Flatware Facts

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Flatware Facts

August 26, 2018

You use silverware every day, right? But do you know much about it? Do you know what it’s made of? What about history? We know it seems silly, and you may never need to know any of this information. But hey, if you end up on Jeopardy and the answer to the winning question is somewhere in this article, remember to thank us. And if you’re ever in the market for a flatware rental, be sure to give the pros down here at Rental Depot a call.

What is it made of?

Silverware should be made of silver – you would think. These days, the term “silverware” has become synonymous with any table utensil you use to put food in your mouth, regardless of what it’s made of. Way back when, it was made from real silver, but these days it’s usually stainless steel – which can be a combination of various metals. The two most popular types – 403 and 304 – are the most common and have different amounts of chrome and nickel. The later has 8-10% nickel, making it more high end than the other.

Place Setting

How you place the silverware on the table depends on what you’re eating. Everyday meals typically have a minimum amount of utensils, while more formal or more substantial courses have more. The easiest way to remember is that you want the utensils you’ll use first farther away from the plate, while the last ones are closest. If you’re having soup as a first course, place the soup spoon farthest away, with the dessert fork immediately next to the plate.

Some Fun Facts

  • Knives are excluded from the term “flatware” because they are classified as cutlery, but Americans usually group them.
  • The first spoons were made from animal bones or wood, then graduated to clay models, – which were eventually replaced with bronze and then silver.
  • Forks originally had one prong, until the Romans added one more in the Middle Ages.
  • Before the advent of forks, humans used two knives to eat food – ouch!

And there you have it. Do you have any obscure flatware fact we’ve missed? Let us know; we’d love to learn some more! And remember, we have everything you need for a successful dinner party. From tables and tents to linen and flatware rental, we want to help you throw the bash of the year. Give us a call at 617-327-1200 to learn more.

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