Tea towels

A tea towel is a lightweight, flat-woven cloth, typically made from cotton or linen, designed for various kitchen tasks. Unlike thicker dish towels, tea towels are less absorbent but excel at drying delicate items like fine china and glassware without leaving lint or streaks. They are also used for covering baked goods, handling hot cookware, and adding a decorative touch to the kitchen. Tea towels originated in 18th-century England, where they were used to dry fine china and insulate teapots during tea ceremonies. Over time, they became decorative items, often embroidered with intricate designs, and were passed down through generations as heirlooms . The Industrial Revolution made tea towels widely accessible, transforming them from luxury items to household staples.