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The Thread

Find stories to inspire you, ideas from people we admire and our expertise for a home well curated, a wardrobe well put together, a life well lived.

a bird is sitting on top of a grassy hill

A spring love affair

Daffodils peeking their shoots out through the grass, waking up to daylight for the first time, the sense of possibility and brighter days ahead – we asked some of our favorite writers, editors and experts what the season means to them.

“I love the feeling of optimism I get as the days get longer, when everything is bursting into life and being renewed. Knowing that the long, hazy days of summer lie ahead puts an extra bounce in my step. There’s nowhere quite like Britain in the spring.”

Jane Knight, travel editor

“Seeing the first buds on the magnolia tree in my neighbor’s back yard. Daffodils at London’s Columbia Road flower market. Getting home from work before it gets dark. Not having to wear tights. The first asparagus… the list goes on!”

Jess Cartner-Morley, fashion editor

“The sense of renewal; that bubbling excitement when you suddenly smell the season changing in the air around you.”

Suzy Nightingale, fragrance writer

“Watching the bulbs I planted at Christmas come to life in the back yard. I become quite obsessive about seeing them grow, talk to them a lot, and look forward to displaying them in vases around our home. Who knew gardening was so rewarding?”

Ali Heath, interiors expert

“The delicious new ingredients that come with the season, such as rhubarb, asparagus and watercress. I’m passionate about helping children to understand about seasonality, something that could easily be lost as it’s becoming increasingly harder to understand because most things are available all-year round. And poppies, which I chose as my wedding flowers, in muted soft tones, they’re just coming into season now, too.”

Amanda Grant, co-founder, Cook School

“The not-so-humble daffodil, hands down. With their big, joyous daft yellow trumpets, a bunch of daffs is my biggest simple pleasure. I love how they pop up randomly around the back yard and it’s also the only time of year I buy myself flowers in abundance without feeling too decadent. A nice vibrant bunch of tulips come in a close second, of course.”

Lara Kilner, lifestyle journalist

“Spring is always energizing to me. No matter what has gone before it in my life, the new season presents as a fresh start, full of possibilities and the promise of fun to come. While summer may be my favorite time of year, spring is the uplifting warm-up act that gets me up on my feet again. I love the way I can almost feel the planet turning as the mornings lighten.”

Lynne Hyland, beauty editor

a white plate with a napkin folded in a flower pattern
a table with vases of flowers on it with a window behind
a woman holding a basket of flowers and a hat
a boat is sitting on a dock next to a lake

The Thread

Discover more stories to inspire you in our online magazine.

Ways to say thank you or welcome new arrivals. A little something, just because.

Tips for seasonal dressing. Ways to wear hero pieces. Love letters to favorite fabrics.

Relishing the quieter moments. Making space for self-care. Taking time to recharge.

Expert advice for sound slumbers. Creating a sleep sanctuary. Dreamy bed linen.

New-in fragrances. Seasonal favorites. Ways to scent your home.

Essentials every home should have. Ways to organize your living space. Decorating with seasonal accents.

Gifts to welcome them to the world. Outfits for any adventure. Everything for the sweetest dreams.

Tablescaping for big meals or casual suppers. Recipes to celebrate the season.