You can't avoid it. The adverts have started and the music is in the shops. Like it or not, the festive season is well and truly upon us. But it's not all lugging too-big Christmas trees home or dealing with your difficult in-laws. The best bit is the indulgence (oh yeah, and spending time with your loved ones). And how better to achieve indulgence than a Christmas hamper?
But one other thing a hamper must do is impress. Lifting up that wicker lid you need to gasp. No gasp? That ain't no hamper. This one from Harvey Nichols, so big it came in two parts, certainly did the trick. It was so beautifully presented and the internal products were all stylishly packaged. I really appreciate it when a brand see beyond the gold and red of Christmas tradition - this is no less festive, exuding all of the celebration with none of the clichés.
I also adore the black wicker hamper itself too - somehow more luxurious than your standard straw one and beautifully lined in canvas with subtle branding. That will find its way onto my wardrobe for storage, as it would be criminal to dispose of.
The Crowd Pleaser, pictured here and priced at £300, is certainly that, getting the party started with a decent selection of festive cheer, including two bottles of Champagne Brut NV and a bottle each of Malbec, Treixadura, Late Bottled Vintage Port and Gin - they even included four individual bottles of Tonic Water With A Hint Of Cucumber And Lime.
And the rest is perfect for dipping into across the festive break; to healthily supplement gatherings or placed beside the sofa within reaching distance for that gout inducing Christmas film marathon.
Inviting a few friends round for drinks, we tucked into the gin and tonics. I topped the Olive Oil & Rosemary Biscuits with some smoked salmon pate and fried capers (the easiest canapé in the World) and enjoyed them with plump Green Olives stuffed with lemon and almonds and little Cheddar Cheese Nibbles.
The Dark Chocolate Florentines were particularly good and didn't last long! Also in the sweet section were Dark Chocolate Crunch Biscuits (I'm eating one of these right now, naturally), a Giant Chocolate Coin, a beautiful box of assorted Chocolate Truffles, Mint Thins and what has become impossible to miss at Christmas, a Panettone. Luckily they included large tins of Breakfast Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate.
The rest of the hamper included the festive condiments such as Cranberry Sauce, Christmas Mustard and a Date & Orange Chutney. For your toast, Blackberry & Apple Jam and a Grapefruit & Ginger Marmalade that has really got my name on it.
And finally, no Christmas should be without a Christmas Pudding or Brandy Butter, right?
I liked that they also included a lucky dip stick game that looks fun.
This hamper was heaving with produce and even though was at the upper price bracket (and they have bigger ones for those that have been very, very good this year), Harvey Nichols offer a wide range, starting at just £25.
If you are struggling to choose a hamper then check out their personalised hamper guide or view the the full range here.
I was sent a hamper for review. Words and thoughts, as always, my own.
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