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A picnic hamper could be described as the big brother of the collapsible picnic basket. Actually a very big brother, fully equipped to provide everything you need to make a picnic for several people a success. A fully blown picnic hamper contains normally porcelain crockery and real wine glasses. These baskets are often made from natural materials such as willow, lined with fabric and adorned with leather straps. They are relatively heavy and not meant to be carried around for any length of time. The design is influenced by the notion of English country life and nobility. They contain literally everything you need for a sophisticated picnic in the park, including a blanket plus they have enough space, insulated obviously, for food and wine. Picnic hamper compare to collapsible picnic baskets like a Rolls Royce to an Austin Martin 
Their price tag can be a bit steep, so perhaps it is best to consider how often you actually go picnicking before buying one! On the other hand, they make very impressive gifts, especially when you add a few chosen foods and bottles to them. As for packing, the same as for other picnic baskets applies: Cooling and ice packs go on top, leave enough space to allow the air to circulate and be careful which kind of food you take with you. Lukewarm caviar tastes not only really bad, it goes off also really, really fast!
Caring for your hamper
Bearing in mind the price tag, it really better to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to the point to avoid mistakes. Another good idea is to always pack a cloth and to use it to remove spills and food stains quickly as they occur and before they become permanent. A little prevention goes a long time to make your valuable picnic hamper looking good for years to come.
One last tip
Before buying, check how long the manufacturer warranties to keep replacement crockery, glasses and cutlery in stock. In the end, if you break or loose one, you only want to replace that and not the whole set!
