plates, dishes, saucers in a sense "shallow; smooth-surfaced" + ware (n.). Originally as distinguished from hollow ware; U.S. sense of "domestic cutlery" recorded by 1895.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/flatware
Also: dishes, crockery, utensils, silverware, silver, cutlery, place settings.
plates, dishes, saucers in a sense "shallow; smooth-surfaced" + ware (n.). Originally as distinguished from hollow ware; U.S. sense of "domestic cutlery" recorded by 1895.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/flatware
Also: dishes, crockery, utensils, silverware, silver, cutlery, place settings.