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 very thankful for being in this country. My mom is alive because we were fortunate enough to move here from a third world Island.
I am thankful that I live in the greatest country on Earth!
I’m thankful for my pets, and good health!
I’m thankful that a family made the hard decision and donated the heart I got
We take for grated of our warm houses, electrical appliances, etc….I am thankful for what I have and the joys in life I experience. To be an American is the best..
I’m going through cancer treatments right now this Thanksgiving is going to be more meaningful for my family than ever before. My wife and I are extremely happy that it seems to be going well and much better than we hoped. I want thank all the doctors and researchers that made these treatments possible for the average person.
I am grateful for Gods’ mercy.
I’m thankful for my family is in good healt health. Happy I still have my job, a company truck, and I can buy silver for cheap.
I am thankful for my wife and my two wonderful dogs, I’m am truly blessed to have my health, a great job and a home to come home to. I am so thankful to be an american and so proud of those serving us across the world keeping us safe.
I am thankfull my grandson checked into a rehab facility. Sinse I ead this family, it has made me so sad and depressed. I pray that he comes out with a new look in life’
I am thankful for the clean air that I breathe that gives me life.
I am thankful for my family and loved ones. With a world so full of hate and greed I am glad that we have each other.
Thankful that my family is healthy and well
I am thankful to have been born in America, the greatest nation on earth. Not perfect but still the greatest. I have been blessed.
Jack
I am Thankful for the the Air I Breath and for being the father of four smart and beautiful Ladies! For all 12 of my Grandkids and Friends across this great country!! This is very likely the last Thanksgiving I will share with them. Every Smile, the Kids Eyes, the laughter – I am both Thankful and Blessed.
I’m thankful that my children turned out okay and are successful.
Family is all the focus during the holidays and I am grateful for them. One small tradition I have with one of my sons is exchanging silver rounds of our choice.
I am thankful for my health, family, friends and just being alive and waking up in the morning.
I am grateful that I have everything I need to be happy. I have a home to keep me cozy, a family to enjoy it with, plenty of food & drink to nourish the body and good health to enjoy it all. Cheers.
I am thankful for learning how to be a better man each day. Not only for my loving wife and two crazy kids but for myself as well! For me God doesn’t grant my prayers …but gives me opportunities through situations to receive what I have asked of him. So, am also thankful for God’s hands on learning program I seem to be enrolled in. Happy Holidays to Everyone…
I am thankful because, I just read the comment from April G , from above.
“I AM SOOOOO SORRY THAT HAPPENED TO YOU APRIL, GOD BLESS YOUR SON, AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE”.
This thanksgiving I will be stopping to cherish the moments spent with each of my family members. Thank you April for putting my priorities straight this holiday season.
Goodwill to All!
Thank you Robert
Im thankful for my mother helping me get through the most difficult time in my life and keeping my head up.
Thankfully, I will win the contest! 🙂
Thank God for America. With all its woes, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
In May my mother passed away of cancer at 55 years old. I am thankful that I was able to make it to visit her one last time before she passed away.
I’m thankful for family and friends. I am also thankful for everyone who helps me succeed
For all who have suffered and posted on this thread I sincerely wish peace and recovery from your pain.
I am grateful for the time I spend with my family, for the moments in the day where life is good and the peaceful serenity of a gentle breeze. I send my gratitude to all who made the sacrifice to serve this country. Your service has made a difference.
I am thankful for having wonderful kids and also for the fact that my wife is still willing to put up with me.
I’m thankful that I’m an American.
I am thankful for being able to give back to my community and those I love.
I am truly thankful for my wonderful wife and family.