Hogmanay gifts
Discussion
I live on the South Coast (on the edge of the Solent) and my neighbour and her family are ex-pat Scots from just outside Loch Lomond.
I've been invited for a New Year's Day feasting of steak pie and I'm very touched to have been asked. Apart from the usual bottle (or two) of something, are there any traditional gifts a guest should bring with them?
I've been invited for a New Year's Day feasting of steak pie and I'm very touched to have been asked. Apart from the usual bottle (or two) of something, are there any traditional gifts a guest should bring with them?
first foot presents are anything from a lump of coal as quoted to a bottle of whiskey or even a packet of short bread...
I remember being at my Grans on hogmany and after the bells she used to push me out the door with a packet of short bread and make me knock being her first fitter as we say in the NE of scotland
I remember being at my Grans on hogmany and after the bells she used to push me out the door with a packet of short bread and make me knock being her first fitter as we say in the NE of scotland
Well, in that case, you'll be pleased to see:


Just lifted this out of the oven. Yes, I've cheated massively by using a Christmas pudding mix from M&S as the filling, but I'm content with that given the short notice. Had I had the invite a few months ago...
Anyway, I figure it's more of a token/ceremonial thing than a real attempt at providing sustenance. Maybe the bottle of Chivas Regal will help too. I'll source the lump of coal tomorrow!
Many thanks for all the ideas.

Just lifted this out of the oven. Yes, I've cheated massively by using a Christmas pudding mix from M&S as the filling, but I'm content with that given the short notice. Had I had the invite a few months ago...
Anyway, I figure it's more of a token/ceremonial thing than a real attempt at providing sustenance. Maybe the bottle of Chivas Regal will help too. I'll source the lump of coal tomorrow!
Many thanks for all the ideas.
Be careful with food gifts. The presentation must be correct. Place it in a Crannog wrapped in a semmit (old if possible). Don't mention Tattie bogles or ebola. If they have children say to the Father 'Ur they wains aw yoors' while admiring the little ones. This will get the evening off to a good start.
Quick update: they bloody loved it. 
Apparently only the night before they were lamenting the fact that they hadn't done the whole First Foot tradition for a while, so the arrival of an English bloke with an armful of the "right" bits was much appreciated. Awesome evening - which went on well into the early hours of this morning.
Thank you all for your help.
Apparently only the night before they were lamenting the fact that they hadn't done the whole First Foot tradition for a while, so the arrival of an English bloke with an armful of the "right" bits was much appreciated. Awesome evening - which went on well into the early hours of this morning.
Thank you all for your help.

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