How ham can be the real show-stopper of the Christmas table and where to find your one this year
At once sumptuous yet simple, a ham is an age-old tradition that for many is the real highlight of the Christmas feasting. Flora Watkins digs in.
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How to turn your home into a film location
Welcoming a film crew into your home can bring fame and a little fortune, says Flora Watkins.
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Meghan Markle - the profile: 'She and Harry symbolise the best of a modern, progressive Britain’
As Meghan Markle becomes the newest member of the Royal Family, we take a look at the life and career of a woman whose presence looks set to give a huge boost to the monarchy. Flora Watkins reports.
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The incredible story of Britain's hundreds of regional accents – and while they'll last forever
The British Isles’ rich landscape of regional accents doesn’t only define who we are, it’s part of our cultural heritage, says Flora Watkins.
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Nursery rhymes: How murder, theft and fake news found their way into the tales we tell our children
Murder, animal cruelty and dishonesty aren’t generally considered child-friendly topics, yet they’re the basis of many much-loved nursery rhymes. Flora Watkins explains.
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The unparalleled joy of writing with a fountain pen – and five beautiful pens to inspire you
Elegant, ornate and adaptable to each individual hand, nothing beats writing with a fountain pen, says Flora Watkins, who also picks out five favourites.
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Choosing perfect wedding presents: A guide for brides, grooms and guests
Getting just the right thing for the happy couple can be a minefield for guests – how do you choose something they'll actually want, without resorting to cold, hard cash? Flora Watkins offers her advice.
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The Irish Wolfhound: Why the archetypal ‘gentle giant’ was a favourite of the aristocracy, John F. Kennedy and now, Trudie Styler
Mythical and magnificent, yet gentle and intensely loyal, the Irish wolfhound can only be described in superlatives, finds Flora Watkins.
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Everything you should know before getting a double-barrelled name
Once the preserve of the upper levels of society, double-barrelled names have proliferated in recent years. Flora Watkins considers the reasons why.
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15 fascinating things about animal actors, from dogs and cockroaches to the penguin who was fired out of a cannon
Animal ‘actors’ are often remembered long after their human co-stars. Flora Watkins meets people who’ve worked with ravens, stags, dogs, horses–and cockroaches.
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Clotted cream: How it's made, who does it best, and whether to put it on before or after the jam
Rich, unctuous and wickedly good, clotted cream is the pride of the West Country.
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Where to buy a kitchen dresser
We recommend six different places that can supply you with a perfect kitchen dresser.
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The kitchen dresser, and why it's 'more important than central heating'
What is a country kitchen without a dresser overflowing with crockery, car keys and keepsakes? Flora Watkins explains all.
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Bridesmaids: Why less is more
Flora Watkins pleads with brides-to-be to avoid the temptation to recruit a small army.
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In defence of red trousers
The red trouser has been a sartorial staple in the country and the city for a certain British gent, but has overexposure made them non-u?
