Christmas Hampers 2015 Australia

Merry Christmas 2015!

Christmas Hampers Australia free delivery 2015

Christmas Celebrations will kick off around the world for Christmas 2015.  What a great time to share a Christmas Gift from Hunter Valley Hampers.

In Australia. we celebrate Christmas on December 25 in 2015, which falls on a Friday.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is part of the Christmas story of the boy being born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Christmas was first celebrated around 335AD - and has been long associated with the winter solstice of northern Europe - where the shortest, darkest day and longest night of the year fell.

Christmas is from one of the pagan rituals of Saturnalia or the Greek Halcyon Days.  It is a time of celebration and an acceptance of the change of the season and of life.

Christmas Traditions like the adorned tree and hanging of mistletoe become part of the whole tradition as time evolved.  In Australia we have our own Christmas Plants to build traditions around like the Christmas Bush and Christmas Bells.

In Australia - Christmas is significantly impacted by the heat and summer and this means the white Christmas of northern tradition is not as relevant.  In Australia we celebrate sporting traditions at Christmas like the Boxing Day Test Cricket  and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Even the most simple things like having a large hot meal for Christmas lunch are not really relevant as the long hot summer day means that eating a smaller meal and perhaps being outdoors is more appropriate.

But one of the most successful traditions that still applies means that Christmas Hampers and Gift baskets are still as relevant as ever.  You can even send a delicious Fruit basket also. -

Go on - enjoy yourself!

2014 Best Blogs - Cupcake Recipes Australia

Every year we do a round up of the most popular blog posts from the past twelve months and feature the best of list in an article.  This is it!  Welcome to the best 2014 blog posts from Australian Cupcake recipes!

1 - Australian Hampers Fresh Bananas

As a strong structural component of a fruit basket, bananas make a great staple ingredient and add colour and textural variety to each fruit hamper. 

We love putting bananas in a hamper as they hold the whole display together and are a great eating fruit for people who have tooth/dietary restrictions. 

In Australia, bananas come under the three main types, even though there are hundreds of varieties in all types of colours and sizes.  The three main varieties are Cavendish, Lady Finger and Plaintain and these are the types you are likely to encounter at your local fruit and vegetable markets.

Cavendish – these are the typical bananas you eat everyday – these are the bananas you are most likely to encounter in a Hunter Valley Hampers Fruit Basket.
Lady Finger – a small, squat banana with a lemony flavour – makes great school lunchbox filler although can be a tad more expensive than your cavendish.

2 - Recommended Fruit Baskets in Sydney

Getting a Fruit Basket Delivered in #Sydney is simple once you know a bit about Fruit Baskets and Fruit #Hampers. 

The #quality of the fruit is the most important thing when you are talking #fruit hampers in Sydney.

Next, you should be concerned about the #quantity of the fruit - as in how much you are actually getting in your fruit #hamper. 

3 -  Fruit Basket Recipes - Make Your Own

Featuring the finest reviews and resources from original and innovative award winning articles, this months round up of the very best of the internet in connection with picnic basket and fruit bouquet suggestions features an article on fruit lowering your wellness risks, the strength of freezing reducing fresh fruit spoilage and some handy tips on preserving and keeping your fresh fruit over summertime.

Free Shipping Fruit Baskets

One of the most potent ideas for edible bouquets is distributing hampers for men when they are sick or ill or during a healthcare facility break. We create so many gift baskets for delivery to hospital for every event and particularly when customers are searching for a flower alternative.

4 - Fruit Hampers Info

When you want to send a Fruit Hamper or Fruit Basket, there are three things you need to keep in mind.  Making sure you are getting value for money, getting a generous fruit arrangement, and being able to rely on an experienced designer to create you fruit hamper. 

Importantly, it is not about the sheer convenience of using a local florist - there is a distinct difference between a florists' effort and the generous market fresh of a true fruit hamper specialist.

 Getting Value for Money

Fruit Hampers Info offers a simple pricing schedule of $59 small, $79 large and $99 Grande.  Most times you will be satisfied with a small, as it is generous enough for a couple of people to have a few serves of fruit over the week.

For a bigger impact, go Grande and share the benefits of larger fruits, more diversity and seasonal gems as they are available.  Be aware that a florists' idea of a fruit basket - and the small size of counted fruit pieces - like eight pieces of fruit in an edible arrangement for $80.

Thank you for staying in touch with this blog - we are truly grateful for all the awards and recognition we have achieved - as well as promoting the power and success of Australian Cupcakery more widely.  Go on Australia - get out there and bake!

Premium Corporate Gifts

NEWCASTLE, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA.
(INDEPENDENT-PRESS-RELEASE.COM.AU)
-- 06/02/2014--
Hunter Valley Luxury Gift Hampers, a leading name in corporate gifts, are very proud to release the relaunch of their new blog Gourmet Hampers Australia. The brand new help and advice packed learning resource will concentrate on the current business and advertising news from the Hunter Valley and explain why having a strong brand identity is so crucial in making a favorable impression with your corporate gifts.



Now, thanks to the Gourmet Hampers Australia blog, choosing your corporate gifts could not be easier. Our new blog looks set to become the first port-of-call for business owners and marketing teams across the UK and Australia, dishing out advice on all aspects of corporate gifts, gourmet hampers and fruit arrangements.

The blog-- which will be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com - will also be jam-packed with the best tips on how to get ultimate value from your investment in branded gifts, employee gifts and referral thank-you presents; excellent for corporate businesses planning to share their goodwill, display at a trade show or host an unveiling open day.

Corporate Gifts Australia

For commercial gift occasions, purchasing wholesale is a realistic and affordable option for even the smallest business enterprise. Each high quality hamper and gift basket has an obvious purpose; ensuring you get highly regarded gourmet food and wine from the revered local vineyards, restaurants and paddock to plate providores of the Hunter Valley. Time and again sharing a luxury hamper proves to be a talking point and builds brand allegiance and ensures maximum exposure of your brand.

Hunter Valley Hampers are a marketing products and gourmet hampers supplier and specialists in personalizing everything from to do with gift baskets, hampers and corporate gifts. As you would expect, premium gourmet hampers don't come low-priced, and it is the quality and exclusivity of the Hunter Valley Hampers company that has established a respected niche in the market.

Luxury Gift Hampers

As well as a focus on the vineyards and Hunter Valley wine country producers, producing a relied upon corporate gift entails attention to presentation and making a meaningful lasting impression. Opt for a luxurious edible arrangement, wine and cheese hamper or twin pack wine bottle gift set to really wow potential clients, customers or investors. Alternatively, create a bespoke gift basket to match your brand's exact feel - using our extensive range of local farm gate produce.

Edible Fruit Arrangements

Hunter Valley Hampers is based in the glorious Hunter Valley around two hours drive north of the raucous confusion of Sydney, NSW Australia. To find out more about the new blog and their range of corporate gifts contact them through their website that can be found at www.huntervalleyhampers.com.

Recommended Fruit Baskets in Sydney

#NEWS_RELEASE_2014 Getting a Fruit Basket Delivered in #Sydney is simple once you know a bit about Fruit Baskets and Fruit #Hampers. 

Quality Fruit in the Hamper

Sydney Fruit #Baskets Delivered

The #quality of the fruit is the most important thing when you are talking #fruit hampers in Sydney. 

Generous Amount of Fruit in the Basket

Generous, Ample Abundant Portions

Next, you should be concerned about the #quantity of the fruit - as in how much you are actually getting in your fruit #hamper. 

Real Baskets, Not Cardboard Boxes

Upgrade your fruit basket with a #gourmet custom add-on

Next, it is of critical importance to remember that people are actually looking for a fruit basket - not a fruit box or fruit cardboard - and nothing really compares to the peerless #presentation of a fruit basket in an #authentic wicker basket.

Reliable Courier Delivery Service

Wine and Fruit Basket #Specialists in Sydney

Finally, don't forget the power of on time, reliable #delivery by a committed and genuine #courier service. 

Australia's Award Winning Fruit Baskets

Gourmet nibbles with your Fruit #Hampers

Once you consider all of these factors together in your #fruit-basket you will be placed in the ideal position to make and informed #choice. 

Introducing FruitBaskets.net.au

Sydney's #Award-Winning Fruit Baskets

And then there is really only one option - FruitBaskets.net.au - the re-branded and funky #award #winning fruit baskets for delivery to Sydney.

Handmade Artisan Australia

At Last - An All Australian Stallholder Directory

Now I don't normally do this, but as a gourmet food providore and specialist digital marketer, it is only fair that I pass on some of the good stuff for you to share with your networks.

Here's some of the latest news - we have started a new project with a focus on handmade Australia stallholders - it is a niche specific directory featuring original contributions from local brands.  We are promoting it widely and expect the take up to be just grand.

On a brighter note, we have just released some new video of yours truly and even if I do say so myself - um, yeah, I am certainly getting better at the whole video thing.  You must listen carefully to this video to hear what we have been up to.

Fresh Fruit Hampers - Bananas

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NEWS RELEASE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD 2014
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Australian Hampers Fresh Bananas

Bananas are great get well fruit basket inclusions

As a strong structural component of a fruit basket, bananas make a great staple ingredient and add colour and textural variety to each fruit hamper.  We love putting bananas in a hamper as they hold the whole display together and are a great eating fruit for people who have tooth/dietary restrictions.  
In Australia, bananas come under the three main types, even though there are hundreds of varieties in all types of colours and sizes.  The three main varieties are Cavendish, Lady Finger and Plaintain and these are the types you are likely to encounter at your local fruit and vegetable markets.

Cavendish – these are the typical bananas you eat everyday – these are the bananas you are most likely to encounter in a Hunter Valley Hampers Fruit Basket.
Lady Finger – a small, squat banana with a lemony flavour – makes great school lunchbox filler although can be a tad more expensive than your cavendish.

Plantain – your cooking banana – too astringent for straight eating – makes great banana bread and bakes.

Bananas are native to the South East Asian region – and are actually herbs – not palms or trees at all.  The plant grows with a trunk of tightly curled leaves which only open at the top of the plant – from a well secured rhizome underground.  The actual bananas grow outward from a single flower stem and the individual fingers form hands which make up a bunch. 

From planting out as seedlings, Bananas take around nine months to mature in tropical settings, and in Australia from Coffs Harbour upwards.  As bananas mature off the plant they are picked green and transported to the place of consumption.  If stored cool, the ripening process is stalled and when you want to ripen the bananas you simply take them out of cold storage.

In your get well soon hamper your bananas will be ripe for eating – that means with a few brown splashes and yellow tips.  Enjoy and share over the next few days with your hospital fresh fruit for visitors so you can make the most of your recovery time.

Christmas Cupcakes Gift Ideas

Looking for some festive treats to share with your family and children for Christmas 2013 with sweet cute cupcakes?  Here's some of our best finds and hints and tips to get you started on making this Seasons Greetings one of the most memorable and enjoyable for your family and friends.

Choose Christmas Theme Cupcakes

From the rich luxury of Profiterole Cupcakes to the light-hearted fun of Snowman Cupcakes, there is something for everyone this year and in the adorable format of cupcakes you simply can't go wrong.

Creative Twist Cupcakes

Martha Stewart takes us all on a veritable journey into downtown Christmasville when she combines the crunchy snap of waffle cones with the delicate snowiness of frosting to create her version of a snow encrusted Christmas Tree Cupcake.


Whatever you choose, please drive carefully and make sure to keep your cupcakes out of the sun so they don't melt.  Eat plenty of Fruit and drink plenty of fresh cold water too.  And best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Christmas Cupcake Ideas 2013

Little Christmas Tree cupcakes with mini presents make
such an adorable and cute addition to any Christmas Table Setting Spectacular

Away in a Manger - btw what is a manger anyway?  But seriously, this fondant creation is simply evocative of the real reason behind Christmas, something about a little boy being born in the Middle East.

Loving the dark rich moistness of the chocolate cake base on these cupcakes as well as the simple fun and movement of the twirled Christmas Tree.  5 Stars, highly recommended.

If you know how to manipulate fondant, you are well on your way to designing the best ever Christmas Cupcakes for 2013.

Christmas Day Countdown

The Future belongs to those who plan, a famous woman once mused as she prepared a week out for Christmas Dinner.  And one of the keys to success is careful and well thought out organisation which can give your big day and seamless flow from morning to evening on Christmas Day.  To save you time and worry we have compiled a schedule to act as a guide leading up to Christmas so you are never overwhelmed or feel as though the whole thing is getting beyond you.

12 months in advance?

It may sound completely crazy and beyond the scope of this article, but you can save money and feel super organized by having a look at the post Christmas Sales and making some critical purchases a year ahead.  Think long expiry and ease of storage, so you most likely will be looking outside of food and beverage items and more towards styling and design elements.

Best Selling Australian Cupcakes 2013

Best sellers with good storage life are for example wrapping paper, cards and decorations – and if you can keep the original packaging intact all the better for long term safe keeping.  Be mindful that just buying up everything without an overall style in mind can be hazardous – try to keep you theme to two complimentary colours and stick to this.  It is easier on the eye and makes adding to your presentation simply a matter of finding matching colours.

Handmade Cupcakes at the Markets

 There's nothing better than finding some fresh handmade cupcakes at your local markets on the weekend.

 Whilst you browse the markets keep an eye out for some other locally produced gourmet fare - you'll always be surprised at what's on offer at the markets.

Removals Hints and Tips

Making Removals Easy

Moving furniture, clothes and digital hardware can be simplified if you follow these simple tips.  Making your move efficient, well-organised and in your timeframe is what you should expect from an experienced removalist in Newcastle.

1 Use Plenty of Packaging.
Careful and well thought out packaging makes a bug difference on moving day.  If it fits in a box, put it in one.  Keeping things in a box encourages putting like with like - which is convenient when you are unpacking at your destination.  An adaptive, free void filler is shredded paper in plastic shopping bags.  Wedge these between any hard surfaces that may come into contact.  When you box doesn't rattle when shaken, you have packed it desely enough to support boxes being packed on top of each other.  This means you can fill the Newcastle Man and Van space most efficiently.

2 Prepare the Workflow
Take advantage of moving your boxes to a convenient packing point, so there less time is spent carrying boxes across your premises.  Remember, what you want from your removalist is pick up, transport and unload at destination.

3 Use a Local
Local service around Newcastle for a removal service is important.  Locals take the most direct route and can offer advice on the best times to move to avoid traffic congestion.

Making Removals Easy is often overlooked as during the move you are distracted by leases and estate agents.  Being prepared and armed with these simple tips for removals make a difference for your best move.

http://newcastlemanandvan.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/making-removals-easy.html

Best Website Design

Promoting your website online is as simple as regularly updating your blog, keeping tabs on a Facebook page, maintaining a presence in industry forums and submitting relevant articles and authoritative advice.  Sounds confusing?  Well it can be to those who have to maintain their business in the “real world” and then find there is a parallel “online world” that demands the same level of commitment and accountability. 

So you are best advised to outsource you online web promotion – or at least get steered in the right direction with an introductory training session with Newcastle Digital Web Designers.

But back to the fundamentals of online web promotion - which is the basic truth that a website just left to it’s own devices will not magically flourish and attract traffic and convert sales – it will slowly wither and age and not really do much at all.

So what we need to do is get your website out there mingling with the crowd – with like minded similar sites brimming with customers and sales reps from your suppliers and your tradeshows and conferences and the like.  Someone has to be putting your website out there so it is slowly building an presence in your chosen niche and most likely growing in authority and recruiting for itself a higher flow of link juice.  Which roughly translates into being high in the search results.  Which is what we want, after all.

So with some regular training and updates, like reading the Newcastle Digital newsletter and following the hints and tips for increasing your organic ranking, you will soon be practising online web promotion without even knowing it.

And that’s when you start to see some really dramatic results and entrench your site at the top of the rankings for your most lucrative keywords.  So the prevailing advice it to get off to  flying start with some sustained online web promotion for at least the first twelve months so your site gathers some initial momentum.

Cupcakes at the Markets

A Display of Cupcakes see the large green one in the middle?

This little stall at The Rocks Markets was a treat to inspect.

As always, our exploring ended with a fistful of cupcake and a cappucino.

Here are some more images of our Cupcake Adventure in Sydney the other weekend.  Makes such a difference exploring the city when you have a theme to go for.  Ours was Cupcakes!

More recipes coming soon!  In the meantime, leave your thoughts and comments here!

Cupcakes Sydney

Great Cupcake shop in George St, had a great range of cupcakes and coffee.

Here's what we chose, a delicious moist chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing.

Had a lovely time in Sydney, discovering all things cupcakes.  Here's some of the things we found.

Cupcakes Recipes Australia

Search for Arts Crafts Markets Australia

Here is an easy cupcake recipes set to some cool music.  Easy to follow and creative, just how we like it.