We at MHW love all things British, especially for a wedding. We also love whimsy, great food, and sunny afternoons. Therefore, when we stumbled across Fortnum & Mason’s website, we went giddy with delight (while of course maintaining our decorum).

Fortnum & Mason began as a side business in 1707 (!) when William Fortnum rented a room from Hugh Mason, and made candles for Queen Anne’s household. The rest is history – and lots of it! Read about it here.

It has grown into a flourishing business of gourmet foodstuffs and “hampers” (fancy picnic baskets). What newlywed couple wouldn’t be delighted by a beautiful wicker basket full of champagne, delicious cakes, plates, napkins, untensils, and oh-so-British “cheerful string of bunting” (triangular flags on a string – quite festive!). I have been giving picnic baskets as wedding gifts for years and I have yet to receive a thank you note that didn’t include the words ‘unique’, ‘delightful’, and ‘one-of-a-kind’.

And if you need further proof, note that Kate, Camilla, and the Queen shop here:

Give your next newlywed friends a glorious hamper from Fortnum & Mason – and your gift giving will surely be a smashing success!