Victoria

In a frantic and hurried world, Victoria offers a respite from the chaos of everyday life. The pages are dedicated to living beautifully when entertaining, cooking, and decorating and even in artistic pursuits - and now you can enjoy every single page on your tablet! With a distinct personality all its own, Victoria personifies feminity, passion, and an enterprising spirit. Each issue features decorating and entertaining ideas, recipes, travel stories, essays from inspiring women, and much more.

Victoria

Editor’s Letter

Opener • CAREFUL PLANNING ENSURES A MEMORABLE TEATIME EXPERIENCE. FROM BREWING THE PERFECT BLEND TO SETTING A LOVELY TABLE, ATTENTIVE PREPARATIONS CONVEY THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHERISHED HOURS SPENT IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS.

Brewing Perfect Tea, Cup After Cup • Use these basic tips for all teas. For the most flavorful drink, follow the specific water-temperature guide and steep time for the type of tea you are preparing.

A Tea Glossary • Centuries ago, an accidental discovery revealed that dried leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, combined with heated water, resulted in a delicious and healthy beverage. The revelation led to one of today’s most charming customs—afternoon tea.

Tools of the Tray • Elegantly fashioned silver serving pieces have a utilitarian purpose, but these exquisite implements also add beauty to the teatime experience. Vintage curiosities capture our imaginations—their clever designs and ornate renderings inspiring speculation as to their origins.

Serving Food with Tea • Beautifully arrayed with the traditional fare of teatime, gleaming three-tiered trays filled with tempting offerings place the full afternoon-tea menu within easy reach.

Tea Additives • Admittedly delightful on its own, a warming cup of tea may be enhanced with the subtle addition of sugar, lemon, or milk. When selected to complement the chosen blend, these traditional supplements reward the palate by emphasizing delicate notes of natural flavor.

Opener • WHETHER ENJOYED AT A PARTY TO CELEBRATE ONE OF LIFE’S HAPPY MILESTONE MOMENTS OR AT A GATHERING OF LIKE-MINDED FRIENDS WHO SHARE A HOBBY, THE GRACIOUS CEREMONY OF TEA NEVER FAILS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

Under the Summer Sun • Steeped in a rich history of picturesque landscapes and artistic beauty, Italy sets a scenic stage for tea. Transport your guests to its sun-kissed splendor by embracing the earthy elegance, Old-World feel, and outdoor-fresh élan of Tuscan-style decorating.

Fanciful Birthday Wishes • Like the ephemeral flutter of butterfly wings, the tender bloom of childhood must be treasured in its season. Wee ones greet celebrations with wide-eyed exuberance, bringing a joyful sense of wonder to thetea table.

Scented Charm: Herbal Delights • The heavenly fragrances of herbs such as lavender, sage, and rosemary have captivated gardeners for centuries. Invite your horticulturally minded friends to a splendid outdoor tea adorned with sweet accessories perfumed by fresh pickings from the garden.

Novel Ideas: A Book-Club Tea • Nothing warms the soul quite like curling up with a good book. Invite a coterie of fellow bibliophiles to a cozy gathering where you can chat about your latest reads while sipping a soothing cup of tea.

Legacy of the Teacup • Invite loved ones to bring a favorite cup to afternoon tea, and let conversation flow while the brew steeps. As they reveal cherished heirlooms, guests will discover—as with the teatime ritual itself—the sweetness is in the sharing.

Briday Tea: Wedded Bliss • Celebrate a bride’s approaching nuptials with an ethereally romantic tabletop in serene shades, accented with the softer side of hues drawn from Mother Nature’s vibrant color palette. A lacy vintage tablecloth reflects the timeless elegance of this joyous...