How to Choose Flatware: From Casual Dining to Formal Entertaining
We’ll help you choose.
While it might not seem like a big deal at first, a flatware set is an important purchase. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at home on your own or serving up a feast to guests, flatware is something you use every day. There’s a lot to consider, so we’ll walk you through how to choose flatware for everyday dining and expert hosting.
1. Choose the Right Material
- Stainless Steel: This is your best option for everyday flatware. Stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and comes in plenty of affordable options. It’s also fairly low-maintenance, can be washed in the dishwasher, and polishing is optional. You can choose different stainless steel compositions with different ratios of chromium and nickel in the steel – chromium provides rust-resistance, while nickel increases durability and shine. Common composition grades include 18/0 (durable and affordable), 18/8 (highly durable with shine), and 18/10 (super durable and shiny).
- Sterling Silver: Silver flatware is a classic symbol of luxury and elegance, so this material is best for special occasions. Sterling silver has some great qualities, like natural antibacterial properties and timeless beauty. Keep in mind that silver is a softer metal, making it more susceptible to damage.t also requires more upkeep and frequent polishing. High-quality silver can get pricey, but it can be a worthwhile investment that can be handed down as a family heirloom.
- Wood: Flatware with wooden handles can be a great aesthetic choice, especially when paired with rustic, cottage, or coastal themes. Wood has some other great benefits, like a comfortable grip and heat-resistance. However, it is less durable than metal, is typically not dishwasher-safe, and depending on the wood finish, it may absorb stains and odors. If you want to go with a wood flatware set, it may be best for entertaining guests occasionally, or if you don't mind handwashing dishes.
- Plastic: Affordable and available in an array of different colors, flatware with plastic handles can match virtually any place setting or tablescape. The plastic handle can offer a more comfortable grip for children, making it a family-friendly option. Not all plastic flatware is dishwasher-safe and this material is more prone to scratches, so you may want to have a separate set just for entertaining.
2. Calculate Number of Pieces You’ll Need
You can choose a silverware set that serves anywhere from 1–16 people. Before choosing a set, think about the maximum number of guests you would entertain at once. You can always store extra pieces in a flatware storage box when you’re not entertaining. It's also a good idea to choose a set that has a little more than you need on a day-to-day basis so you have extras in case a piece gets lost or damaged.
3. Think About Set Inclusions
When you choose a flatware set you have several choices which will determine what types of utensils are included.
- Standard Set: This type of set only comes with your standard utensils used for dining, including a dinner fork, dessert fork, butter knife, teaspoon, and tablespoon. This is everything you need to eat most meals.
- Set With Serving Pieces: This includes all the pieces from a standard flatware set plus some bigger serving utensils. These sets typically include a large serving spoon, a large slotted spoon (which can be used for draining), and a large serving fork. This is a good option if you want to be sure your serving utensils match your set.
- Set With Steak Knives: This set includes the standard dining utensils plus a steak knife. A steak knife is a serrated knife that is sharper than your butter knife and is used to cut through meat like chicken and steak. This is useful if you eat a lot of meals that require a steak knife or if you intend to serve guests.
Flatware comes in many color options, from various metallic hues to solid colored handles. You’ll want to choose a color that complements your tableware as well as your interior color palettes.
- Silver/Chrome: This is your classic silver metallic flatware and is one of the most popular options. Silver and chrome flatware look good in virtually any kitchen or dining room, so you can’t go wrong with this color choice. It looks exceptionally good with cool-toned color palettes, if you’re looking for a perfect match.
- Black: Great for modern aesthetics with an edge, matte black silverware pairs especially well with industrial style settings. Black flatware is also useful if you want to match black dinnerware or create contrast in your light-colored tablescape or place settings.
- Gold/Copper: These warm-toned metallics are great for rich colored tablescapes and place settings. They’re ideal if you want to match your gold or copper kitchen hardware accents. Gold is a classic accent in glam spaces and has a more yellow hue, while copper has even more warmth with an orange tint. Copper can be used in glam tablescapes but also works well in warmer rustic-style kitchens and dining rooms.
- Multicolor: A rainbow-colored metallic flatware set is a great way to add fun to your kitchen. You may choose to use this to complete a whimsical dopamine decor tablescape, or just to add color to your everyday routine. You can also add color to your kitchen with solid plastic-handled flatware in your favorite color.
5. Match Your Personal Style
While color can contribute to a look or style, flatware can also have more succinct styles of its own. You may want to choose a simple style for your everyday flatware and keep a set of something more exciting for special occasions and hosting guests.
Modern utensils feature sleek, simple designs that work with many contemporary styles and minimalist looks, while glam-style flatware typically features shiny metallics and chic details like hammered handles Traditional-style flatware can have more ornate detailing, making it ideal for formal dinner parties and holiday gatherings.
