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Too early for Christmas?

I plan to make some old school hampers this Christmas for some of my family to go along side the usual boring gift voucher.

This is what I plan to make.
  • Blackberry Whisky
  • Sloe Gin
  • Christmas Pudding Wine - Done (this was started last October and has been aging ever since.)
  • Chilli and Ginger Jam
  • Apple and Ginger Jam
  • Christmas Chutney (recipe found on the bbc good food site)
  • Pickled Onions
  • Individual Christmas Cake
  • Piccalilli
I know I'm starting early but the Sloe Gin and Blackberry whisky will take a few months to mature.

What do you think?
Anyone know where I can get some small wicker baskets to put all this in?
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Comments

  • rachbc
    rachbc Posts: 4,461 Forumite
    I need to start mine too, was thinking blackberry liquer for making kir, chutney, quince jelly, a spice rub/ marinade. Last year I packed everything into a pretty reusable shopper rather than a basket as felt that would get more use
    People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • frosty
    frosty Posts: 1,169 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you an Au Naturale nearby?
    They had a sale on storage boxes and wicker type hampers were included.Sorry I cant remember how much,they had 3 sizes.
  • rachbc wrote: »
    Last year I packed everything into a pretty reusable shopper rather than a basket as felt that would get more use

    What a super idea. I love baskets and use them for decorative storage around the home, but we now have an embarrassment of picnic style hampers (an annual coporate gift) and the shoppers would certainly get more use.

    I'm wondering if its possible to get photos printed onto them. My mother would love bags with her dogs and her grandchildren on. (Might suggest that as a gift from my neices to her)
  • esmf73
    esmf73 Posts: 1,784 Forumite
    Certainly NOT too early - have thought about Christmas cooking already - have made list to shop tomorrow! Sorted out presents - sounds like a great idea and i'm keen to start cooking for family soon!
    2014 will be all about ME!
    ( well that hasn't happened!!!)
    Mortgage free. Will be debt free in Nov 2014. Credit card £250
  • helyg
    helyg Posts: 454 Forumite
    Never too early for Christmas!

    I got a nice large wicker basket for £3 for my mum's hamper from Store 21. Got some smaller ones for friends' baskets from ebay and Dunelm Mill.

    Have been making jams and chutneys to go in them, also have been looking for recipes for sweets etc.
  • Reverbe
    Reverbe Posts: 4,210 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I think its bit early. I hated seeing things in August in stores. BUT it can help spread the cost. I have done the only thing I need to do which is buy the 3 xmas cards cheap that I require.Nothing wrong with being prepared folks.
    What Would Bill Buchanan Do?
  • Icey77
    Icey77 Posts: 1,247 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    I'm wondering if its possible to get photos printed onto them. My mother would love bags with her dogs and her grandchildren on. (Might suggest that as a gift from my neices to her)


    Some photographic or art shops might be able to help on this - they do printing onto T-Shirts afterall, why not a cotton shopping bag?
    Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re probably right ~ Henry Ford
  • Minxz
    Minxz Posts: 840 Forumite
    Tesco do the shopper bags with photos on :)

    As for too early, i don't think so! I', making Pear & Apricot chutney as i type, for crimble presents :)
    I love the idea of apple & ginger jam.. where would I find the recipe for that please?
    :o:o:o
  • helyg
    helyg Posts: 454 Forumite
    Reverbe wrote: »
    I think its bit early.

    I think it depends on what you are planning on giving. I am making foodie hampers with chutney etc in, which needs making now as the fruits/veg are in season and it needs 3 or so months to mature. Am also making 3 knitted toys, 5 cross stitch cards and 4 lavender bags so need to factor in the time needed to sew and knit them. Plus the papercraft cards I'm making, although they don't take as long.

    Plus I rather enjoy planning for Christmas!
  • I too tend to make 'edible/drinkable' hampers for my sisters, and actually got the blackberry vodka 'cooking' this last weekend - it takes a minimum of 3 months, which takes us to early December, and my sisters don't all live locally, so there is the delivery to organise too!

    To make the most of the 'hedgerow harvest' I will also be making blackberry and apple jam, and crab apple jelly. The edible treats need to be made when the goods are available, as I prefer to make from fresh - so the beginning of September is alsways the start of my Christmas season -LOL:rotfl:
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