What are the Different Types of Tableware?
Useful for purposes ranging from the simple satisfaction of hunger to the demonstration of wealth, tableware encompasses a variety of objects and tools utilized in the serving and eating of meals. While the root word “ware” indicates basically any number of objects made of the same material or used for the same purpose, the more specific category of tableware can be easily broken down into four main types: serveware, dinnerware, flatware, and drinkware. Serveware derives its name from its basic purpose, which is the serving of food. This type of tableware encompasses serving bowls, platters, gravy boats and any other dishes that are used to bring food to the table. Dishes from which beverages are served, such as carafes or pitchers, also fall into this category. While the purpose of serveware is to hold large portions of food, dinnerware is a type of tableware used to serve individual portions during a meal. Dinnerware consists of a variety of dishes, ranging from the basic plate and b