TABLE EQUIPMENT 327
MISCELLANEOUS WARES

Stainless Steel. Next to silver, stainless steel is now the most
used material for table flatware. It is used by families that must
economize, by those who wish to save their silverware, and also
in areas where marsh gas or fumes blacken the silver quickly.
There are many different patterns available in stainless steel flat-
ware and hollow ware.

Golden Metals. Flatware and hollow ware are also made from
metals that are the color of gold. These constitute an interesting
change from the silver, particularly with warm color schemes in
the table appointments. Brass samovars and trays are suitable for
tea service. Some of the alloys are used for flatware, dishes, and
tumblers.

Pewter. Pewter is a silvery gray alloy made mainly of tin; it
seems to have a handmade quality suitable for unpretentious equip-
ment. Early Americans used pewter for many things; now it is
used mostly for vases, pitchers, sugar bowls, and salt and pepper
shakers. Chinese pewter plates and tumblers are effective with
pottery dishes. See page 101.

Aluminum. Some Modern informal table appointments are
made from silvery aluminum and similar alloys in various hues.

Copper. Beautiful color and texture are attributes of copper.
Now it is being treated so that it can hold food without being
lined with glass or other material. Copper coffee urns and trays
look well with heavy yellow glassware in autumn settings.

Plastics. Various plastic materials are now used for dishes.
They are available in many designs and colors. Clear plastics
resembling colorless glass are pleasing; some are heat-proof so that
food can be baked and served in the same dish. Because of their
durability plastic dishes are very practical for families that move
often or have young children. Plastic table mats and covers are
also boons for busy housewives.

Wood. Our colonial ancestors used wooden dishes during their
first century in this country. We now use them in rustic or other
simple settings or outdoors, for ordinarily they express informality.
However, beautiful bowls and trays which are refined in feeling
are now made of wood. Handsome wooden trays simulate the
shape of large stylized leaves. They are used for serving and also
to hold fruit and leaf arrangements. A large fork and spoon of
wood are desirable for serving a leafy* salad in a wooden bowl.