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’m thankful for my Grandkids and another one on the way
I am thankful for my lovely wife, my faith and my health. It feels good to help those in need as I am called to help my aging parents more and more.
I’m thankful for the Constitution, the Bill Of Rights, and the wisdom of the people that forged our country.
Thankful for my family and friends that will make it an enjoyable holiday.
I am most thankful for “The Great I Am” who created all things and beings, including His Son, The Christ, who became sin itself, who died as the last ultimate sacrifice needed for His Father, The Great I Am, to set His people free from all sin, and rose again to signify eternal life through Him is possible. All else is secondary.
Thankful to live in a FREE Country, and for being blesses with 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
I am thankful for my health. Nothing in life is promised and in all we do to be prepared for what life brings our health is ultimately our greatest wealth. My life was tested in a bad motorcycle accident a couple years ago and everyday my being alive is a reflection to not waste my second chance. Thanks for the opportunity and for sharing in the great commodity of silver.
I am thankful to have a job where I can take time to be with my parents as they are getting older and to be able to make as many memories as I can while I still have them with me.
I am thankful for each day, and that I was able to see my family this summer; and especially to see my Mom!
I am thankful to be above ground.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m thankful for the men & women that protect us every day here and abroad!
Good one from Christoper. For myself, feeling normal. (IE- no pain today)
I am thankful to our CREATOR for all HIS blessings.
I am so thankful for finally taking time to enjoy and appreciate the healthy relationships in my life now that I am retired.
I am thankful for my daughter and loving wife. Also having the opportunity to have another child coming in February. Lots to be thankful for.
I am thankful for my garden, now resting, which gave us wonderful fruits and vegetables all summer.
I’m thankful that I still have my job and it has not been offshore yet.
Thankful for my Family and Notre Dame Football
I am thankful for my family and continued good health.
I am thankful for my family and friends.
I am thankful for our veterans they made the way we live possible
Thankful for family and friends.
I am thankful for my wonderful, hard working wife, my two children who are finishing up their collage and my wonderful grandson who is teaching himself how to play the piano. I am also thankful for the great life that I have had.
I am thankful for the NGC antiqued Red Horse of War round with a grade of MS70, and my health, my family, my friends and turkeys. Can’t forget the turkeys.
I’m thankful I was able to retire this year allowing me to spend more time with my dog and my wife (not necessarily in that order).
Congratulations, Justin! Like you, I am thankful for my baby girl too. While yours is 6 weeks old this week, mine is 6 months old this week.
I’m thankful for my 3 amazing kids, all so unique. Ages 12, 8, and 6.
I am so thankful for the freedom to live my life as I choose. To praise the One True God without fear of governmental interference. And to have a family I love and cherish.
I am thankful for family and friends. I am grateful to have a good job and a great boss (who is also a wonderful friend).