What is flatware?
Flatware is another name for eating utensils, including forks, spoons, and knives. Today, new flatware is generally sold in sets of five. These sets include two sizes of spoons, two sizes of forks, and a butter knife. In the case of five-piece flatware sets, several sets will need to be purchased to set a table for a family or gathering. The term “flatware” was originally coined in England toward the turn of the 19th century. At the time, the word “flatware” excluded knives. Knives were generally considered to be “cutlery.” That said, when Americans adopted the term, they included knives in the flatware family. The word “flatware” is often used interchangeably with the term “silverware.” However, to be considered authentic silverware, knives, spoons, and forks must be made of sterling silver. In contrast, flatware can be made of virtually any material, ranging from stainless steel to melamine.
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Lead photo by Brittany Ambridge / Styled by Martin Bourne / Home of Lauren Santo Domingo