American Pazazz in English Gift Baskets

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Traditions, many of them centuries old, are high on the list of magical things about the Christmas season. Let’s talk about the food gift box.  Here it is represented here by Gourmet Gift Basket’s statement Pear and Cheese Gift Tower, complete with a thoughtful gift card. And it shows how American entrepreneurial creativity evolved a British Christmas tradition into a year-long custom for all occasions. //www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com

Four layers of metallic blue and silver snowflake patterned boxes are filled with two fresh orchard pears, two crisp apples, garlic & onion jam by New England Cranberry,  smoked cheddar cheese by Mountain View Farms, and rustic fruit and Apricot, Pistachio, & Brandy Artisan Crisps by Rustic Bakery.

It turns out that the gift box emerged from an English tradition of hampers that came became firmly established during the plush Victorian era. This in itself began centuries earlier patterned after a French version. Food hampers were first introduced to England by the French in the 11th century. They date all the way back to 1066 when William the Conqueror ruled Britain.  

The original woven baskets, usually made from willow, were filled with mouth-watering savory treats that took days to prepare.  The hampers were used to transport food and drink items on hunting expeditions or long journeys.  

The practical idea continued through various modes of travel from carriage to car over the next centuries.  And the hampers came to include not only food and drink but useful tools and even clothing.

These baskets became a fashionable gift in the early 1800’s Victorian era.  Expensive but perishable items, (like fruits, meats, and cheeses) that required a quick delivery translated into luxury.  At one point, lobster was a favored item!  Often times family members would arrange delivery right before the holidays or hand-deliver them that day. The goods would then be shared and enjoyed together as a main part of the festivities. 

The expansion of the railroad system in the late 1800s made it easier for families and friends to send Christmas hampers long-distances as presents.

Hampers” for the help” In time became a popular gift for wealthy families to show their appreciation to maids, servants, and other staff members during the holiday season. These gifts were traditionally given on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. The day was named for the gift “box” itself. 

These hampers were filled with food, clothing, and other useful items for the servants to enjoy with their families during the holiday season.

By then, the baskets were also given as a charitable offering to poor or impoverished families. In some cases, the supplies could last a single family for several weeks. 

One of the things that make traditions so special is that they’re often passed from one generation to the next – sometimes, without us knowing exactly why.  And its even more fun to know just how the traditions started.

Other favorites of our’s include: Fabrizia and Spoon of Comfort boxes. See //localfoodeater.com/new-way-to-drink-your-limoncello-and-eat-it-too/