Tableware No One Seems to Use Anymore

Back in the day people used to use a variety of accessories at the dinner table. Not only did these pieces make eating food easier and more practical, they also made it more elegant and interesting. But, sadly, many of these little touches have completely vanished from all but the most expensive tables (ie high-end restaurants).

Soup Spoons

We all use them at restaurants, but seldom have them at home. These more rounded spoons are more efficient at getting into your soup bowl and ensure you can get every last little drop of soup out. Basic cutlery sets don’t even include them anymore and you may have to hunt to find some that match your silverware pattern!

Dessert Forks

You’d have a special dessert fork at some tables, depending on which type of dessert was being offered. This type of fork has a deep tine on one end with which to cut into delicate pastries.

Candles at the Center

Centerpieces used to be the hallmark of a good meal as much as the food was. The Victorians took great pride in their huge arrangements for the table which often included fresh flowers, sterling silver decorations, and candelabras- all at the same time! As a holdover from those days of wild visual stimulation many a more modest home would feature 2 or 3 lit candlesticks on the table at dinner for an elegant touch. You just don’t see that as often these days. Although, taper candles are making a comeback in some decor styles so who knows!

Cloth Napkins

Fabric napkins were once the only way to go. Paper napkins are a relatively new invention. But, cloth is a cheaper option by far since you only need to buy them once and you can keep using them for years. They work better, but they also lend a bit of sophistication to the table.

Chargers

Those big plates under your main plate are called chargers. For formal meals they allow the appetizers and main dish plates to be switched out while keeping the space you’ve been using visually intact. They also protect the table or tablecloth underneath and they can help keep food warm, too. But, they also just look really nice!

Fish Knife

These oddly-shaped little knives are designed to help one cut into fish and navigate around the scales and bones.

Butter Dish and Knife

Sometimes it was easier and neater to give everyone their own pats or balls of butter on a little plate placed at each setting. A butter knife for each person was also laid out so no one had to share anything.

Butter Curlers

These cool knives shave thin strips of butter off the top of the butter block in pieces so small they melt or spread easily on your bread. If you have to share the butter this was an elegant solution that made it much easier to butter your bread.

Butter in Molded Shapes

Sometimes these would be quite small, for one person. Or you could have a larger one done in an elaborate centerpiece style for everyone to share. Butter molds have been making a comeback in recent years, but they still aren’t as popular as they once were. In fact, most people have never even seen one!

Finger Bowls

In the old days it was not uncommon at a formal dinner to have finger bowls placed at each setting.These little bowls of water allowed those at the table to gently clean their fingers before eating or between courses.

Knife Rests

If you’ve ever had your knife going flying off the plate in a messy, rogue splash then you’ll appreciate a good knife rest. This was a nice way to ensure you always knew where your knife was at all times.

Separate Water Goblet

I can remember even not so long ago that we’d have separate water goblets. There’s something so special about drinking water from a goblet- even those not drinking any wine get to feel fancy!