Afternoon tea

The Edwardian age was the golden age of etiquette and gentility, in which the taking of tea was rather like a ceremonial masquerade. At this time, it was not uncommon for ladies to change up to five times a day, and one of these outfits would have been a tea dress. Tea was the only time the mistress of the house would serve her guests; the china used, the manservant who answered the door and the delicacies presented were of paramount importance. In this beautifully illustrated book, Vicky Straker introduces us to tea in the Edwardian era. Included are chapters on the tea dress, etiquette, the servants who served it and, of course, elaborate contemporary recipes. The Public House, the Temperance Association, the Great War and changes in domestic service - each had their effect on the rise in fashion of taking tea, as well as its eventual demise. This book explores why tea was so important for the Edwardians in a world of flourishing social aspirations. After all, who among us has not found comfort in a good cup of tea with its scrumptious accompaniments?