The perfect Christmas hamper

Savoury

Rich olives salted à la Grecque with herbs Provence Waitrose family hamper: Not Provencal or Greek but Moroccan, these black Beldi olives, sprinkled with dried herbs, are plump, soft and not too salty. — Clare Asquith

Mini crocq salami bites Harrods Montpelier hamper: Little parcels of meaty joy to go with cheese and wine. A snack to gorge on. — Sebastian Payne

Parmesan, rosemary and chilli crackers Ottolenghi hamper: I’d eat a beer mat fried with Parmesan and chilli, and rose-mary gilds the lily. My mother-in-law would have scoffed the lot. If I hadn’t. — Sam Leith

Salami Fattoria La Vialla hamper: Salami can be so chewy you wonder what the meat is. But this is impeccable; succulent and not too peppery.
James Forsyth

Lizzy’s goat’s cheese Greys cheeses hamper: Cheeses by Lizzy adorn many a Spectator lunch. Her Valençay unpasteurised goats’ cheese is smooth and gooey.
Camilla Swift

Most popular

Tom Bower

Labour is destroying London’s nightlife

Sugo di carne della Toscana and Calamari pasta Fattoria La Vialla hamper: The sauce is better than homemade, the pasta rugged and wholewheat. An antidote to seasonal pâté and cheese fatigue.
Victoria Lane

Hickory smoked almonds and cashews Waitrose family: I love the taste of smoked meat, but now that’s officially carcinogenic I need a replacement. These nuts are the perfect methadone for recovering bacon junkies.
Fraser Nelson

Sweet

Mince pies Ottolenghi: I’m picky about mince pies but no more disgusting mouthfuls spat into festive napkins — I’ll only eat Ottolenghi’s. The pastry is flaky not floury, the mincemeat sweet with plump raisins and a whiff of brandy.
Mary Wakefield

Lemon & Pistachio Cake Forman & Field hamper: A rare combo with African and Middle Eastern influences. Sharp lemon and sweet pistachio melt into a moist mouthful.
Brian Hancill

Fruit cake Ottolenghi: Lighter than traditional cake but just as flavoursome, and with a decent amount of marzipan on top.