Introduction to Silverware

Technically, the term “silverware” refers only to eating utensils that are made of silver. The broader term, “flatware,” includes utensils that are made of stainless steel. Most Americans, however, commonly use the word “silverware” to refer to all eating utensils, and there are a lot of eating utensils in America.

 

The most bare-boned silverware sets include only a fork, knife, and spoon, but most silverware sets include five utensils: two forks, two spoons, and a knife. A salad fork (also used as a dessert fork) has shorter prongs than does a dinner fork. Similarly, a teaspoon is smaller than a tablespoon (also called a soup spoon). The knife provides the only sharp cutting edge in this basic set. Many retailers sell twenty-piece silverware sets that include four table settings, complete with each of these five utensils.

 

If you want to purchase a more extensive silverware setting, you can purchase a set that includes utensils for ten or twelve people as well as serving utensils for the host. A basic hostess set includes four or five basic serving utensils, likely including a serving spoon, serving fork, butter knife, and slotted spoon. In addition, you can purchase even larger sets that include specialized utensils (everything from oyster forks to iced beverage spons) for dining or hosting. 

 

You can buy utensils individually or as part of a matching set. Basic flatware sets can cost as little as twenty dollars or as much as several hundred dollars. In addition, antique shops and garage sales often boast old silverware, which you can use for eating and/or for decoration.