English Country House Style: The Legacies of Nancy Lancaster and Nancy Astor
While the sumptuous dinner parties and grand country house weekends of years past may have vanished, the secrets of elegant entertaining and hospitality live on. Nancy Lancaster and Nancy Astor, two American-born women entered upper class British society in the early 20th century and brought the traditions of great Southern hospitality to some of England’s greatest estates including the renowned Cliveden. Today, Emilly Astor and Jane Churchill descendants of Nancy Lancaster and Nancy Astor continue the tradition and share its elements with today’s hosts and hostesses in their book of history, memories, and recipes “Entertaining in Style” (Rizzoli). Join me and both Emily and Jane for a look back at the tables of the two Nancys and particularly Nancy Lancaster’s vision which led to what we think of as great English Country House style.
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