When I worked at a well-known jewellery store, the silverplated and sterling "flatware" (eating utensils) were always referred to as "silverware". Silverware, in the retail trade, meant knives, forks, spoon, teapots and trays that were either silver plated or sterling. Generally, the term "silverware" implies items of value. Conversely, the term "cutlery" would be used by a waitress to describe the knives and forks of lesser value that she sets on the table in a restaurant.

Just say silverware. Most Americans don't know the difference between these 3 words.

These all actually mean the same thing: Utensils used to eat. Cutlery is the oldest word (15th century) and means utensils used to cut and eat with. Flatware has been seen since 1682 and is contrasted against "hollow-ware" like bowls and serving dishes. (knives, forks, spoons are flat, compared to a bowl). Silverware has been in use since 1746 and is cutlery (or flatware) that is either silver in colour (like stainless steel) or is actually coated in silver.This basically means all flatware except plastic cutlery you might find in a fast-food restaurant.

Same thing, different words.

I have never heard of flatware. Perhaps it is a predominantly US English word?