How to create the ultimate festive welcome hamper

From the moment your guests arrive, knock their Christmas socks off with a luxurious welcome hamper readily waiting in their retreat. Packed full of festive goodies you’ll make their seasonal stay extra special, creating memories which will last long into the New Year.

It’s not as hard as it might seem to create a stunning hamper; we’ve teamed up with the experts at Gadsby to create a helpful guide that will have you styling your own in no time. Guests will appreciate the personal touch of a lovingly curated gift hamper over a shop bought one so it’s worth investing time in this merry gesture.

Set a budget and keep to it

A festive-themed hamper needn’t blow your budget; a small hamper of inexpensive yuletide treats will be just as greatly received by your guests.

Why not make friends with your local food producers who may be willing to give you a discount in exchange for promoting their product or shop to your guests.

What to put in your homemade hamper

• A tasty selection of Christmas favourites such as decadent chocolates, mince pies, Christmas pudding and, most importantly, a warming bottle of mulled wine to wash it all down. Stick with local producers as a nice touch for out-of-town guests.

• Cosy winter essentials for chilly days and cosy nights in by the fire; hot chocolate (don’t forget the marshmallows), festive scented candle and a pair of warm fluffy socks.

• A recommendation of local festive events and celebrations from Christmas markets and craft fair to carol concerts and reindeer parades to get your guests into the festive mood. Make sure you include start times, location details; they’ll be grateful for insider knowledge of best viewing points and local parking.

• For guests staying over New Year a small bottle of champagne to mark the occasion.

• This one might sound obvious, but it’s important that your guests have your contact details so they can contact you directly with any queries or questions.

• If your guests have a four-legged friend in toe, then don’t forget to welcome their furry friends too with a handful of dog-friendly biscuits.

The presentation of your hampers is just as important as what’s inside.

Choose a hamper and gift packaging style which complements the décor of your holiday home. The warm-tones of a luxury double-steamed hamper would sit perfectly against the sumptuous, rich interior of a 5-star getaway while an antique finish hamper would look at home in a lovely chocolate-box cottage.

While a closed hamper might add to the joy of anticipation for your excited guests, a beautifully displayed open lidded hamper will wow your guests from the moment they open the door to your holiday home.

Before placing your gifts inside your hamper, you’ll need some shredded paper to help with presentation and to fill any gaps. The amount you’ll need will vary depending on the size of your gifts. Why not keep to the festive theme and opt for a red or a green filling.

Take time to arrange each product. If you’re leaving your hamper open, place larger items at the back, with smaller products arranged in front.  Put perishables in the fridge, with a handwritten note in your welcome hamper to let your guests know.

For a final touch of festive cheer, finish your Christmas hamper with a luxurious satin red bow and a sprig of fresh holly with ripe berries.