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Flatware Buying Guide
Setting a proper table takes a combination of china, stemware and flatware. That, combined with good friends or family are the ingredients for making a wonderful dinner party.
Selecting your silverware can be challenging with all the types and patterns available in today’s market. Make sure that you shop around to know what is available and then start narrowing down your choices. Your main criteria should be your likes and dislikes and your budget.
There are three main types of silverware: sterling silver, silver-plated and stainless steel, with sterling silver being the most expensive. When deciding on your silverware, make sure that you consider the patterns and styles and cost of all three of these types.
Choose a pattern and style that compliments your china and stemware. Look for a design that you love, as you will most likely use it for many years. There are traditional designs, extremely modern styles and contemporary looks. Some well-know flatware brands are Towle, Oneida, Rogers, and Christophle. However, all major department stores have many different brands.
Flatware is usually purchased by place setting which generally includes a dinner fork, salad or dessert fork, knife and teaspoon. Additional pieces are usually sold individually.
To round out your set you may need to purchase serving spoons or forks, sugar spoon, meat fork, gravy ladle, butter knife and soup spoons. You may also want to purchase additional salad or dessert forks if your dinners tend to have both a salad and a dessert course.
When you select a style, be sure to research it well. Make sure the company is reputable and stable. Also, learn about what pieces are available besides the normal place setting. Look to see if you can purchase oyster forks, demitasse spoons, ice tea spoons, or steak knifes. Consider you dinner parties and your lifestyle and add those items that fit.
You can purchase sets like a hostess set, entertainment set, server set and complete sets that include many options. Check out how the pattern you selected is sold. Consider your entertainment style and then check out the sets. You may want to purchase just the basics and add on at a later date.
When selecting your flatware consider the weight of the pieces. You want something that is very comfortable and durable. You should check how the piece feels in your hand, whether the fork or knife feels comfortable, and consider the overall usability. Some ultra-modern designs look great but may be hard to use.
Most flatware sets are dishwasher safe. Just check the silverware you select to make sure you know how to care for your set. If you select sterling silver, the silverware can tarnish but that is easy to handle with some silver polish and muscle. Generally the more simple designs are easier to polish.
The number of place settings is up to you. Most people get the same number of flatware place settings as they do for their china. Therefore, most people get 8 or 12 place settings. However, consider your family traditions and holiday dinners. If you come from a large family or your extended family comes to celebrate holidays and special dinners, you may need to purchase more.
Most people purchase two sets of flatware, one for formal dinners and the other for everyday use. You should make your own choice if you want two sets. You can not really wear out silverware, however silverware tends to get damaged with everyday use. For instance, the tines of the forks can tend to get bent over time, spoons can get lost or misplaced, and knives get wrecked when used for jobs around the house.
Be sure to be careful with your flatware, especially when clearing silverware from the table after a dinner. Spoiling a sterling silver spoon in the garbage disposal can be costly. However, replacing a missing fork or spoon can be done easily.
Check out your etiquette books for the proper way to set your table. For basics, forks go on the left side of the plate. On the right, the knife’s sharp edge goes towards plate and then the spoon is outside the knife.
Silverware can add that extra touch to any dinner party. So, select your pattern carefully and then care for your flatware as you may pass it on to your children. They will associate it with many happy memories. Store it and clean it properly and you should be able to use it for many years to come.
Article By Karla Soule, June 2004.
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