Afternoon Tea

A History and Guide to the Great Edwardian Tradition

The Edwardian era was the golden age of etiquette and gentility, and 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 their 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 invites us to tea in the Edwardian era and serves it up with over thirty of her own delicious contemporary recipes. Also included are chapters on dress, etiquette and the servants who prepared the tea. The First World War, the Temperance Association and changes in domestic service each had their effect on the rise in fashion of afternoon tea, as well as its eventual demise. This book explores why tea was so important for the Edwardians in a world of flourishing aspirations and how it became so popular across all social classes. After all, who among us has not found comfort in a good cup of tea and its scrumptious accompaniments?