‘I love getting the glad rags on and the sparkles out’

My favourite thing about the party season is the chance to get dressed up. I love spending time outdoors in wellies and a waterproof, but it’s lovely to get dressed up, get the glad rags on and the sparkles out. I also adore putting on the heels!

As with many women, I wouldn’t mind bumping into Colin Firth at an

but I’m sure there would be a very long queue if he was anywhere near the mistletoe! We all fell for him in Bridget Jones. Every time I hear It’s Raining Men, it reminds me of the movie.

I adore the food of the festive season. It’s a highlight, and it’s great to see what ranges are out in which supermarkets, and what’s going to be the must-have item for the year. I love the way that all food cooked at Christmas is cooked with love.

A Christmas I really remember is the one after I got my first job in radio. The job was in Birmingham, but my family were in London and I was offered the chance to work on Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. To get home, I had to pass my driving test in the run-up to Christmas or I wouldn’t see my

TV and radio presenter Margherita Taylor, 48, lives in London.

family. So having passed my test, driving on an empty motorway, on Christmas morning back to see my family, with Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas playing on the radio, was one of my favourite memories. I was so proud to have passed my test and so pleased to be able to see my family on

I love. It was a great memory for me.

Every family has their own special traditions and, with the Danish roots that my family has, Christmas Eve in Denmark is the big celebration for us. Christmas Eve is always extra special to my family here – although we only get one set of presents and they’re saved

This year, I’m really looking forward to being on air in the studio on New Year’s Eve. It’s such a privilege to share that particular moment with listeners and I think this year, more than ever before,

everyone has had and what a new year might bring, it’s great to raise a glass with those that maybe aren’t with friends and family in person.

✣

Listen to Margherita on Smooth Radio Sunday, 4pm to 7pm