The unadulterated cup of tea certainly has its supporters. In a 1946 edition of London’s Evening Standard newspaper, author George Orwell wrote an impassioned treatise on proper consumption. “I know very well that I am in a minority here,” he admitte

KIMBER MITCHELL: pages 21–28, 35–42, 51–58, 61–82 BRUCE RICHARDSON: pages 11–12 ANNA GILMORE: page 16 MARY LEIGH GWALTNEY: page 15 LINDSAY KEITH KESSLER: pages 85–86, 91, and 94 YUKIE MCLEAN: pages 9–14, 17–58, and 61–82 ROSE NGUYEN: page 89 ADRIENNE

Like a classic strand of pearls accessorizing the perfect dress, lustrous accoutrements offer a crowning touch to the tea table. Amidst snow-white fields of embroidered linen topped with gleaming silver trays, lush bouquets, and fine china, these lov

1. Fill a kettle with fresh, filtered cold water. 2. Warm the teapot with hot tap water. 3. Heat the water in the kettle according to tea type: • For black, heat to a rolling boil (212°).• For green, heat to less than a boil (approximately 170°).• Fo

Makes 24 cakes 1 package (18.25-ounce) white cake mix1⅓ cups whole milk2 tablespoons vegetable oil3 large eggs2 teaspoons clear almond extract¼ cup minced Sweet William flower petals (washed and patted dry)1 recipe Italian-Meringue Buttercream Frosti

Throughout the centuries, tea manufacturing has created four main families of tea enjoyed around the world. All categories are derived from either the Camellia sinensis or the Camellia assamica plant. It is the processing of the fresh leaves that det

Makes 18 scones 2½ cups all-purpose flour½ cup sugar¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar2 teaspoons baking powder½ cup butter, softened1 cup toasted chopped pecans1 cup heavy cream1 large egg3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar 1. Preheat oven to 350˚. 2. Lightly

The issue that you hold in your hands was originally published early in my tenure with the magazine. Revisiting this favorite Victoria Classics edition, thoughts drift to the cherubic little girls who donned floral crowns for their first official tea

Makes 24 crudités 12 baby carrots½ cup cream cheese1 teaspoon cumin¼ cup chopped chives1 teaspoon lemon juice⅛ teaspoon salt¼ cup pine nuts, toasted 1. In a large saucepan, cover carrots with water, and bring to a boil; cook for 3 minutes. Drain, and

Eyes dance when a tiered stand laden with delectable tea fare appears. Often ornamented with ribbons, doilies, and blossoms, each level of the shapely serving piece displays a different course. Mouthwatering savories beckon—ribbons of cucumber toppin

Ever since she can recall, Holly Hollon has been immersed in a world of artistry. As the daughter of a graphic designer who valued creativity, her childhood was saturated with crafting and imagination. During her teenage years, the young girl perused

Vast realms unfold beneath the spell of specific fragrances. For Anna Krusinski, Willow & Birch Apothecary founder, the blend of lavender, clary sage, and peppermint used in her Lavender Breeze Essential Oil Blend evokes memories of a sweetly scented

In 1998, Ari Millner wanted to learn how to dance. Needing a record player to properly practice but lacking the funds to buy one, he acquired some books his school library was planning to discard and set about selling them online. Before long, this v

Dessert is a special reward with Snowflake Cake, a classic yellow layer cake frosted with thick ribbons of Vanilla Buttercream and enveloped in a smooth covering of tinted fondant. Royal Iced Sugar Cookies add the final grace note. While we chose win

For those who love “the real Downton Abbey”—from the red-and-blue flag waving from the tallest tower spire to the expansive exhibition showcased in the lower levels of the estate—there is perhaps one room within England’s Highclere Castle that is mor

Pages 15–16: Alongside the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, The Countess of Carnarvon stewards the legacy of her husband’s ancestral home, Highclere Castle. An esteemed author and public speaker, Lady Carnarvon’s books include popular titles such as Lady Almin

An old wooden sign stands on a high trackabove Highclere Castle at a road junctioncalled Three Legged Cross. It says“Emswoth 63 miles” and points along the Wayfarers Walk. This is a prehistoric track that follows the chalk ridgeway along the downs wi

Alongside her husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, The Countess of Carnarvon has cared for and dwelt within the iconic walls of Highclere Castle since 2001. Though readers may be familiar with the estate’s history, which extends to Anglo-Saxon times,

Tampa, Florida Since girlhood, Vilcy Nelson has felt at home seated at the craft table, her imagination flowing freely with possibility. When her mother signed the youthful artist up for sewing classes, she had found her niche. Over the years, as Vil

PHOTOGRAPHY, BOTTOM LEFT, COURTESY HIGHCLERE CASTLE. ■

On blustery winter days, there is nothing better to counter the doldrums than an indoor haven overflowing with early spring floribunda or lush green foliage. Whether purchased from a local gardening center or carefully cultivated by hand, green tendr

If one were to flip through The Greenbrier’s guest book, an astonishing lineup of signatures would fill the pages: records indicating presidents from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush, royalty, and movie stars. Tucked amid the peaceful rolling hills

Begins on page 33 Makes 12 2 cups all-purpose flour¼ cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1 teaspoon mandarin orange zest1 teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon ground ginger6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed¼ cup finely chopped Candied Citr

The magazine you hold in your hands shelters the dreams of many women. Our special section Business of Bliss highlights the paths of eight extraordinary entrepreneurs. Among the professionals in this year’s panel, meet a sewist whose empty nest promp

Visit our website to read this issue’s online stories and to find more of the content you love. While away winter’s cold and quiet days amid the tranquil enjoyment of cultivating the soil, coaxing life to bloom within the sanctuary of an indoor garde

Perched atop the misty peaks and heathered treetops of the Great Smoky Mountains lies a hospitable hideaway, which was once a potato farm and private residence. The founding couple often opened their mountain escape to guests, later transforming the