Victoria

From my earliest days pouring an invisible brew from the ceramictea set that my grandmother painted for me, I have loved afternoon tea. As I matured, playtimes shared with dolls in my girlhood bedroom developed into teatimes offered to friends in my

There is nothing trivial about tea. Its consumption is one of modern civilization’s most sublime pleasures, while the ceremonies that surround the beloved beverage are embedded in the very cornerstones of hospitality. Though it is without question th

“A simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter,” writes author and historian Mary Lou Heiss. Her words ring true in more ways than one. The ceremony of afternoon tea has many intricacies: where things must be placed, what is eaten first, how the dr

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°).• For

The calendar unfolds with infinite possibilities for occasions that reflect a shifting kaleidoscope of beauty and bounty. From a wintry afternoon abloom with roses to alfresco gatherings in the warmer months and a fall party showcasing burnished hues

When flower beds hang heavy with fragrance and buzzing bees harmonize with tuneful songbirds, every cottage garden yields a bounty of color and taste. Embrace it all at teatime with savories and sweets enjoyed in the company of friends who will appre

Makes 8 2 cups all-purpose flour¼ cup granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoons lemon zest½ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon ground anise seed¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed½ cup chopped pine nuts, toasted½ cup raisins¼ teaspoon vanilla ex

Makes 6 servings 6 slices white bread, frozen1 (9-ounce) container cherry tomatoes1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mozzarellaBalsamic glaze*, for toppingExtra-virgin olive oil, for toppingFlaky sea salt, for toppingGarnish: fresh basil, cracked black

Makes approximately 12 3 cups all-purpose flour2 tablespoons granulated sugar4 teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon salt½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed1 cup plus 2½ tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream2 teaspoons orange zest½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For aficionados of afternoon tea, the associated accoutrements can be as fascinating as the ceremony itself. Displayed throughout the home, finds such as linens, china, and sterling silver infuse interiors with loveliness. Catching a glimpse of these

Many years ago, one young woman showed off her proficient sewing skills by turning an everyday bedsheet—the only fabric she had available—into an elegant tablecloth, complete with exquisite pulled-thread and drawn-thread embroidery. Its fragile beaut

For Elizabeth McGiffert, any occasion where friends or family gather together offers a cherished opportunity to create lovely vignettes that are certain to sparkle in the memories of each person in attendance. And when Elizabeth welcomes loved ones t