Story: Women’s networks and clubs

Afternoon-tea accessories (2nd of 2)

Afternoon-tea accessories

Entertaining other women at morning and afternoon tea was an opportunity for the host to show off not just baking skills, but best china, silverware and hand-embroidered cloths and aprons. Such items as tea and sandwich cloths, cake stands, cake forks and fancy teaspoons were carefully stored and used only on special occasions. Like the baking itself, which required considerable skill and artistry to produce, these items were best appreciated by a discerning audience.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Marguerite Hill

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Women’s networks and clubs - Social and friendship networks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/31000/afternoon-tea-accessories (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 15 Jul 2018