by Nicole Lester
Although its origins can be traced back hundreds of years, the act of gifting friends and family with a Christmas hamper didn’t become popular in Britain until the Victorian era, when railway travel meant that expensive and perishable goods could survive long distances.
Whether you want to spoil someone else with a basket of edible perfection or save it all for a spot of self-indulgence, read on for our round up of the best 2015 festive hampers.
Chocolate and Champagne hamper by La Manufacture de Chocolate Mr Ducasse
From the giant 1kg milk chocolate bar to the indulgent spread, made with caramalised almonds, hazelnut pralines, dark and milk chocolate, everything in Mr Ducasse’s wicker hamper is produced in his own ‘bean to bar’ factory. The sweet treats are accompanied by a bottle of Champagne NV Selection Alain Ducasse Brut, which is otherwise unavailable for purchase in the UK £175
Chocolate hampers by Prestat
Our go-to chocolatier, this year’s offering from Prestat doesn’t disappoint. Each hamper is packed full of their most popular treats-think chocolate thins and artisan mince pies-all wrapped in their trademark colourful packaging £25-£125
The bespoke hamper by The Mount Street Deli
For a dash of old-school elegance you cannot go wrong with a hamper from The Mount Street Deli. The ‘favourites’ hamper comes with a delicious base selection of savoury, as well as sweet, delights. For a more personal touch you can tailor the hamper to a specific palette by adding in as much of whatever you fancy on top or create one entirely from scratch From £100, or POA for a fully bespoke hamper
Doggie hampers by Mutts and Hounds
Ensure your favourite furry friend doesn’t feel left out this festive season with a hamper from Mutts and Hounds. There are four to choose from, all guaranteed to get tails wagging: Toys & Treats, Grooming Set, Luxury Leather and Seasonal Selection. £43.96 - £129.98
Whisky Hamper by Not-Another-Bill
Not-Another-Bill launched in 2011 and since then have delivered more than 100,000 surprise presents around the world. This year they’ve developed five uniquely themed hampers – the whisky offering is our top of our list – all in beautiful plywood crates that have to be prised opened using the miniature brass crow bar provided. Nestled inside you’ll find a bottle of Yamazzaki Japanese whisky which was recently granted the prestigious ‘Whisky of the year’ title. £175
-
Brockfield Hall, the great Yorkshire house that's gone from Regency mansion to modern family homeBrockfield Hall in North Yorkshire is the family home of Charlie Wood and Hatta Byng, editor of House & Garden, who have transformed it since they came here in 2020, winning multiple awards in the process. John Martin Robinson reports on the restoration project that revived this compact Regency house as a modern family home. Photographs by Paul Highnam for Country Life.
-
Barbour’s heritage jackets get a floral makeover courtesy of ErdemUtilitarian outwear has taken the fashion world by storm and now Britain's world-famous wax jackets are getting in on the act, inspired by some of our greatest countryside icons.
