Kitchen Cookware

Cutlery has a broad range of meaning of hand-held implements such as a battle axe to the tiny olive skewer. The following pertains to a group within cutlery, tableware. Tableware and eating utensils found their current form and application about 500 years ago. Forks, specifically, were mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, part of Greek and Chinese culture (preceding the chopstick) and named from the farming tool, pitchfork, of classical Roman culture. The mention of forks and their use goes back over several thousand years, and yet, the popularity of the tool did not take hold until over a thousand years ago in some parts of the world and gaining in acceptance over wider Europe over time. Prior to the 15th century, Europeans had to feed themselves using a combination of the spoon and the knife, if they had the economic ability to use items other than their hands.
The subset of cutlery pertaining to tableware branched off to depend upon the substance from which it was made. Silverware denotes cutlery made of silver. The term “flatware” is more inclusive and takes into consideration tableware made of steel, pewter, copper, bronze and other metal amalgams as well as modern plastic. Over time, steel became the metal of choice because of its strength, attainability, beauty and its relatively low cost. Silverware, due to its constructed metal, is expensive and has the undesirable effect of oxidizing quite easily, leaving a blackish surface, or tarnish, which must be scrubbed away with special polish in order to make it appear shiny and attractive. Stainless steel has no such problem and as a result, has become the most popular materials from which tableware is made.
Old English aristocracy required the use of silver in their tableware, although it has shown to be impractical in modern times. Those with enough resources could have house servants polish the silverware (and other household silver) in order to keep it attractive. Modern economics has all but eliminated the English aristocracy and the number of servants making use of silverware less and less practical.
Silverware could be made in varying levels of silver ranging from various thicknesses of silver plating to sterling silver. The cost of silverware goes up with the quality of the metal as well as the quality of the manufacturer. While silverware from the 18th and 19th century is still passed down to succeeding generations, less and less true silverware is being made today.
Tableware made of stainless steel seems to be the most popular among the world. Stainless steel is durable, attractive and economic. The market has dozens of providers of stainless steel flatware and one will likely recognize a score of so of reputable makers of stainless steel flatware with origins anywhere from Germany, NY state, Japan and England. Each maker is likely to make 50 or more patterns of flatware, some similar from maker to maker, so that there is a multitude of choices available with which to decorate your table.
One must be advised, due to the durability of stainless steel, as well as all other metal flatware, what you choose to purchase will be around for a very long time. Keep in mind patterns that are attractive to you and which will likely remain attractive in decades to come. Be aware of the message your tableware sends to your guests and choose accordingly to relay the desired message. Finally, guard against choosing a pattern that is “ultra-modern”, “ultra-chic” or “the latest in design”. Terms such as those are another way of saying, “discard after 12 months”. Stay with the tried and true designs that have been around for 25, 50 or even 200 years. Match your style with that which is already there from the better makers of tableware.
To get a good representation of stainless steel flatware, you may wish to investigate products available from Oneida, Lenox, Mikasa, Waterford, Royal Doulton or the many other makers of quality tableware. Be aware of heft and strength in your tableware. And high cost may not relate to the highest value or quality. One is likely to present a very low impression if their dinner guest notices a spoon which bends under the weight of serving, or the fork which buckles while dining. Institutional flatware, while inexpensive, appears - well…institutional. Guests may have a better impression at the cafeteria of the local hospital than your dinner party.
Flatware conveys a story about whom and what you are. Wisely investigate the different makers and styles offered by each to choose the right flatware for your home, your life-style, your nature. Your decision on flatware will be a long-lasting and telling one about the goals, desires and objectives of your family. The wrong flatware may present the wrong message to your guests, which could have long-lasting impressions and results.

Popularity: 2%

Filed under: Cutlery