In a tea ceremony, dry sweets are served before offering weak-flavored tea, but fresh (and moist) sweets may often be served in such tea parties or during entertainment, where the tea served is not full-flavored.
茶事の折には薄茶の前に「干菓子」（ひがし）を出すが、濃茶を出さない茶会やもてなしでは生菓子を出すことが多い。