Press Release

Fortnum & Mason Unveils Curated by Skye Mcalpine: The Christmas Companion Hamper   

This festive season, Fortnum & Mason is delighted to announce the launch of Curated by Skye McAlpine: The Christmas Companion – an exclusive new hamper created in collaboration with the acclaimed food writer Skye McAlpine. 

Bringing together indulgent festive treats and decorative touches, this limited-edition hamper is all about celebrating the magic of the season with Skye’s curated hamper of delicious treats to give your Christmas table added sparkle, along with Skye’s new book The Christmas Companion, an indispensable guide to a cosy, relaxed and memorable Christmas filled with recipes and inspirational ideas for making the most of the festive season.

Encased in Fortnum’s signature wicker, the collection goes beyond festive food to embrace Skye’s signature flair for decoration. A reusable bow, perfect as a Christmas tree topper or as a stylish touch around the home, sits alongside pink bow place cards and edible gold leaf for finishing touches, which will help transform any table into something truly memorable. Paired with Fortnum’s finest seasonal delights, this hamper is designed to wow guests and make every Christmas gathering feel extra special.

Full hamper contents include: 

• Christmas Blend Ground Coffee Tin 250g 

• Sugared Almonds - Gold and Silver Mix 210g 

• Marzipan Fruit Shapes 275g 

• Christmas Tea Biscuit 120g 

• Chocolate Enchanted Forest 130g 

• Christmas Peppermint Bark 150g 

• Fortnum’s Toasted Panettone & Saffron Liqueur 21.9% 50cl 

• Edible Gold Leaf 

• H&C Pink Bow Place Card (Set of 12) 

• King George Christmas Pudding 454g 

• Bow - Christmas tree topper 

• Signed copy of Skye McAlpine’s new book, The Christmas Companion 

Skye McAlpine said: “I have always loved Fortnum & Mason at Christmas and have very happy memories of coming to the top floor to order our hamper at Christmas with my mother each year. It’s a dream come true to collaborate on this hamper that celebrates what I love most about Christmas - bringing the people that you love together for a meal that feels, looks and tastes magical.”

Jo Newton, Buying Director at Fortnum & Mason said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Skye on this truly special hamper, it has been such a joy. She has a wonderful way of making Christmas feel magical, and we wanted to capture that in every detail – from the treats to the little decorative touches. It’s all about creating moments around the table that feel special, memorable and full of festive cheer.”

With sections on Magic Making, Feasting and Making Merry, The Christmas Companion shares everything from tips on crafting wreaths and decorations, to edible gifts such as Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Sticks, to recipes for showstopping dishes like Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey to Camembert and Cranberry Pithivier. Whether you’re hosting two or twenty, Skye’s new book brings the magic, warmth and sparkle of the Christmas season and encourages you to do Christmas your way – picking and choosing the ideas, recipes and traditions that appeal to you.

With only 50 hampers available, the limited-edition hamper will be available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason from 16th October 2025. The perfect gift for you or a loved one, especially for foodies or those with a stylish flair.

ENDS

Media Enquiries 
For high-res imagery or further information, please contact:fortnumandmason@exposure.net 

About Fortnum & Mason:
Fortnum & Mason is essential for anyone seeking extraordinary food, joy-giving gifts, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional service. First founded in London in 1707, after Queen Anne permitted her footman William Fortnum to sell discarded candles from St James’s Palace, Fortnum’s has forged a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since. Fortnum & Mason holds two Royal Warrants, one from His Majesty The King and one from Her Majesty The Queen.

A London retail institution and pioneer in the hospitality sector, innovation has always been a central pillar at Fortnum’s. From inventing the Scotch Egg and providing supplies to the 1922 Everest expedition to beekeeping in Piccadilly’s rooftop hives and launching the Food & Drink Awards to celebrate people and talent, Fortnum’s has been a trusted disruptor and authority in the food & drink space, at home and internationally, from the very beginning.

Every year, millions of people from around the world visit the Piccadilly flagship to enjoy Fortnum’s famous Afternoon Tea and shop its extraordinary food, gift and fragrance halls. The iconic brand is celebrated for its teas, Scotch eggs, hand-made chocolates, and wicker hampers – each playing a large part in its centuries of history – and remains committed to imagination and discovery today. In April 2023, Fortnum's opened its Food & Drink Studio as a space dedicated to the search for extraordinary food and drink experiences. Visitors can enjoy unmissable masterclasses and intimate dining experiences hosted by some of the world's best chefs, watch live demonstrations led by major names in food and drink, and listen to illuminating conversations with makers and creatives who share our passion for all things delicious.

Proud of its storied past and innovation, Fortnum’s mission remains to make joy for every customer, whether they’re shopping in-store or from around the world at the award-winning www.fortnumandmason.com. Follow Fortnum’s on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok (@fortnums)

About Skye McAlpine
Skye McAlpine is a cookery writer who believes that food tastes best when shared with others. She is author of three other cookbooks, A Table in Venice, A Table for Friends and A Table Full of Love. She writes a monthly recipe column for The Sunday Times, as well as the popular Substack newsletter, ‘The Dolce Vita Diaries’; and contributes to publications from around the world. When she’s not cooking or writing, Skye works on designs for her own range of tabletop essentials, Skye McAlpine TAVOLA. She lives between Venice, where she grew up and where her heart lies, and London, where her work most often takes her.

@skyemcalpine