Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, which often means having to impress your mother-in-law or great aunt by throwing a flawless dinner party. Plenty of people take out their nice dinner plates and silverware to prepare for the occasion. But why do we call it silverware? Are utensils really made out of silver?
Though silverware has become more of a generic term to refer to any flatware—knives, forks, and spoons—these utensils were once made of real silver. Of the three main utensils, knives were created first out of flint or obsidian. Early humans used knives for hunting and cutting meat away from the bone. These primitive knives transitioned to bronze, iron, and finally, steel.
Spoons were initially made of wood or shells attached to wooden handles. Metal spoons were later developed for eating and carrying liquids using the same metal used to make knives of the era.
Two-tined forks were introduced in Roman kitchens, but did not become fashionable until the seventeenth century. Forks were later introduced to England in the early 1600s. These forks were made of iron, but the nobility used silver forks. Silver utensils (aka silverware) remained popular among royalty and the very wealthy until the nineteenth century.
By this time, competition among silverware manufacturers grew competitive and the price of silver bullion decreased. This allowed lower class consumers to buy silverware as well. However, the sale of real silverware has steadily declined since WWII. Meals have become less formal over the decades, and flatware made from stainless steel is much more affordable. Yet, some families still enjoy collecting and using utensils made from sterling silver.
Whether you use true silverware or modern flatware made from steel, we hope you enjoy your holiday season! Enter our giveaway by telling us one thing that you’re thankful for this year. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our November giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by November 26, 2017. One winner will be randomly selected on November 27, 2017 to receive an NGC antiqued Red Horse of War round with a grade of MS70 from our Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse series.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I am truly thankful for my family and our great country !
Thankful for the many blessings I have been given and for the opportunity to give back.
I’m thankful for living 71 years in such a beautiful and wonderful country as the USA. Served in the Air Force for 8 years. And for God giving me a great family
I’m very thankful for the time I am able to spend time with my first grandchild and of course my entire loving family. Don’t take anything for granted.Take care my friends and may God bless you and yours during this special time.
I am thankful for my daughter being born healthy and for my fiancée surgery going well and she recovered very quickly
I am thankful janes addiction is touring again, and thankful for iced coffee
I’m thankful for the emotional and spiritual growth I’ve undergone this year. I’m thankful for the blessings of health and wealth for my family and myself.
I am thankful for my family and the troops down range during the holiday season. I got back just in time to be with my family during this time of year.
Thankful for another year.
May all have a memorable and safe holiday season!
Thankful for family and hoping our troops have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Shiny
Thankful for my health and my wealth!
I am thankful for the good health of my family, friends, and dogs!
After Oct 1st, 2017 I have a lot to be thankful for. First not being part of the largest Mass Shooting in America’s history, though I had put in to work it. For my friends and co-workers that were at the Route 91 Music Festival to come out alive. Though sadly not all unharmed.
But what I am most thankful for is living in such an incredible town who really knows how to come together and take care of their own.
I’m thankful for family
I am thankful because I used to be homeless and now I have all my needs met and more, thanks be to God.
It’s nice to be nice to the nice
I’m Thankful for everything !
I am thankful for my family.
I am truly thankful That we made it through Irma without total destruction so many others didn’t
I am thankful that those around me are healthy.
Thankful for free silver!
I’m thankful for family and vacation time, so I can spend time with them!
I Am Thankful For My Family, Roof Over Our Heads So We’re Not In The Elements, And Our Vehicles So We Are Not On Foot.
So thankful at the age of 62 (NBM) the blessings of a wonderful wife who brought ready-made children and grandchildren to love and to help grow.
I am thankful for this life and all of the experiences I have been blessed with.
I am thankful for my family, friends and our great country – God Bless us all and the United States of America.
I’m thankful for family!
Simply thankful for time spent with family and the many blessings Jesus gives daily.
I’m thankful for troops serving our country in the many capacities they do, and for those who extend their homes and dinners to troops serving in there areas.
Jesus Christ and Family