Tableware

Tabletalking Tableware

Tableware is a good subject for tabletalking. It refers to dishes, cutlery, glassware, flatware and eating tools like knives, forks and spoons. In short -anything set on the table for eating. The characteristics, types and number differ from one culture to another as well as from one meal to another.

There was a time, during the Victorian age, when tableware was the final word in sophistication and etiquette. But since the two great wars there has been a sea change in lifestyles. In keeping with it casual dinneware sets are the call of the hour. There is no rigidity as to the number of items included in the set but differs as convenience requires.

Climate has a lot to say as regards tropical dinnerware. In exotic India, gold was common in royal households but in the homes of the nobles and upper rich silverware sets were in vogue. Tableware is also made from brass, copper and lately steel. Eating from leaves and mud bowls is an everday happening even today. It speaks of ethnic beauty, tradition, convenience, afforedablity and easy disposability that saves energy and the environment. Food taken from leaf plates and water from bowls made of baked clay give out a particular flavour that is appetising, healthy and extremely hygenic.

Ten Thousand Villages have made a name in handmade dinnerware since 1946. Artisans from 30 developing countires are involved in one of the largest fair trade organisations in North America, handcrafting tableware. Ten Thousand Villages stock quality products from diverse cultures.

One can pick up from Vietnam - blue and white floral mug, butterfly flower teapot, salt and pepper shaker set, chopstick sushi set, coiled bamboo food tray, condiment jars in a basket, crackle glaze mug and cream and sugar set. Carved animal cutlery from Kenya will add a dash of Africa on the table. A carved dragon set of coasters from Thailand or a tablesize cermaic and mango wood tea chest from India are irresistable.

A knife is an indispensible part of tableware. The best kitchen knives are wusthof's knives, made in Soligen, Germany. There are a whole range to choose from - asian knife set, asparagus peeling knife, baker's knife, paring knife set, boning knife, bread knife, brunch knife, butcher knife, cake knife, carving knife, channel knife, cheese knife, cook's knife, grapefruit knife, mincing knife, salami knife, oriental cook's knife, steak knife, set of shaping knives, tomato knife, trimming knife, fish fillet knife and paring knife.

Sometimes discount dinnerware can be picked up if one is on the lookout for sales. Usually those that are slightly defective, not discernible to the casual eye, are sold at a discount. The lucky few snap up bargains and lay the table.