During the 19th century when fashion was for the very ornate, the commersial glass companys would produce lots of pressed glass items to emulate the rich cutting of expensive glass of the day. In the lower class households they could purchase these pretty pieces and bring them out for sunday teas and special occasions.
 
The cake stand came into use in the late Victorian times when afternoon tea came into fashion. Presenting the cake at a higher level above the table gave the cake more attention.
 
Pressed glass cake stand made in the 1920's, much more contempory in style than its Victorian counterparts.