No festive table setting is complete without a Christmas cracker but the cheap trinkets inside are rarely appreciated by dinner party guests.
So hosts looking for something extra special might want to plump for one of these luxurious alternatives, carefully crafted by some of Britain’s most high-end retailers.
From leather goods to miniature bottles of Champagne, these swanky creations are sure to impress even the most discerning diners and their decadent packaging means they double as attractive table decorations.
However at up to £1,000 for a pack of six, they certainly aren’t for those looking to do Christmas Day on a budget.
Here, FEMAIL rounds up nine of the best…
Fortnum & Mason Imperial Crackers, £1,000 for six
Attention to detail: The red crackers come in a festive wicker hamper, pictured
Priced at £1,000 for a packet of six, or roughly £167 each, these ultra-luxe crackers from Fortnum & Mason are far from affordable but are perfect for anyone looking for something extraordinary to add to the dining table.
The exquisite handmade crackers come in their own wicker hamper and are crafted in a deep shade of red that will bring a warm festive touch to any gathering.
Each is filled with a gold fabric crown, entertaining scroll and a gift that your guests will want to cherish forever.
Among the coveted gifts on offer is a bangle from Halcyon Days, worth up to £130, Lanvin cufflinks, priced at over £100, and a tie by Drakes.
Asprey set of six Christmas crackers, £750
Luxury leather: The stylish Asprey offering is filled with a pocket mirror, cufflinks or purse
Known for their timeless leather goods, Asprey’s foray into luxury Crackers just as elegant.
The crackers, which cost £750 for six or £125 each, are filled with presents like a leather travel frame or a leather mirror that make for a perfect additional present on the day.
They also come with a festive paper crown and a Christmas motto.
Jo Malone Bold and Bright cracker, £34 each
Christmas classic: The Jo Malone cracker is filled with three of the brand’s signature scents
The perfect way to gift your dinner party guests a little festive treat without breaking the bank.
Each stylish red and blue hamper is bursting with three of the brand’s iconic scents – a juicy Blackberry & Bay Cologne, a flirty Basil & Neroli Body & Hand Wash and a delicious English Pear & Freesia Body Crème.
White Company Seychelles Christmas Cracker Gift Set, £25
Peaceful: The cracker features miniatures from the brand’s best-selling Seychelles fragrance
Although they are more affordable than the other crackers, the White Company offering still oozes luxury.
The Christmas cracker set features miniatures from the brand’s best-selling Seychelles fragrance and comes tied in a crisp white packet with delicate silk bows at either end.
Each guest comes away with a Seychelles Hand & Body Crème (50ml), one Seychelles Mini Shower Gel (50ml) and one Lip Balm (10ml), making it perfect for the dinner table or as a stocking filler.
Smythson Box of Six Luxury Christmas Crackers, £195
Perfect keepsake: The gold and navy Smythson crackers each contain a miniature notebook
With its classic gold and navy colour scheme, this selection of crackers from Smythson will raise a smile from guests of all ages.
Each handmade cracker, worth £32.5 each, contains a pocket-sized Smythson Wee notebook printed with phrases like ‘small wonder’ and ‘short and sweet’ in a range of vibrant colours including pink, green and blue.
The crackers also keep up tradition, giving each guest a paper hat and joke card.
Harrods of London Tudor Rose Crackers (box of six), £110
Embellished: The Harrods crackers feature festive bows and eye-catching red jewels
This set of six crackers features both metallic gold and baroque designs, each finished with a delicate red jewel and gold bow at either end.
Inside there is a hat, a joke and one of a number of light-hearted gifts, like a yoyo or spinning top.
Handmade in England, the crackers would make a decadent addition to any Christmas table.
Moët and Chandon Brut Imperial NV Christmas Cracker Edition, £22
Cheers! The Moet & Chandon offering comes complete with a 22cl bottle of Champagne
Nothing says luxury quite like Champagne.
So this miniature 22cl bottle of Moët et Chandon Imperial Champagne is the perfect festive treat.
Wrapped in a festive gold cracker with Moët printed on the front, it will not fail to impress.
Fortnum & Mason Holly Red Christmas Crackers, £70
Feeling festive: These red holly crackers are so attractive there will be no need for napkins
Silver belles: A silver-plated lipstick case, pocket mirror and pen are among the gifts inside
For those looking for the ‘wow’ factor of a Fortnum & Mason cracker without breaking the bank could opt for this festive set of six.
The rich Holly Red Christmas creations are a perfect way to add a splash of festive colour to any seasonal celebrations.
Each contains a crown, an entertaining scroll and a silver-plated Fortnum’s gift, like a lipstick case, pocket mirror or pen.
Charlotte Lowe Jewellery Personalised Luxury Christmas Cracker With Silver Gift, £30
Bespoke gifts: These beautiful creations each feature little charms and a handwritten note
These beautiful handmade Christmas crackers are the work of an independent jeweller based in Birmingham.
The personalised creations offer hosts the option of giving each guest a bespoke gift. Instead of a novelty gift, the cracker contains a handmade charm made from sterling silver or silver with 22ct gold vermeil.
Each charm has a small clasp which clips onto a satin ribbon to hang beautifully from your tree and can be worn as a piece of jewellery once Christmas has passed.
The brown card cracker is finished with a gold sticker stamped with ‘all you need is love’ or ‘handmade with love’ while each cracker tag can be left blank or personalised with a name.
The inner hand written note can also be personalised with your own message, or simply pick a theme or quote for each cracker.