Given they are the cool kid on the block, it's no surprise to see Elle Decoration deliver a December issue far removed from green and red Christmas features, instead inspiring for the holidays in a more subtle, unique way. A cracking gift guide opens the issue, along with news on all the latest products for the home, including the 'Cotton Tree' wallpaper by MissPrint and fabrics from Osborne & Little. This month's 'easy decorating' feature shines the spotlight on purple and offers advice on how to introduce  various hues into a scheme. The 'easy updates' feature that follows is by far my favourite of all the stories within the December issue; wonderfully whimsical and bursting with comforting warmth, their Ten Commandments of Christmas are all spot on. A close second favourite was the 'at home with' feature, which tours the Copenhagen home of Danish fashion designer Malene Birger. Before heading into the home tour section at the back, congratulations must go to one of my textile favourites Donna Wilson, who won the Designer of the Year award at The British Design Awards 2010. There's just time to mention the five home tours within the issue - see below for a peek of the Vals and Parisian homes they featured. Finally, if you are planning on entertaining over the holiday season be sure to read their feature on casual dining. OK, enough of my picks, what has you excited about this issue?