You will probably use your flatware as much as anything else in your home. After all, kitchen utensils are not only important tools, but also stylish decorations for your table. For those reasons, you need to know what to look for when purchasing a new set of flatware.
There are several things you should to pay attention to when browsing through a selection of flatware. The most important qualities to be aware of are design and metal, as these will affect the cost, durability and maintenance of the flatware.
This is where style comes in. You probably want silverware that matches your personality. You can easily find formal and casual flatware sets that emphasize traditional, contemporary or utilitarian design. Just make sure you consider the style of your dinnerware (plates, glasses, etc.) in order to avoid clashing patterns.
Another design issue to consider is the thickness and weight of the silverware. Often, your preferences will be purely personal. Some people like heavier silverware; others like lighter flatware. Just be careful that you don't get silverware that is too thin. Often, cheap flatware is so thin it bends and breaks easily.
The type of metal a silverware set is made from will greatly affect its longevity and maintenance requirements. For instance, stainless steel flatware is dishwasher safe and great for everyday use, while silver flatware must be washed and polished by hand. Silver flatware is usually more expensive than stainless steel.
There are different varieties of stainless steel that you should know about. "18/10" stainless steel is the highest quality. That means the alloy contains 18 percent chromium, and 10 percent nickel. The chromium makes the metal rust proof and stain resistant, while the nickel gives it luster and shine. The rest of the metal is composite steel, which makes the utensils strong. Some flatware is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is normally less expensive; 18/10 stainless steel silverware is generally considered higher quality, though it is often difficult to tell the difference.
Flatware with gold accents will probably need to be washed by hand. Like silver flatware, gold plated flatware is usually considered to be formal flatware for those occasions when dinner is served on fine china.
What does a 'place setting' consist of?
Flatware is often sold by the place setting. A 5-piece place setting usually consists of a dinner fork, a salad fork, a knife, a teaspoon and a tablespoon. 20-piece flatware sets usually have four place settings. 45-piece flatware sets include eight place settings and five serving pieces. You will find all of these options and more in Overstock.com's large selection of flatware sets.
What if I can't find matching steak knives or serving utensils?
If you want to play it safe, plain steak knives and serving utensils without any design on the handle would coordinate fine with whatever design is on your flatware. If you do decide to go with a pattern on the steak knives and serving utensils, make sure it compliments (not necessarily imitates) the pattern on your flatware.
Need a little more direction? Here are some more specific silverware suggestions for someone who may be just starting out, a growing family and a party host.
If you are just starting out on your own, a 20-piece stainless steel flatware set is probably sufficient. Overstock.com offers plenty of casual flatware sets for everyday use. You can match it with everyday tableware like inexpensive plates and cups to make your kitchen complete.
A larger flatware set, 45 pieces or more, works well for a growing family that uses several place settings a day. Overstock.com offers many large flatware sets that are durable and easy to care for, so you don't have to break the bank in order to have matching silverware when the whole family sits down to a meal.
If you host a lot of dinner parties, you will probably want a nice set of silver flatware to impress your guests. You can also purchase stainless steel silverware with gold accents and impressive handle designs. Overstock.com gives you excellent deals on formal flatware. Pair it with some of our beautiful formal dinnerware and you are ready to entertain.
Buying the right flatware is easy, and you will use it for years to come. Enjoy each and every meal knowing you got so much for so little at Ovestock.com..