A Spoon is Just a Spoon, Maybe Not

Like most pieces in a flatware pattern, there are 2 categories of spoons. There are the place spoons, used by individual diners, the pieces set at their 'places' at the table. And then there are the serving spoons. 

A diner often finds several pieces (in addition to their dinner fork, dinner knife, and teaspoon) at their place. The pieces are set per course, with each being removed between courses and replaced by the appropriate pieces for the following course. Most sterling silver flatware was designed during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. And it is true to say, a Victorian never found, a dish, a course, or a condiment that they could not design an appropriate utensil for. 

Why have "just" a pickle spoon when there are so many types of pickles and relishes and piccalilli, as well as olives and chow chow. Or a jelly spoon when there are jams and jellies and marmalade.  And, of course, one cannot use a "regular" teaspoon to serve coffee. Needless to say one has to consider whether it is 4 O'Clock  or 5 O'Clock. The 4 O'Clock spoon is for high tea, traditionally served at 4 pm and the 5 O'Clock spoon is for coffee served later in the afternoon. And a Demitasse spoon for coffee after dinner.

There are 4 types of soup spoons, each designed for a different consistency of soup. Whether it is Cream, Bouillon, or Gumbo, upon closer look one can see how each of the designs suits the soup. The Place Soup spoon is the most practical piece in a 5 piece place setting. It can be used for soup, a soft course such as jello or even as a serving spoon, if such is needed in a clutch.

And, so it goes. Now, not all patterns, in fact I think it is safe to say that few patterns, have all these different types of spoons. Most people find all the different pieces extravagant or useless. But, the Victorians had a sense of style. Using all the pieces for the appropriate courses slows down a meal, giving time for conversation and enjoyment. So my advice, if you find you have some of these unique pieces of sterling, use them for what they were designed. After all, a meal is not simply a means for subsistence, it is a time to enjoy good food and good company - Bon Appetite! 

 Coffees and Teas, Warm Beverages

4 O'Clock Spoon               

5 O'Clock Spoon                   

Coffee Spoon  

 Demitasse Spoon                  

Caffe Latte Spoon

Chocolate Spoon

Soup Spoons

Cream Soup Spoon            

Consomme Spoon

Bouillon Soup Spoon

Gumbo Soup Spoon

Place Soup Spoon

Children and Infant Spoons

Baby Spoon

Infant Feeding Spoon

Child's Spoon

Pap Spoon

Youth Spoon

Fruit Spoons

Citrus Spoon

Grapefruit Spoon

Strawberry Spoon

Fruit Cocktail Spoon

Dessert Spoons

Dessert Spoon

Ice Cream Spoon

Parfait Spoon

Pudding Spoon

Sherbet Spoon

Sorbet Spoon

Hors d' oeuvre and Aperitif Spoons

Caviar Spoon

Hors d' oeuvre Spoon

Individual Condiment and Tea Spoons

Iced Tea Spoon

Salt Spoon

Tea Caddy Spoon

Tea Infuser Spoon

Teaspoon

Misc Place Spoons

Egg Spoon

Terrapin Spoon

Duck Spoon