From Martha Washington to Melania Trump: 250 years of first lady portraiture

Portraits of presidents’ wives have evolved with the role, and although it remains highly gendered, a new exhibition aims to celebrate their contribution and to ‘rectify the absences of women in US history’

25 of the most unexpected items of 2020

From Dominic Cummings’ staff and milk frothers to Connell’s chain and – of course – face masks: how the stuff that people used, and occasionally bought, in 2020 tells the story of a year like no other

‘It’s not necessarily a guarantee’: should you buy an award-winning wine?

Faced with a wall of unfamiliar wine, it seems logical to reach for the bottle with the most gold stickers – but experts suggest other ways to get a drop you’ll enjoy

Books for wine lovers

There’s only one thing better than tasting wine and that’s reading about it. Here are a few book recommendations alongside suggested tipples to drink while you read

The best Christmas ports

Smooth, rich and full of festive fruit, now is the time to enjoy a good port

Add sparkle to your glass this Christmas

From rosé prosecco to rhubarb bellini, a selection of delicious bubbles to lift the spirits