A northern escape and a summer of reading: Editor in Chief Jess Blanch shares her plans for the holiday season.

Escaping ...
I’m making my annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay for January. It’s a busy time of year but I have an off peak schedule sorted and also do a lot of entertaining at our place. The trick at this time of year is order ahead; so the mornings are pick-ups from Harvest Deli and Santos via a butter coffee from The Roadhouse just as they open their doors. This year there are two new openings: La Casita, a Mexican place in Brunswick by the people behind Fleet and Green Room at the iconic Beach Hotel, designed by Kelvin Ho with local Jilly’s Wines and food courtesy of David Moyle. But I won’t forget Doma Cafe in Federal, my forever favourite.

Essentials ...
A gigantic Jacquemus hat, slip dresses, Saint Laurent sunglasses, many swimmers, a single pair of sandals and a big pile of books including Principles by Ray Dalio, David Sedaris’ new book, Calypso, The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy and the new Jimmy Page biography.

Celebrating ...
While I normally try to avoid NYE parties, I’ll always remember this year as one where I was put to some tests, and then failed spectacularly, so I’m intent on celebrating its end and honouring all I have learnt. I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve day at a party overlooking Tamarama Beach and then plan to continue the ritual of making it home before the midnight fireworks, as it’s my last chance to watch them from my bedroom before I move house. I may even wear a bright colour. We’ll see.