Every Wednesday in the 1940s through the 1960s, my mother would play bridge with three friends. The location rotated through the group so each woman hosted about once a month. Before bridge playing, lunch was served; tea or coffee and sweets were served in mid-afternoon. This was an opportunity to serve aspics, caper-laden salads, and all manner of small fishes – foods that were not family friendly. A silver tea and coffee service was polished and brought out for these occasions.
Dress was very refined and elegant with hats and kid gloves. I was always delighted when I came home from school on the days Bridge Club was at my house because I could snack on the leftover cakes and cookies.