Planning for the festive season (without being socially unacceptable) AD

Post in collaboration with Selfridges, but love of talking about Christmas long before December all my own

There are several reasons why this year I’m thinking about the a certain festive season a little early:

1) I’ve been on a spending ban for the past month, so naturally present shopping for others is the next best thing.
2) It’s my first Christmas away from home, so naturally every other conversation with parents turns to ‘what are your plans for Christmas this year love?’
3) I always leave things too late and witness the dreaded ‘sold out online’ logo far too often.
4) It’s the first Christmas where I don’t have to hide presents in the back of my wardrobe so LET’S GO BIG PEOPLE.

So, I’m going to start the Christmas conversation here.

I’m not sure if it’s a little early (possibly as we still have a few days until Halloween)- but having spoken to a couple of pals who are already comfortably halfway through their Christmas shopping- it posed the Carrie Bradshaw-esque question of: can you ever start prepping for the best season too early? In all seriousness, with Autumn in full swing and it also being my first Christmas in my own place- I’ve started thinking about the festive season involuntarily early, hampers and all. With a wedding to save for, and the season of giving and spending with those you love being my absolute favourite- getting organised in true Monica Gellar style has become my new hobby of choice.

Having always done comprehensive gift guides on the blog (which you can expect popping up in December)- there’s always a few things that are worth taking note of a little before advent rolls around. Undeniably, one of these things- as well as one of my favourite gifts to buy for someone is a festive hamper. Not only do they always look thoughtful, but with so many to chose from- this year I know they’ll make for the perfect gift for everyone from grandparents to my mum and dad- and something you know they definitely wouldn’t already have.

Growing up my mum always used to pick them up for family that didn’t live in London- and always consisted of so many treats that people would always be thrilled to have in the cupboards too. This year one of my favourite department stores in London, Selfridges, have a ridiculously impressive selection with everything from salted caramel hampers (I know) to a breakfast in bed option– which, in my opinion would be the most beautiful gift for someone the morning after a dinner party (fancy, but perfect no?)