Flatware Sets

Flatware 101

Anchor your tablescape with flatware sets that complement your personal aesthetic. Rounding out the look of a classic kitchen or dining room? Consider utensils that feature beaded detailing on the handles and add shine with a mirrored finish. Or, create a modern feel by selecting black or eye-catching gold silverware. For those who love hosting cocktail parties, go with a flatware set that has a striking silhouette; thin or rounded handles add a contemporary touch. Whether people are mingling in the formal dining room or outside on the patio, most pieces can serve as indoor and outdoor flatware. Don't forget to coordinate your silverware sets with other serveware, too — cake servers and cheese knives included. And if you're preparing for an upcoming holiday party, be sure to make your place settings part of the decor. Wrap your flatware in bright cloth napkins and close with napkin rings, then place your festive utensil bundle beside each dinner plate around the table. Alternatively, arrange wrapped silverware sets on the kitchen island or buffet and allow guests to grab them as they serve themselves.

Need help finding the flatware set that's just right for you? Read about how to interpret attributes like forged versus stamped, stainless steel composition and finish options. Then, learn how to coordinate your new utensils with dinnerware and care for them so that they'll last for years to come.

Stamped and Forged Flatware

Our variety of flatware colors, shapes and finishes are designed to complement any tablescape. As you browse the selection, choose from place settings constructed using two different methods: stamping and forging. With stamped flatware, each piece is stamped out of a flat sheet of stainless steel, formed into a utensil and polished. A stamped piece is mainly machine finished and lighter in weight. Forged flatware is made from thick pieces of stainless steel which require the use of heat in order to cut or shape them. The forging process increases strength, which causes the flatware to be heavier than stamped pieces.

Stainless Steel Flatware: 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0

Dining utensils are an important investment because they not only contribute to your table's aesthetics but also receive consistent use. Forged or stamped from high-quality stainless steel, all of our flatware is designed for both beauty and durability. Our patterns are made from 18/10, 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel. Because stainless steel is an alloy of different metals, the 18 denotes an 18% chromium content for durability, hardness and rust resistance. The 10, 8 and 0 indicate the percentage of nickel added for luster. We also offer knife sets containing only stainless steel and chromium — great for a first or extra set of flatware.

Silverware Finishes

Although there are several types within our flatware collections, we have two main finishes for our utensils and serveware: satin and mirror. Satin is a brushed finish that is also referred to as matte. A satin finish hides fingerprints and creates a casual appearance, making it ideal for everyday dining. A mirror finish offers enhanced shine and brilliance than a brushed pattern, giving it a more formal look. Stainless steel flatware can also be plated to give it color. Gold, black or copper finishes are great ways to bring current trends to the table.

Choosing Flatware Pieces and Sets

After you have decided on a flatware pattern, you can choose from individual dining utensils or complete sets. A typical place setting consists of five pieces: a salad fork, a dinner fork, a teaspoon, a soup spoon and a knife. Steak knives and serving utensils can also prepare your table for a wider variety of meals and occasions. While all of our flatware is designed to be well-balanced, you may want to visit a store to get a real sense of how each piece feels in your hand. Also consider how your flatware will coordinate with your dinnerware. Delicate dinnerware is best paired with lighter, simpler flatware, whereas substantial dinnerware looks good with a chunkier or heavier pattern, which can also double as sturdy outdoor flatware.

Caring for Your Flatware and Serving Pieces

Constructed of high-quality stainless steel, our flatware and serveware is easy to care for. Most of our stainless flatware is dishwasher safe; however, extreme heat, lemon detergents and acidic compounds should be avoided. Whether using the dishwasher or hand washing, dry the utensils as soon as possible to avoid spotting and pitting, especially on knives. If using a dishwasher, load the utensils and serving pieces loosely and use a spot-free rinsing agent.