spending quality time with my family and close friends, and sharing delicious food prepared with love and care. It is also the time to shut out the rest of the world, even for just a moment, while giving and receiving the ultimate gift of love, time and undivided attention.

My wishlist includes: Basil Bangs Chaplin Stripe Sun umbrella because it’s a seriously stylish beach accessory, a Teapot pendant light from Gretel, Pantone Christmas balls from Seletti, a fun alternative to traditional decorations, an Airvase by Japanese designers, Torafu Architects from Upon A Fold, Random Spot pillowcases from Castle, and Diptyque Gardenia candles from Mecca Cosmetica!”

2. DAYDREAM LILY www.daydreamlily.com

Liss Winnel’s delightful destination is a one-stop-shop for pretty photographs, eclectic fashion and hidden gems uncovered from the depths of the World Wide Web.

“I love summer barbecues, lots of food, spending time with my family and friends, public holidays and Starbucks’ Christmas menu, especially the gingerbread lattes. A cute bike to ride to the beach and some books for summer reading are what’s on my Christmas wishlist.”

3. SUNDAY COLLECTOR www.sundaycollector.blogspot.com

Briar Stanley travels from thrift stores to designer showrooms sourcing beautiful, hard-to-find pieces for her work as a props buyer and interiors stylist. However, unlike some, she decides to share her unique finds with likeminded souls at her blog, Sunday Collector.

“I love so many things about Christmas; it’s definitely my favourite time of year. But, after writing down a list, I’d have to say: mangoes, champagne, my mum’s ham with cranberry sauce on sourdough, catching up on reading which is mostly interiors magazines, gift giving to kids, as they make Christmas in my opinion, spending quality time by the pool and in the ocean with my big family and gift wrapping with a new theme every year! And, last but not least, the beautiful Australian lifestyle – I spent a white Christmas in Canada a few years ago and it just wasn’t the same. I’m expecting my first child in May 2012 so everything on my wishlist is baby related. I can’t wait to decorate the nursery, and I definitely have my eye on a few things at Kido.” www.kidostore.com

4. ADA AND DARCY www.adaanddarcy.blogspot.com

With a love for home décor, textiles and bright colours, Kellie Collis, owner of homewares e-boutique Ada and Darcy, shares her thoughts, interests and inspirations on her beautiful blog.

“I love that everyone always makes a wonderful effort to catch up with each other, life is always so busy but at Christmas, you always make time to see those special people. I also love the decorations, the colour, the flowers available at Christmas time and planning my colour concepts for my wrapping paper, the table styling and how I will jazz up our home when people pop by! I also adore buying gifts, I never seem to find this stressful and I love every minute of it, crowds and all. I have had a special word with Santa this year to deliver my new range to me looking all beautiful and just as I expected with no hiccups. On the gift front, I’m wishing/dreaming for a Nespresso coffee machine to help me through the long nights ahead in the coming year and perhaps a fancy little bag – my husband was given lots of hints on a recent trip to Hong Kong! Most of all, I’m wishing for a healthy and wonderful year for my family, friends and two lovely puppies.”

Useful links

Nespresso www.nespresso.com

Basil Bangs www.basilbangs.com

Gretel www.gretelhome.com

Seletti www.seletti.it

Upon A Fold www.uponafold.com.au

Castle www.castleandthings.com.au

Mecca Cosmetica www.meccacosmetica.com.au