Without crackers, no Christmas table is complete. While the traditional paper crown, joke, and miniature toy are entertaining, there are times when a decidedly more glamorous offering is required to add a certain je ne sais quoi to the expertly laid festive setting. Fortunately, there is no shortage of luxury treats available, ranging from caviar to boozy chocolate truffles.
The Christmas cracker tradition dates back to 1847, when Tom Smith, a London-based confectioner and baker, invented the Christmas cracker while visiting Paris, using the French ‘bon bon,’ a sugared almond wrapped in a twist of tissue paper. Later, Smith added a small love motto inside the wrapper, along with the alleged explosive ‘pop’ caused by
Today, the cracker has evolved into a star player on the holiday table, providing the perfect finishing touch and a suitable alternative to a gift for guests. There’s a wealth of high-end goodies to discover inside these whimsically wrapped parcels (many of which can be reused multiple times). Tatler has chosen some of the best on the market.
