The best thing about a box of chocolates is that it is made to be shared. And Christmas, more than any other time, is when sharing comes into its own: crowded sofas, full tables, relatives who dropped by and a coffee table that is never quite empty.
But sharing chocolate comes with its own small challenges. Who likes what? How many do you need? What do you do about the person who only eats the dark ones? This guide has the answers.
Build a mix that pleases everyone
The golden rule of a sharing selection is variety. A good mix usually includes:
- Something dark and intense for the purists
- Something creamy and milk for the sweet-toothed
- Something fruity or floral for the curious
- Something nutty or crunchy for texture lovers
- Something boozy for the grown-ups
- Something simple and classic for the traditionalists
If your box does this, nobody will go without.
The sharing etiquette
Every household has its own unwritten rules. A few that tend to apply everywhere:
- Offer the box to others first. It is polite and it is traditional.
- Do not squeeze every chocolate to check the filling. A hazard of the Christmas box.
- Leave the last one. Or at least ask.
- If you take a bite, finish it. There are no exceptions.
- Keep a small stash for yourself. Nobody will judge.
How much to buy
|
Group |
A rough guide |
|---|---|
|
A couple at home |
One medium box for the week |
|
A family of four |
One large box, plus a bar or two |
|
A Christmas Day gathering of eight |
Two large boxes, or a large box and a sharing selection |
|
A drinks party of twenty |
Three to four pieces per guest |
|
An office of ten |
One large sharing box, topped up as needed |
When in doubt, buy a little more. Chocolate keeps, and leftovers are very rarely a problem.
Serving ideas
On the coffee table. Leave the box open, lid beside it. It is an invitation.
On a platter. Take the chocolates out and arrange them. It looks generous and encourages guests to try different ones.
With drinks. Pair with coffee, tea, port or a glass of something sparkling.
As dessert. After a big meal, a plate of chocolates is often the perfect finish.
By the door. A dish of chocolates by the entrance is a warm welcome for visitors and delivery drivers alike.
Sharing with dietary needs in mind
With a crowd, there will usually be at least one person with an allergy or a preference. A few simple steps help:
- Check labels and product pages for allergen information.
- Keep a separate small plate for anyone with specific needs, so there is no cross-contamination.
- Ask in advance when you can. Nobody minds being asked.
Sharing at a distance
If you cannot be together this Christmas, send a box to someone and open one yourself at the same time. A video call, a cup of hot chocolate and a shared box of chocolates, miles apart, is more connecting than it sounds.
Something for everyone
The real joy of Christmas chocolate is that it brings people together. A box on the table, a hand reaching across, a conversation that goes on a little longer. That is a gift in itself.
