We’ve searched under every retail rock of the British capitol to come up with the ultimate London holiday wish list. Firstly, the holiday without chocolate is unthinkable and British chocolatier Rococo produces the best. Look out for delicious holiday flavors such as Christmas pudding and Frankincense & Myrrh. High on any style maven’s wish list is cult label J&M Davidson‘s luxurious handbags like the roomy Soho bag in supple calfskin or the Mercer bag, a refined and feminine take on the classic doctor’s bag. Both versions come in a range of colors and finishes. Prices start from £400. Opus1 is a new hot Danish furniture brand that has just hit the London market, mixing traditional Scandinavian clean lines with Italian/Oriental influences-a fusion that results in fine woods contrasted by glossy lacquer in rich colors. Prices start from £300. Beauty products are always welcome commodities during the party filled festive season. Create a flawless complexion using Vincent Longo’s Liquid Canvas foundation, £28, and a spectacular flutter with L’Oreal double Extension mascara, £9.99; follow with a generous layer of Red Earth’s fabulous saucer-sized eye shadow, available at Selfridges. For gloomy winter skin SK-II‘s excellent protective moisturizers do the trick and should go down a treat under every woman’s Christmas tree (also at Selfridges). Other wish list essentials are items from Space.NK‘s own product line. Pay special attention to the scented range including Space.NK.Woman, a modern perfume where floral classic notes blend with oak moss and patchouli to form a warm enticing scent, £48 a bottle or £60 for a gift set. Boudicca‘s leather puffa jacket with bat collar and lace-up sleeves is high on trendy must-have lists. And finally, if you’ve made a vow this year to eliminate stress from the Christmas agenda, visit Net-a-Porter and browse through your favourite designer’s collection without a queue or grumpy face in sight. The site offers same day delivery in London in packaging to die for.

- Emma Holmqvist
Photo: Opus1 collection