The Classic Christmas Hamper by Selfridges
Give the perfect gift this Christmas
Christmas is coming up and will be here before you know it. That gnawing feeling that you need to buy presents for people is probably growing and causing unnecessary extra stress at this time of year. Well, don’t let it! We have the perfect gift solution right here.
Now, full disclosure, Selfridges very kindly gifted us their Classic Christmas Hamper this year and I just had to review it!
Compared to many other Hampers on the market, this sits at the mid-range price point and comes with plenty of treats, so the recipient feels well looked after. Feel free to make this a gift for a couple too – it seems made for sharing. There’s enough of everything for everyone to enjoy and tick all the boxes. Plus, you’re in with a good chance of getting to eat and drink some of the contents when you bring it over on Christmas Day. After all, it is made to be had on Christmas!
What you’ll get:
See, this really is made for Christmas day. Wines for your main meal, festive dessert, delicious wind-down tea and chocolate to make sure you feel satisfactorily overfull.
The Wines
You have to start with the wines (when on WinesDirect), and I’m glad I did. They have been very well selected to go with Turkey indeed.
Selfridges Selection Cotes du Rhone Red: This is a big blend, with Grenache as the predominant grape but also bringing a little bit of everything from the Rhone red grapes with Syrah, Mouvedre, Cinsault and Carignan in the mix as well. This harmonious blend gives full flavour and body. Aromas of red fruit, vanilla and oak spice rise from high out of the glass. You may also detect a little blueberry compote and dried herbs.
The palate is nice and inky with medium tannin and a lovely spice that hits your tongue right in the middle. It still manages to be soft however which makes it as an ideal Turkey red. Flavours of dark fruit lead, backed up by savoury oak notes of charred wood and vanilla. A super Winter Warmer!
Selfridges Selection Gavi DOCG White: Hailing from a small 25-hectare vineyard, these grapes get the premium attention they deserve to make an excellent Gavi. Initially, floral aromas such as white flowers and blossom are strongest. These mingle well with the citrus elements such as lemon peel and lime. There’s a little herbal touch too which I always find goes with quality Gavi.
To taste it had excellent fruit intensity. Zesty lemon and lime on the fore were backed up with orchard fruits. The finish paints quite a picture: herbal notes reminiscent of aniseed are complimented by a saline edge which leave a lasting and complex impression. Why will it pair so well with your Turkey? It’s got zippy acidity and freshness yet a nice weighty body which means it will stand up well to your food, plus the flavours have enough oomph to keep on top of even the thickest bread sauce.
I’m not usually a tea drinker but opening the box was all the encouragement I needed. A great waft of delicious aromas jumps out, filled with orange, rooibos, elderberry, rosehip and hibiscus – it’s super Christmassy and flavourful. The flavours were inspired by panettone whichs adds that extra Christmas sparkle. And, if you were planning on the ever-popular Italian cake this year, then this is an ideal match! Not to mention it complimented the office mince pies rather well too.
I never used to be that keen on Christmas pud, but when presented with one like this you can’t help but like it. Matured for 9 months to let the flavours develop, this is stuffed with cherries, citrus peel, almond, vine fruits, cider, rum and brandy which culminate into a rich, decadent pudding. I’ll admit I had this last year so had a bit of a head start in knowing I’d like it, but that was a year ago and I’d forgotten quite how nice it was. This is one Christmas pud that the family will actually like!
Christmas is always better with gingerbread, particularly ones that come in a timeless tin like this one. Featuring the Selfridges store front bedecked in festive cheer and a windup bottom that plays Christmas music, this will become a lovely decoration in years to come. But first, it’s all about the gingerbread snowmen inside. And quite simply they are very tasty – its gingerbread, just made very well. They’ll be a sure upgrade on the usual dipping biscuits, and are a nice Christmas companion to your Selfridges tea.
My mouth is watering just thinking about these truffles - they taste like a perfectly gooey chocolate brownie with a thick chocolate dusting. The crunch through into caramel delight then adds another yummy layer. I don’t think you’ll need much more convincing so I’ll simply leave it at that. Plus, you’ll get another decoration out if it to hang on your tree!
Similarly to the truffles, the chocolate coins are simply very good once again. None of those cheap chocolate versions I’ve often ended up with from various Christmas extras, these are milky and creamy, just as you want in good chocolate.
The Verdict
So, all in all (and this won't be much of a surprise) this is something I would strongly recommend for Christmas. It’s a thoughtful gift that will wow and, if you bring it to your hosts, you're in with a strong chance of trying a little bit of everything yourself. Equally, you can just get hold of it to sort out the family needs with a touch of luxury if you are having Christmas at home. Whatever you get it for, it will make Christmas that bit more tasty this year and make life much easier too. Don’t let it be a year you regret missing out!
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