The Coffee Party: A Convivial Tradition with History

The Beginnings of the Coffee Party

The origins of the coffee party date back to the 18th century. At that time, this gathering reserved for women was established in upper-class circles. The ladies met regularly in turn at one of the ladies' homes to spend convivial hours over coffee, cake, and conversation. The luxury of drinking coffee corresponded to the zeitgeist of the time and was a popular pastime for ladies of high society.

Only for Women?

Even though the term "ladies' circle" suggests a purely female gathering, there were certainly male counterparts. The gentlemen's regulars' table or, initially, the coffee house dominated by men were, so to speak, the counterpart to the women's coffee party. Nevertheless, over the centuries, the coffee and cake circle remained a predominantly female domain.

More than Just Drinking Coffee

However, coffee parties were about much more than hot drinks and sweets. The ladies' meetings were an important social fixture. Here they exchanged ideas, cultivated friendships and contacts. The circles were an integral part of the everyday life of many bourgeois women. The ladies' circle is often seen as a phenomenon of the women's and girls' movement.

The Coffee Party Today

Even though times have changed, the coffee party is still very popular today. Although it is no longer a purely women's affair, for many it is still a symbol of familiar conviviality in a small group. Especially among the older generation, the cozy get-together over coffee and cake is still a tradition.

Whether a women's circle or intergenerational - the coffee party stands for cozy togetherness in a convivial atmosphere. This centuries-old tradition has lost none of its charm to this day. In our fast-paced, digitalized world, the little "circle" is a welcome break in the company of good friends and acquaintances.