Imagine a table laden with homemade scones and muffins, seasonal fruit jams, freshly made sandwiches, and cakes and pastries of all varieties. Afternoon tea is a perfect treat to be enjoyed by everyone, and not just a ritual for high days and holidays.

This delightful recipe book presents more than 160 delicious and appealing dishes to make for afternoon tea. It opens with a brief history of afternoon tea traditions and etiquette. A guide to classic and speciality teas of the world follows, as well as information on how to choose, blend and make a perfect pot of tea.

All the well-known classics such as bakewell tart, chocolate cake, Victoria sponge, and malted bread are included and you can even make your own crumpets, English muffins, teacakes and preserves. Enjoy traditional cucumber sandwiches, chocolate eclairs, and scones with jam and cream as well as the contemporary recipe suggestions such as shallot, thyme and garlic cheese muffins, moreish peanut butter teabread, and chunky chocolate and banana cakes.

With all the stages shown clearly in over 650 easy-to-follow inspiring photographs, success is guaranteed, whatever your culinary experience.

There are recipes for traditional high tea, for a family afternoon tea or for a girls' indulgent get-together; there are recipes suitable for different seasons, as well as to suit different appetites. Whether you are planning tea on the lawn on a lingering summer afternoon or tucked up by the fire after a winter walk, this irresistible collection of tea-time delights offers all you need.