James Joyce wouldn't have been disappointed with the hamper bearing his name, according to Bewleys' website. Containing all the extras for Christmas Day, from pudding to handmade chocolates, in a wicker basket, this one costs £96 plus VAT - but with 26 hampers ranging in price from £23 to £1,000, Bewleys has something for all pockets. Check the page listing delivery costs and details before ordering online, at http://bewleys-hampers.ie
Interhamper's traditional hampers include good-quality brands and plenty of booze, such as the £240 Treasure Trove with champagne, whiskey, port and speciality foodie items such as venison pate with cognac and cranberry sauce with claret. The site (at www.irishfood.com/interhamper/traditional.html) has a strange ordering system: after submitting your order online, you receive delivery details and cost by e-mail, and then you e- mail confirmation.
Gourmet France, an Irish company specialising in "gastronomic delicacies" imported from south-west France, offers hampers with a difference. How about Le Petite Truffe (£60) with two bottles of wine, goose foie gras, truffle oil and black truffles instead of traditional food? Hampers, ranging in price from £35 to £1,000, are delivered free within Ireland. Go to www.gourmetfrance.ie
Kylemore Abbey offers a selection of hampers, including traditional Christmas fare and aromatherapy toiletries. Order by phone or fax (print the order form from the website), at www.kylemoreabbey.ie
For hampers and boxes of hand-made, attractively packaged chocolates, from £5, check out www.lilyobriens.ie, where you can order chocolate to send all over the world.
"A hamper is not just for Christmas," says Superquinn's website. Although not offering hampers specifically for Christmas, its categories include wine (with an after-dinner hamper comprising port, cheese, pate and crackers for £30) and speciality (for vegetarians). The website (www.superquinn.ie/hampers.html) does not provide online shopping or information on deliveries - order by phone or e-mail.
smarriott@irish-times.ie
