DIY Life

Many women have a fond place in their hearts for Victoria, the magazine that ceased publication in 2003 after a 16-year run. It was a lifestyle magazine, glancingly similar to Martha Stewart Living, with articles about anything that fit in with a romantic 19th century theme. It also showcased attempts to capture a similar vibe in modern life.

Some features were overtly historical, while others would simply be about wearing vintage-repro jewelry with modern clothing. There were always lots of recipes, all of which seemed to have something to do with country-house Christmases, garden parties, and afternoon tea.

If that sounds wonderful to you, I have good news: Victoria was recently relaunched with a new publisher, and is available on newsstands. Since that is not, however, news that is necessarily related to any sort of DIY topic, I have to add that they have some tips for you on their website. You can learn more about them after the break.

In the "Finishing Touches" column of their current issue (the first of the revived run), they have a few suggestions and ideas for easy holiday wreaths. The easiest is just a wire-ribbon bow; the most interesting is the idea that you use a wreath around the base of a cake stand set on a table, piling the center of the stand with chocolates or other treats.

While you're at the site, you can also click over to the Recipes category, where there are currently six decadent recipes available for holiday entertaining. If Cranberry-Cherry Linzertortes don't appeal to you, perhaps you will be interested in Chocolate Toffee Truffles, or Buttermilk-Grand Marnier Panna Cotta, a sort of molded pudding served on rounds of Pistachio Shortbread.

For their other two wreath ideas,and a lot more, you'll have to check out the magazine. Phyllis Hoffman, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, says that they plan to expand the website in the future.