A Christmas drinks hamper is one of those gifts that always feels thoughtful. It shows you’ve put time into choosing things the recipient will genuinely enjoy, and it looks impressive without being complicated to put together. The foundation of it all is the basket or box you choose.
A well-made carrier instantly lifts the whole gift, and if you want something sturdy and good-looking, Wovenhill has plenty of options that work perfectly for this kind of project. Their range includes classic wicker hampers, wooden storage crates and smart wine carriers that are ideal for drink-focused gifting.
1. What to use as your foundation
The base sets the tone, so pick something that feels solid, practical and good-looking. If you want a hamper with more weight and structure, a wooden crate is a brilliant choice. Wovenhill’s wooden storage crates with cutout handles are sturdy enough for bottles, mixers and jars, and they give the whole gift a grounded, winter-friendly feel.
If your gift is more bottle-heavy, Wovenhill’s wine carriers and wooden alcohol boxes are perfect for keeping everything upright and secure. They’re shaped specifically for bottles and add a neat, organised look without any effort.
For a more open, styled presentation, a shallow wicker tray basket works just as well. Its low profile makes it easy to arrange everything neatly, and it lets the colours and shapes of the drinks and treats stay visible from the moment the gift is opened.
2. Selecting the main drinks
The drinks you choose are the heart of the hamper, so it helps to keep things focused. Aim for one or two standout bottles rather than a mix that feels thrown together. Think about what the recipient actually enjoys and build around that. If you're building hampers for a larger group, consider a wider selection of unique and interesting drinks so everyone has something they’ll like.
The type of container you’re using also matters. A wooden crate handles heavier bottles easily, while an alcohol box or wine carrier is perfect if you’re gifting a more streamlined drinks-only selection.
Some festive selections you might consider:
-
A good red or white wine
-
A bottle of fizz
-
A winter-spiced rum or whisky
-
A small batch gin
-
A non alcoholic spirit or premium soft drink.
-
Ready-to-drink canned cocktails
-
A set of miniatures for someone who likes variety
-
Coffee liqueur or cream liqueur for a cosy feel
-
A festive syrup, such as gingerbread or spiced orange
Choose drinks that fit the personality of the person you’re gifting. It makes the hamper feel thoughtful and gives the whole setup more intention.
3. Adding supporting treats
Once you’ve sorted the main drinks, the next step is to add the smaller pieces that round out the hamper. These extras fill the gaps, add flavour and make the whole gift feel complete. They also help bring a bit of personality to the crate or tray you’ve chosen.
Here are some simple additions that work well with most drink choices:
-
Tonic cans or mini mixers
-
Cocktail syrups or flavour drops
-
Dried citrus slices for garnishing
-
Cinnamon sticks or whole spices
-
Chocolate truffles or fudge
-
Spiced nuts or savoury nibbles
-
Shortbread or festive biscuits
-
Small jars of chutney or jam
-
A bottle opener or cocktail spoon
-
A couple of premium tea bags or coffee sachets for balance
Pick pieces that complement the drinks rather than compete with them. A few well-chosen treats look far better than an overload of bits that don’t sit together. Using a wooden crate or a shallow wicker tray also makes it easy to position these items neatly, so everything feels intentional.
4. Packing everything neatly
How you arrange the contents makes a huge difference to how the gift feels when it’s opened. Start by placing your main bottles or larger items first, since they anchor the layout. If you’re using a wine carrier or wooden alcohol box, the built-in dividers will naturally keep the bottles secure, so you can focus on what goes around them rather than worrying about movement.
Once the main pieces are in place, add the supporting treats. Smaller items sit well in the remaining spaces, whether that’s between bottles in a carrier or along the edges of a basket. Use small pouches or paper bags for anything loose to keep the presentation tidy. Try to keep the overall height fairly even so the contents look balanced at a glance.
A layer of shredded paper or wood wool helps add padding and gives the inside a warmer finish. A simple ribbon tied around a pouch or bottle adds a bit of detail without overwhelming the layout. If you’re including a note or gift tag, place it somewhere visible so it becomes part of the unwrapping moment.
The aim is to keep everything considered rather than crowded. A neat arrangement with a few thoughtful touches always feels more polished, regardless of the style of container you’re using.
5. Bringing in the Christmas touches
This is the stage where your gift starts to feel properly festive. You don’t need to go heavy on decoration. A few smart choices can transform the entire look into a Christmas mode without overwhelming the contents.
Here are some simple touches that work well with wooden alcohol boxes, wine carriers and baskets alike:
-
A sprig of faux holly or greenery tucked inside the lid
-
Dried orange slices, star anise or cinnamon sticks tied with a string
-
A handwritten winter cocktail recipe card
-
A soft ribbon or piece of twine around a bottle or pouch
-
Festive napkins for a pop of colour
-
A small gift tag on top to finish it neatly
If you’re using a wooden crate or an alcohol box, you can also decorate the outside. A strip of ribbon around the lid, a simple bow on the corner or a small sprig tied to the handle gives it a warm Christmas feel without making it look cluttered. Natural materials work best here, so the decoration complements the texture of the wood rather than competing with it.
Keep the overall look calm and intentional. A few well-placed details are all it takes to give the gift that festive lift when it’s first opened.
Bringing Your Christmas Drinks Gift Together
Creating a festive drinks hamper is a simple way to give a gift that feels personal without needing complicated ideas or specialist skills. It’s all about choosing a good base, selecting drinks that suit the person you’re gifting and adding a few thoughtful extras to bring everything together. With a bit of care in how you pack it and a couple of seasonal touches, the finished hamper looks polished and genuinely enjoyable to receive.
Whether you prefer the look of sturdy wooden boxes or the warmth of woven baskets, a well-chosen container makes the whole process easier and gives the recipient something they can use long after Christmas. If you want a place to start, Wovenhill has a range of options that fit perfectly with this style of gifting.
Take your time, keep it simple and focus on the things that feel right for the person you’re creating it for. The end result is a gift that stands out for all the right reasons and brings a bit of Christmas cheer before they even open the first bottle.
