Tableware

Tableware are the dishes or dishware used for setting a table, serving food and dining. It includes cutlery, glassware, serving dishes and other useful items for practical as well as decorative purposes. The quality, nature, variety and number of objects varies according to culture, religion, number of diners, cuisine and occasion. For example, Middle Eastern, Indian or Polynesian food culture and cuisine sometimes limits tableware to serving dishes, using bread or leaves as individual plates. Special occasions are usually reflected in higher quality tableware.

Types of Tableware

Tableware can be divided into four types:

• Serveware: Items such as pitchers and serving bowls that are used to bring food to the table.
• Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, and cups used for individual place settings.
• Flatware: Utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons.
• Drinkware: Glassware and mugs used for serving drinks.

Materials

Tableware is most commonly made of ceramic materials such as earthenware, stoneware, faience, bone china and porcelain. Other materials include glass, plastic, stainless steel and silver.

History

The history of tableware is a topic of considerable scholarship and includes such topics as the effects of social changes on eating habits and the wide variety of materials used over time to make and decorate these items.

See also

• List of food preparation utensils
• List of serving utensils
• List of eating utensils
• List of cookware and bakeware

Tableware Resources
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