Hampers are a time-honoured Christmas tradition. After all, what can be more delightful than opening up a wicker basket packed full of delectable goodies and gastronomic treats? From Fortnum & Mason’s no-expense-spared offering, containing everything from caviar to the finest Champagnes, to vegan-friendly and non-alcoholic options, here’s our edit of the most luxurious Christmas hampers to suit all tastes and budgets. Happy feasting…
The Imperial Hamper
£6,000
The Imperial Christmas hamper has the festive season well and truly covered, from a whole ham, Scottish smoked salmon and Beluga caviar to delicious cheeses and condiments, while the sweet-toothed will appreciate the abundance of florentines, panettone, handmade chocolates and the like. Overflowing with Champagnes, wine and nightcap-ready Frapin VIP XO cognac and Fonseca 40 Year Old Tawny Port – as well as party accessories, including crackers and a table bomb – this is pure decadence in a wicker basket.
Boxing Day Hamper
£500
Harrods excels at luxury Christmas hampers and this Boxing Day offering doesn’t disappoint, packed full with treats designed to be enjoyed as an after-dinner spread. There’s five different wines, including fizz, teas and coffee, a Christmas cake and classic mince pies (which have to be eaten with their brandy butter), chocolates and a box of crackers to make sure Boxing Day goes with a bang.
The Plant Power Vegan Hamper
£225
Organic farming enterprise Daylesford is renowned for its sustainably grown vegetables, fruit and herbs, and this vegan-friendly luxury Christmas hamper showcases the organic, wholesome produce in all its glory. Nestled within the linen-lined wicker hamper, you’ll find freshly-made plant-based sauces, gut-loving ferments and protein-rich pantry essentials, all made by hand on the Cotswolds farm and guaranteed to give seasonal nourishment.
The Mayfair Hamper
£750
Trust Claridge’s to get their Christmas hampers so very right. While the iconic hotel has a number of choices – all presented in handmade willow baskets – we have fallen for The Mayfair. Alongside bottles of Laurent-Perrier, Christmas pudding steeped in cognac and dark rum and other gastronomic goodies, there’s a Fornasetti candle, a set of Claridge’s Art Deco mugs, and – perhaps the most essential – a copy of Cecil Beaton’s Cocktail Book.
The Christmas Show Stopper Organic Food Hamper
£250
In addition to their doorstep deliveries of organic and wild groceries, Abel & Cole do some brilliant Christmas hampers. The Christmas Show Stopper Organic Food Hamper is just that. Expect a smorgasbord of yuletide delights including an Orange and Elderflower Ham, a whole side of organic farmed Smoked Salmon from the Severn & Wye Smokery, vintage Cheddar, all-butter mince pies, and much more.
Party Starter Hamper
£185
Even if it’s just the family at home this Christmas, this uber-chic black wicker hamper from Harvey Nichols will ensure that the party goes with a swing. Not surprisingly alcohol features prominently, with two bottles of the store’s crisp and fruity own-label Prosecco, limited-edition Blood Orange & Clove Negroni, white wine and small batch gin all included, as well as deliciously zingy flavoured tonic waters (we can’t get enough of the Orange & Lavender and Raspberry & Mint). A curated array of nibbles to complement the drinks includes Emmental Cheese and Onion Straws, pimento olives and Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Brittle. It’s definitely time to eat, drink and be merry…
Classic Alcohol-Free Christmas Hamper
£120
Selfridges’ luxury Christmas hampers run the gamut of sweet and savoury, with something for every type of foodie. The Alcohol-Free hamper offers every manner of gourmet pleasure, from Turkish Delight and chocolate-dipped orange to cinnamon swirls and non-alcoholic Christmas pudding – and to wash it all down? Selfridges decadent dark milk hot chocolate, guaranteeing the cosiest of winter evenings.
The Host’s Hamper
£130
With two Royal Warrants, over 300 years of history and five Masters of Wine, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s original wine and spirit merchants. This wicker hamper contains every oenophile’s dream – a bottle of rich, crisp Grand Cru Champagne, plus four tulip-shaped glasses (for optimum fizz appreciation), a stopper, corkscrew and an apron, ensuring playing host this Christmas is as fun as it is festive.
Decadent Sea Salt Caramel Hamper
£195
Any chocoholic worth their (sea)salt will know that beneath the gold embossed handmade boxes and satin ribbons, Charbonnel & Walker chocolates are gratifyingly rich and moreish, all of them handmade to the traditional recipes of Madame Charbonnel. This year, the luxury chocolatier has put together a Christmas hamper entirely devoted to its sea salt caramel chocolate delicacies, including their truffles, almonds and thins.
Glorious Gluten Free Hamper
£60
Those with a gluten intolerance, rejoice. Paxton & Whitfield, Britain’s oldest and most revered cheesemongers, has put together a tantalising selection of indulgences – all of them gluten free. Unearth the signature Cheddar Pounder – which is matured in Somerset caves – nestled alongside other cheesy delights (we love the creamy Celtic soft cheese), crunchy crackers packed with seeds, apricots and dates, white fig confit and membrillo, all prettily presented in a traditional wooden crate.
