One of the most—perhaps the most—memorable and central aspects of the Christmas season and all its related celebrations is, of course, the decadent array of delicious treats and drinks on offer. With that in mind, the first of our series of gift guides in the run up to the 25th looks at the best hampers, nibbles, and libations to present to a foodie friend, bring back to share with the family, or just hoard to yourself for the post-Christmas lazy days…
Harvey Nichols Snowed In Hamper—£130
Snowed in? Snow problem! Designed for a romantic Christmas a deux, simply pour two glasses of the finest red wine and indulge in a truffle risotto with mixed forest mushrooms. As the evening goes on, gaze into each other’s eyes over a box of chocolates and then perhaps a luxurious bubble bath with a glass of Champagne—rubber duck included!
Hotel Chocolat Winter Desserts Sleekster—£22
There simply isn’t enough time over the festive season to taste all of the delicious desserts on offer, so the Winter Desserts Sleekster presents a chance to try them all in miniature, with a stunning collection of 27 chocolates inspired by winter puddings. Apple Strudel, Mince Pie Brownie, Gingerbread, and Christmas Mess are a few of our favourites.
The Ladurée Hat Box—£195
For those with a sweet tooth, celebrate in bijou French style with this charming selection from the home of the macaron. Featuring rosé Champagne, tea, jam, chocolates, sugared almonds and a macaron recipe book, unwrap a whole host of pastel delights wrapped up in an elegant hat box.
Edinburgh Gin Christmas Gin—£42.50
Produced in small batches, and using only the finest juniper berries, Edinburgh Gin delivers superior distilling expertise with a distinct Scottish twist. This limited edition release gives the gin a seasonal makeover, adding frankincense and myrrh to the standard botanical mix employed. Heady with rich spices and sweet orange, this cracking Christmas Gin has an almost honeyed, thicker mouthfeel thanks to the miraculous addition of myrrh—all qualities which make it the perfect winter warmer.
Build Your Own Gingerbread Village—£15
Create your own gingerbread village at home with this easy-to-build kit. It includes gingerbread, an easy-build tray, pre-made icing and confectionery—everything you need to construct and decorate your perfect, tasty little winter village in this delightful activity for the whole family.
Christmas Spiced Stilton Jar—£23.50
This is Christmas in a jar. Warm winter spices of cinnamon, nutmeg & clove are combined with dried cranberries & candied orange peel and blended with a young, white stilton.
Laurent-Perrier, Cuvée Rosé, Brut, Champagne NV—£43.99
This champagne with its distinctive bottle is one for connoisseurs. Using only Pinot Noir from grand cru villages and the more unusual soak-on-the-skins method, it has delicious raspberry and redcurrant flavours.
Mast Brothers Chocolate Box—£75
The new Chocolate Box from uber-cool Brooklyn-based chocolate makers, the Mast Brothers, is sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers. Famed for their innovative and excellent origin chocolate bars, as well as their meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, the pioneering brothers play with unusual flavours to enhance their already delicious chocolates.
A treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds, their chocolates are encased in brightly coloured eye-catching wallpaper-style packaging in a plethora of colours; the gift box includes some of their most popular flavour combinations, such as Sea Salt, Vanilla & Smoke and Coffee (made with London’s Square Mile Coffee).
Forman & Field Salmon Lover’s Crate—£119.95
This special crate is as much a celebration of the capital’s culinary expertise as a chance to revel in all the wonderful delicacies we prepare with the king of fish. Containing caviar, flaked hot smoked salmon, beetroot cured salmon and salmon fillet as well as multiple variations of the classic smoked salmon, it’s a symphony in pink for your tastebuds.
Panettone Classico—£17.99
Enjoy a traditional Italian treat this Christmas: made in Milan to a time-tested recipe, G. Cova & Co’s classic panettone offers an alternative to British Christmas cakes and puddings. Made with candied peel and sultanas and beautifully wrapped in printed paper, this light, fruity cake is ideal as a post-Christmas dinner dessert or as a festive gift.
Artisan Biscuits Mincemeat Stars—£11.95
Proper mincemeat with the added freshness of apple, gives our all-butter biscuits the authentic taste of Christmas. Delicious warmed and served after dinner with coffee. Made in the shape of miniature stars, each makes the perfect mouthful.
Fortnum & Mason Brut Vintage Champagne Giftbox—£42.50
This Brut Vintage Champagne is specially produced for Fortnum & Mason by Louis Roederer. The grapes (including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) are sourced from the young vines of Louis Roederer and also purchased fruit from the Marne.
The dominance of black varieties offers roundness and complexity, while the Chardonnay provides elegance and freshness. This cuvée is a deep gold colour and offers a wonderful brioche character.
Selfridges Spiced Cinnamon Coffee—£7.99
Enjoy your coffee with a rich, spicy kick this Christmas with this festive coffee blend, made with a comforting cinnamon twist. Made from superior coffee beans, hand-checked in Italy by a master roaster, its subtle cinnamon notes will warm up cold winter days.
Fortnum’s Wooden Tea Advent Calendar, Filled—£125
Keep track of the days until Father Christmas arrives with this handcrafted, wooden Fortnum & Mason Tea Calendar. Behind each of the 24 decorative doors lies a suprisingly wonderful selection of rare teas sourced from India and the Far East.