Flatware > August 5, 2009
Lenox’s Flatware Guide
Flatware is an essential part of any table setting, both in its look and its function. Of course flatware should be durable and comfortable to use; but because it’s part of your kitchen décor, you also want your flatware pattern to be beautiful and reflective of your personal taste.
Whether you’re in the market for stainless flatware for everyday use or heirloom-quality flatware reserved for special occasions, you want it to last for years. To find the perfect blend of elegance and functionality, you should put some careful thought into choosing your flatware. There are a few different things you should pay attention to as you shop, all of which will affect cost and durability. The following guide offers practical tips and information to help you find the flatware you’ll be proud to serve with every meal.
How flatware is sold
The highest quality flatware you can buy is 18/10, meaning it's comprised of 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel.
Flatware is usually sold by the place setting. A five-piece place setting includes a dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, place spoon, and dinner knife. Here’s a brief description of each of these flatware pieces:
Dinner fork: An all-purpose fork, the dinner fork is usually used for the main course. Dinner forks may have three or four tines, depending on the pattern.
Salad fork: Smaller than a dinner fork, salad forks are usually reserved for eating salads or fruit.
Dinner knife: This knife is used for eating the main course of a meal. If the meal includes steak or another type of meat, a steak knife may also be used.
Teaspoon: It’s what most people picture when they think of a spoon—great for coffee, tea, desserts, and cereal.
Place spoon: Larger than a teaspoon; usually used as a soup spoon or serving utensil.
You can buy flatware sets in any number of place settings, but four-, eight- and 12-piece- settings are the most popular. Flatware often comes in 20-piece sets that include four settings of five pieces each. You can also buy serving accessories to coordinate with these pieces.
Flatware metals
Flatware is usually sold by the five-piece place setting.
The type of metal your flatware is comprised of will help determine when you use it, its durability, and its care. Most people use stainless flatware for everyday dining and reserve sterling silver sets for special occasions, since sterling is more expensive and requires regular polishing, but these rules are certainly not set in stone—if you want, you can break out silver flatware for a barbecue or use stainless flatware for a formal 10-course meal.
Silver flatware is known for its heirloom quality and is often passed down from generation to generation. In order to be considered authentic sterling silver, silver flatware must contain at least 92.5 percent pure silver. Copper is usually added to provide strength. Silver requires much more care than stainless flatware; to prevent silver from tarnishing, you must polish it and wash it by hand. Silver is also significantly more expensive than stainless steel, costing up to 10 times as much.
Silver-plated flatware, which is comprised of a metal alloy base coated with pure silver, is an option if you want the look of sterling silver without the high cost. Silver-plated pieces still require the delicate care of silver, however, and the silver plating can wear away over time.
Stainless flatware is the most popular choice because it is both economical and durable. It is great for everyday use—you can throw it in the dishwasher, and it holds up well over time. Plus, stainless flatware comes in so many different styles and patterns that you can easily find a set that matches your lifestyle and taste.
In general, stainless flatware is comprised of a combination of steel, chromium and nickel. There are different types of stainless steel, which distinguish discounted flatware from the fine stainless variety:
18/10: The highest quality stainless steel is 18/10; this means it’s made of 18 percent chromium, which keeps the flatware from rusting, and 10 percent nickel, which adds luster and shine. Stainless flatware also contains composite steel, which gives it strength and resilience.
18/8: As you probably guessed, 18/8 stainless flatware is made of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. Although 18/8 flatware is less expensive than 18/10, it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference, so if you’re trying to save some money, 18/8 may be the way to go.
18/0: Discounted flatware is often made of 18 percent chromium and no nickel. Flatware made from 18/0 stainless steel doesn’t have the shine of 18/10 or 18/8, but it’s less expensive. Most Lenox stainless flatware patterns are 18/10.
Flatware weights:
Flatware generally comes in medium, heavy and extra-heavy weights, with the heavier-weight sets considered the highest quality.
Medium-weight flatware pieces are fairly bendable and are often reserved for discounted flatware sets. If you use your flatware for everyday meals, you have younger children, or cost is an issue, a medium-weight flatware set may be your best choice.
Heavy-weight flatware is strong and not easily bent, and is a higher quality than medium weight. It’s also less expensive than extra-heavy weight pieces.
Extra-heavy weight fine stainless flatware is the highest quality flatware you can buy next to silver and silver-plated varieties. It’s very durable and difficult to bend.
Flatware patterns:
Lenox’s Butterfly Meadow flatware is elegant and feminine.
It’s generally recommended you choose flatware that complements the rest of your dinnerware, drinkware and other kitchen or dining room accessories. If your style is classic and understated, look for a simple flatware pattern. If you prefer kitchenware that’s more ornate, go for a style that reflects your flair for creativity. Remember that you are making a fairly significant investment in flatware, so be sure to choose a flatware pattern that you’ll still enjoy five or 10 years down the road.
Also, if you plan to slowly build your set, try to go for a flatware pattern that will be available in the future. Or go with a design you can easily mix and match with other pieces. If you fall in love with a unique flatware pattern that will soon be discontinued, make sure you buy all the pieces you think you’ll need.
Other tips on buying flatware:
Get the right number. If you’re wondering how many place settings of flatware you should purchase, go with the same number you have in your dinnerware set.
Buy some accessory pieces. If you entertain often, or if you enjoy cooking for your family, you may want to purchase accessory pieces to coordinate with your flatware. These include serving spoons and forks, butter spreaders, salad serving sets, sugar spoons, cake servers, meat forks and gravy ladles.
Consider plain steak knives and serving utensils. If you’ll be using them with multiple sets, you’re best to purchase neutral steak knives and serving utensils that will match any flatware pattern. That way, you can use them with your casual everyday flatware, festive holiday pieces and ornate fine stainless flatware—you can avoid having to purchase serving pieces that match each individual set.
Mix and match silver and stainless flatware. If you want the glamour of silver but can’t afford a full set, or if you’ve inherited a few silver accessories as family heirlooms and want to use them on special occasions, consider mixing fine stainless flatware pieces with some silver ones. However, be sure to load silver in the dishwasher separate from stainless flatware and remove it after the wash cycle.
Caring for stainless flatware:
Most stainless flatware is dishwasher-safe. If you wash your flatware in the dishwasher, dry it immediately after washing. Fine stainless flatware with metallic accents is generally not recommended for the dishwasher, however.
If you care for it properly, stainless flatware should keep its luster. If it does start to dull with age, you can restore its brilliant sheen by cleaning it with a good quality stainless steel polish.
For more information and a wide selection of stainless flatware, from discounted flatware to seasonal holiday styles, all in a variety of beautiful patterns, go to www.lenox.com.
