It seems strange to be thinking of a typical English tea time, when at the time of writing we are in the middle of what is one of the worst winters in years for many parts of the world. However, the thought of these classic occasions and warmer, more relaxing times should serve as an anodyne to the miseries of a bad winter. Why not indulge in some light baking, making some dainty sandwiches, and setting a summery table with best chinaware and some Spring flowers. Invite a few friends or family and enjoy!

Traditionally, afternoon tea is taken around 4 p.m. and should be a relaxed informal affair. All preparation has been done in advance so that you are able to enjoy time with your visitors without the need to do much more than keep the tea coming.

While it is still customary to serve regular tea with milk, sugar and lemon wedges, for a tea party, it is quite acceptable to serve flavoured, or herb teas as well as coffee or even iced tea. China teacups and saucers should be used - I have known people who have collected several different designs to create a chic eclectic feel to the table. In winter it is nice to serve tea on a large low coffee table and sit in front of a blazing fireplace, rather than be seated around a dining table. On such occasions, treats such as teacakes or English muffins can be toasted using a long handled fork. (a barbecue fork is ideal)

Keep slices of cake, and sandwiches small, to allow for ease of serving and eating; your guests shouldn't be trying to juggle slabs of cake and over-sized sandwiches on dainty tea plates! Be sure to have plenty of variety and enough of each treat so that nobody is left hungry, despite the small serving sizes.

Sandwiches are made from soft bread with the crusts cut off and can have any variety of fillings, such as cucumber (Peel, remove seeds and slice thinly. Salt lightly and drain after a few minutes before sandwiching between buttered white bread), smoked salmon, egg salad and so on.

Scones are an absolute must, and are served warm with butter, cream and strawberry or raspberry jam. Other cakes are entirely at the host's discretion, and can include sponge cake, fruit cake, petit fours, biscuits, or even a flan.

Pictured above: Cranberry Scones

These are a delicious variation on the classic English scones, listed below. Dried, sweetened cranberries are used, as fresh cranberries would be too bitter and would break down in baking.

English Scones

The classic English scone recipe from time immemorial. Serve warm with butter, Devon cream and strawberry jam.

Battenberg Cake

I remember this delicious teatime treat from when I was a kid growing up in England. I've tried a few recipes and this one is the best.

English Fruit Cake

My favourite cake. Best made a day or so in advance for the best flavour.

Oatmeal Spice Cake

A nice spongey cake that is representative of the types of cakes you can serve for a tea party.

Gingerbread

This gingerbread is made with pecans and raisins and cream cheese, but the recipe includes a link to the more traditional version.

Black Midnight Chocolate Cake

Small slices of chocolate cake make a nice addition to a tea party spread.

Lemon Cupcakes

Perfect as a teatime treat. You can also ice the tops, or neatly slice the tops off, add a topping and replace the halved tops to make 'butterfly cakes.

Dutch Apple Cake

A nice sponge cake with an apple and pecan crumble topping.

Strawberry Flan

Nothing says 'Summer teatime' better than a beautiful fruit flan!