Help on Flatware!

I've been married for almost 10 months now and I'm still confused with flatware! I need a lesson on Flatware 101 and the basics of it. What does:

4 Piece Hostess Set consists of? Does it have: Butter Knife; Slotted Tablespoon and what else??

What's the difference between a Tablespoon vs. Sugar Spoon vs. Teaspoon?

What does a 3 Piece Serving Set consits of? Does it have: Pastry Server; Gravy Ladle; Cold Meat Fork?? Is this correct?

Is there any resources on the internet where I can get a quick lesson on Flatware 101? Does any bride know any detailed websites out there? Thanks!

I can't help you with your post, but if you don't use those things now, why complicate your and DH's life

As long as I have 2 spoons, 2 forks and a butter and steak knifes, I am happy with a formal place setting...

Maybe I am jsut too practical and dont' have high standards for flatware

both the macys.com
and fortunoff.com
tell you the basics

no one's flaming you - relax. People need to stop being so super-sensitive on here!

There is no 'standard' 4 or 3 piece hostess set. It depends on what the manufacturer wants to put in it. Hostess sets range from 3-6 pieces.

Here's what you're most likely to find in a hostess set:
-Pierced Serving Spoon
-Cold Meat Fork
-Butter Knife
-Sugar Spoon

other possible additions/options:
-pie server
-ladle

And higher end items might contain salad serving pieces.


When you say Tablespoon, do you mean as in hostess set or place setting?
Table, Tea, and Sugar are all different sizes with table being the largest and sugar being the smallest.

Thank you Jenny5150!