Social event where Alice is asked, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" (3,5)

I believe the answer is:

tea party

(Other definitions for tea party that I've seen before include "Function Alice attended" , "Social gathering (for Bostonians?)" , "genteel gathering" , "afternoon get-together" , "Social occasion (in Boston?)" .)

I've seen this clue in the LA Times.

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