Already whetted by the Royal Wedding, our appetite for street parties is back with a bang this year as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee approaches.

And there is no more fitting way to mark Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne than the quintessentially British culinary experience of afternoon tea.

When she's at Buckingham Palace, the Queen likes to be in her suite by 5pm to be served a spread of scones, sandwiches and cakes - with the corgis often tucking into the crumbs.

Her ordinary subjects may not always have time to do the same, but the tea party tradition that swept into fashion in the 19th century is making a comeback.

Ruth Bond, chairman of the National Federation of Women's Institutes, says: "As the economy continues to change, people are reassessing what is it important in their lives and making time to appreciate things they previously might not have had time for.

"Good food and good company seem to be at the top of most people's lists.

"With the extra Bank Holiday, the Diamond Jubilee is the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea with the people closest to you - and perhaps meet some of your neighbours and build community links over some delicious cake and tea."

How to make the perfect brew

Think you know how to make the perfect cuppa? Think again!

Fortnum & Mason's assistant buyer for tea and coffee, Margot Cooper, gives her top tips....

1. Use a giant teapot if you're making tea for lots of people. Warm the pot first. Boil the kettle, rinse the pot with the boiled water, and then throw that water away.

2. Use loose tea rather than teabags to get a cleaner, clearer flavour. If you can get eight cups from your pot, use around eight teaspoons. But a practice run before your party will help you decide how light or dark you like your tea.

3. Add freshly boiled water to the pot, pop the lid on and let it brew for between three and five minutes. On average, people brew tea from a teabag for 19 seconds, but proper tea needs more time.

4. Once it's brewed, give it a stir and use a strainer to pour the tea into teacups. You can add milk first or last, depending on taste.

Choosing the right tea

Fortnum's Margot Cooper recommends these classic brews, along with tasty treats to complement each one...

Classic breakfast tea: "This goes brilliantly with milk, but goes equally well with a slice of lemon if you brew it lightly. Serve this with a rich, strong chocolate cake," says Cooper.

Earl grey: "This is great for those who like their tea a bit flavoured. Because of the bergamot in Earl Grey, it goes well with a lemon tart. It's also good served with a Victoria sponge."

Jasmine tea: "A flowering tea, such as a jasmine one, is best brewed in a glass teapot for the visual effect. Try it with a delicately flavoured snack, like a pavlova."