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The best Christmas hampers in town
13.11.07
Sweet treats: Harvey Nichols Christmas hampers cost up to £1,500, but this one is a more reasonable £100
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Check out seven of the best Christmas hampers in town.
Marks & Spencer: Organic Hamper £39.50
A selection of organic sweet treats and biscuits, including shortbread and dark and white chocolate, as well as Fairtrade tea, elderflower cordial and extra virgin olive oil in an eco-friendly wooden crate. Price includes delivery. Order now for delivery from 3 Dec on 0845 603 1603 or at www.marksandspencer.com. Last orders for pre-Christmas delivery 17 Dec.
Tesco: Luxury Hamper £50
A lined wicker basket with red wine, sparkling white, cranberry sauce, after-dinner coffee, milk chocolate truffles, mincemeat tarts and a load of other goodies including a Christmas pudding as well as two plates, knives, forks and spoons so that the hamper can be re-used for picnics. Order at http://direct.tesco.com
Harvey Nichols: Christmas in a Box £100
Harvey Nichols hampers start at £50 and can cost £1,500 for the ultimate, but this one - in a gift box rather than a wicker hamper - is a more reasonable £100. It includes sweet treats such as Christmas pudding, chocolate truffles and stem ginger fudge, alongside mulled wine and a selection of French wines and champagnes. Available instore from Knightsbridge, by phone on 020 8957 5030 and at www.harveynicholshampers.com. To guarantee delivery before Christmas Eve, orders must be placed by Tue 18 Dec.
John Lewis: Christmas Basket £65
Festive fare in a dark brown seagrass basket including mulled wine, Cava Brut, brandy butter, profiteroles, Christmas pudding, mince pies and cranberry sauce. The smaller Christmas Tray at £30 is also good value. Call 08456 049049 or buy online at www.johnlewis.com/hampers. Last orders for guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery, noon on 19 Dec. Price includes delivery.
Selfridges: The Baby Grand Christmas Hamper £135
With prices starting at £30 (plus £7.50 delivery) for a Mad Hatter tea party hamper, Selfridges has food and wine gifts for every budget. The Baby Grand combines all the Christmas essentials, including Christmas pudding dripping in brandy butter, Premier Cru champagne, white and red wines and sweet treats such as Melt bespoke chocolate thins in a classic wicker hamper. Add £8 for delivery. To make a big impression, upgrade to The Grand, £180. Order by phone on 0800 138 8141 or at www.selfridgeshampers.com. Midday on 20 Dec is the last time to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
Harrods: The Montpelier £195
Fresh foods in this gastronomical seagrass basket include stilton, camembert, smoked salmon, salami and cranberry-glazed ham. Along with tea, coffee, chocolate, red and white wines and traditional biscuits, marmalade, olives and chutney, there will be something for every food lover. Additional delivery charge £12.95. Call 0870 732 1234 or order online at www.harrods.com. Order by 1 Dec for guaranteed delivery for Christmas.
Fortnum and Mason: The Gourmet Hamper £350
A hamper with the initials F&M on the side is bound to impress - and this one is full of fresh delicacies and luxury foods including foie gras, white truffle oil, smoked wild Scottish salmon and Shropshire black ham, which can be washed down with a Grand Cru vintage champagne, one of the bottles of wine or Yin Zhen tea. For those with smaller budgets who still want traditional festive foods, the Classic Christmas Hamper is £150. Delivery £7-£12. Fresh food hampers available for delivery from 11 Dec. Orders must be placed by 14 Dec. Order at www.fortnumandmason.com
