All Those Spoons at Downton Abbey

I loved the scene where Carson the butler is teaching the new footman all about the various spoons that could be used at table at Downton Abbey. Not only would Alfred have to know the spoon's identities, but also what spoons were proper for the menu being served. For example, there are three different types of soup spoons.

Bouillon Spoon

Carson has set out the bouillon spoon as one that Alfred should know. The bouillon spoon is used when clear or jellied soup is served and can be either formal or informal.  Bouillon is considered too light for any type of dinner, either formal or informal.


Oval Soup Spoon

The oval soup spoon is used for both formal and informal occasions and is meant for a soup that includes meats and/or vegetables, grains and pastas.  Modern flatware sets often include this type of soup spoon. Even today's stainless flatware will include this type of spoon.

Cream Soup Spoon - be careful not to slurp your soup!

Both the bouillon and the oval soup spoon should not be confused with the cream soup spoon. The cream soup spoon has a larger rounded bowl, too large to fit in your mouth, and is meant to be used to sip cream or pureed soup.  This spoon is not used at a formal dinner as cream soup is considered too rich rich and heavy to start such a meal. I have a couple of stainless steel spoons in this shape but they were listed as cereal spoons - something not listed in Downton Abbey's flatware inventory.

In the book, The Art of the Table by Suzanne Von Drachenfels, the author lists fourteen types of spoons still in use today. The list begins with the iced beverage spoon which I doubt they used at Downton Abbey as the English were not found of iced drinks at the time.