Innehållsförteckning för January/February 2026 från Victoria

Poring over this petal-strewn issue brings to mind this lovely sentiment from American poet William Carlos Williams: “A profusion of pink roses bending ragged in the rain―speaks to me of all gentleness and its enduring.” With elegance and ease, the queen of the garden reigns supreme in our hearts, on our cover, and in our cache of Favorite Things. The beloved blossom inspires many of the wares showcased in our annual Business of Bliss special section, including silken accessories, dreamy confections, and delicate baubles. We will be sending you flowers throughout the year, as Carolina Elizabeth graces our pages in 2026 as Artist-in-Residence. This talented painter, featured previously in several Victoria publications, captures the essence of our favorite bloom with such tenderness. Complementing this beauty are the essays of Writer-in-Residence…

Every Valentine’s Day, no matter if my parentswere “for richer, or for poorer,” my dad would show up after work with bouquets of roses. We would hear the rattling of his truck, the sound of his boots in the gravel driveway, and the rustle of plastic wrappers. The biggest bunch, always in some version of salmon, pink, or peach, was for my mom. The other two, usually in scarlet or white, were for my younger sister and me. In the leaner years, he would split one bouquet into two for us, and we never minded. The sight of fresh roses and their lingering smell in our home for days to follow, was such a reminder of our special relationship with our dad. Each petal marked a silent recognition of his…

“LOVE PLANTED A ROSE, AND THE WORLD TURNED SWEET.”—Katharine Lee Bates…

“Think really long and hard and quietly about what it is you want to do, what you want to create.” HELENA SIMON HELENA SIMON San Francisco, California With children on the verge of leaving the nest, Helena Simon felt the stirrings of fresh beginnings in her own life. “It’s now or never,” the fifth-generation San Franciscan told herself. “I have to do something that speaks to me.” Though the years at home, as well as those spent writing academic curriculum and working for art institutions, were rewarding, she longed for an outlet to express her affinity for fashion, design, and gardening. As Helena explored opportunities related to those interests, an idea for creating floral brooches blossomed into an eponymous brand devoted to luxe, botanically inspired embellishments with timeless appeal. “I’ve…

Escape to beautiful Ireland, where we explore Cork, the country’s second-largest city; Kinsale, a town on the southern coast; and Cobh, a charming harbor village. Signifying purity and a return to happiness, lily of the valley sweetly welcomes springtime to our Easter table. Luxury hotels Ballyfin and Sheen Falls Lodge welcome guests with lovely accommodations, pampering amenities, fine dining, and signature charm. Discover the enduring craftsmanship and rich heritage of Irish makers, including a family perfumery, a woolen mill known for its distinctive textiles, and the world’s oldest candle company.…

WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE An impassioned storyteller known for her evocative contemporary and historical fiction, New York Times best-selling writer Patti Callahan Henry is the author of eighteen titles, including her latest, The Story She Left Behind. Patti’s work has been translated into twenty languages and has appeared in numerous anthologies, short story collections, and periodicals. She has been the recipient of The Christy Award for “Book of the Year” and The Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer. In addition to writing, Patti is also a popular speaker and is co-creator and host of Friends & Fiction, a weekly web show and podcast. Prior to penning novels, Patti channeled her gift for observation into a career as a clinical nurse specialist in pediatrics. She resides in Mountain Brook, Alabama, with her husband,…

No matter the native tongue spoken by visitors to Sabine Masson’s charming flower shop in Chamonix, a bustling French town near the base of Mont Blanc, they are certain to feel welcome. “I see flowers as a universal language, capable of expressing love, joy, or memory,” says Sabine. “My goal is to share this emotion with every person who walks through the door.” Viewing the pursuit as more than just a profession, Sabine describes her work as a passion that allows freedom for artistic expression and opportunities to share her enthusiasm for plants. “From a very young age, I was fascinated by the flowers and landscapes that surrounded me,” the creative relates. After formally training as a florist and interning with master craftsmen in France, Switzerland, and Germany, she and…

Stepping into the moody environs of Musée des Cristaux in Chamonix transports visitors to the dark caves where these stones once grew. With beams of light cast upon them, the magnificent colors, varying shapes, and sharp edges of this private collection of crystals create an air of wonder at how these natural treasures formed. Mont Blanc massif is renowned for its incredible quality and quantity of stones, notably fluorite in bright pink or red colors and smoky quartz, named for its gradient effect of hazed clear to deep brown. Situated at the base of this mountain range, the museum opens with a guided tour through discoveries from the Alps of France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. The search for crystals dates back to antiquity but is documented most frequently beginning in…

Author C. S. Lewis famously opined, “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,” and we at Victoria heartily agree. Few things are as restorative as basking in the serene companionship of engaging novels and fragrant beverages. In celebration of these complementary pleasures, The Comfort of Books & Tea: A Gentle Guide to Reading and Teatimebrims with literary features, storybook surroundings, and recipes for delicious fare inspired by timeless tales. In “Blissful Pursuits,” the first chapter of this beautifully curated compendium, the editors reflect on the therapeutic power of quiet interludes alone, where satisfying tonics are imbibed while perusing the pages of beloved tomes. “Among Kindred Spirits” and “Childhood Treasures” explore the joy of taking tea and sharing stories amidst…

COVER See “A Gift of Petals.” WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE Pages 15–16: Patti Callahan Henry is the New York Times best-selling author of eighteen novels, including Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Once Upon a Wardrobe, Surviving Savannah, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, and her latest, The Story She Left Behind. In addition to writing, she is also a popular speaker and a co-creator and co-host of the Friends & Fiction web show and podcast. Learn more about her work at patticallahanhenry.com. ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Pages 17–21: Carolina Elizabeth is an impassioned artist intent on capturing the beauty of nature. Her original oil paintings, prints, and more are available for purchase at carolinaelizabeth.com. A GIFT OF PETALS Pages 23–28: Arte Italica: Vintage Wine/Ice Bucket. Carolina Elizabeth: rose oil painting. Caskata: Quinn Rose Coupe Glasses. DeBrand: Luxury Tower.…

Visit our website to read this issue’s online stories and to find more of the content you love. Take a closer look at some of our favorite January/February features: Tales of the Trade Glean entrepreneurial wisdom and inspiration from the lives of the seven impassioned and talented women who comprise our 2026 Business of Bliss panel. Morning Nourishment Ideal for shorter days and fresh calendars, our rejuvenating breakfast recipes offer ideal instruction for self-care during the winter months. Adventure & Respite In the the French Alps, discover charms of the Chamonix Valley, below the majestic Mont Blanc and amid a hundred thousand unique flakes of fallen snow. All That Glistens A glorious private collection of antique sterling silver serveware shines forth with a bounty of unique stories to share. We…

“EAT LIGHTLY, BREATHE DEEPLY, LIVE MODERATELY, CULTIVATE CHEERFULNESS, AND MAINTAIN AN INTEREST IN LIFE.”—William Louden SEE RECIPE INDEX, PAGE 93, FOR RECIPE INFORMATION.…

The interior of a jewel box is usually an ornate space, with every area enclosed with beauty. The use of a wallcovering brings out this special jewel box feel by enveloping you in an enchanting pattern or scene. Builder-grade rooms are usually blank boxes with no architectural details or interest, and one of the best ways to customize your home and make it unique is through wallpaper. After our kitchen renovation, we had four rooms wallpapered: the primary bedroom, our daughters’ bedrooms, and the dining room. We chose a traditional blue-and-white toile de Jouy depicting a French country scene from the 1700s for the primary bedroom. This wallpaper instantly transformed the otherwise boxy space into a beautiful Gallic retreat. The girls’ rooms have sweet florals that brightened up the drab…

Life’s little mysteries often revolve around a truth based not on reason but on the heart. One such puzzle is that opposites often attract and, even more inexplicably, fit hand in glove. It may not always make sense or hold up to arguments of logic, but therein lies the wonder of serendipity and the touch of magic that we all need to add luminescence to a mundane day. I first learned this lesson as a young woman, working as a junior advertising agency copywriter in New York City several decades ago. With stars in my eyes, monogrammed briefcase in hand, and clad in a business suit with bowed blouse, I was ready to take on the ad world. I was serious about my career, serious about being promoted, and seriously…