Fine Tabletop & Giftware - Bed Bath & Beyond

Fine Tabletop & Giftware

How to Buy Flatware


	FLATWARE is more than an essential part of a table setting; it�s a tool. It�s beauty goes hand-in-hand with utility. It accents dinnerware with added luster, frames a table with classic patterns, and most importantly, provides functionality. In choosing flatware, comfort will be an important part of that decision, so don�t be afraid to hold every piece to determine which flatware is right for you. The confirmation will come when one of your dinner guests remarks, �This is a great knife!�

how to choose
Commonly referred to as "silverware," flatware complements fine china and crystal stemware to complete any table setting. The flatware pattern selected should coordinate in style and design to the china and crystal stemware. An important part of selecting this addition to your table will be comfort. Better flatware does not necessarily mean heavier. In fact, look for knives with handles that are hollow for better weight and balance. Better flatware will also be constructed of the finest metals.

stainless steel
One of the most common materials used to construct flatware today is stainless steel. Stainless steel is an �alloy�, which is a combination of metals. Chromium and nickel combined with steel create stainless.

The finest quality stainless steel will be 18/10 or 18/8. The "18" refers to the chromium content and the �8� (or 10) refers to the nickel. Chromium provides rust resistance, and the nickel gives luster to the finish.

what you need to set your table
Most better flatware is packaged in 5 piece place settings. Each place setting consists of the following:

Dinner fork

Salad fork

Knife

Teaspoon

Tablespoon

Certain patterns may be found in 20 piece sets that include four 5-piece place settings as listed above. Everyday flatware most commonly offers service pieces sold in a �hostess set�. Better quality flatware offers a few different options beyond a hostess set for their service pieces. These can be referred to as any of the following:

Hostess sets

Entertainment sets

Serve sets

Completer sets

Included in the above could be a combination of the following items:

Serving spoon

Serving fork

Sugar spoon

Meat fork

Gravy ladle

Butter knife

Salad servers

Pastry/cake server

Be sure to check with each vendor and pattern for those items available within a particular style.

use and care
Most stainless steel flatware is dishwasher safe for easy care. To maintain flatware�s finish, dry immediately after each washing. For those patterns with gold accents, the dishwasher is not recommended.

On those rare instances where stainless steel flatware seems to dull, an occasional cleaning with a stainless steel polish will help to enhance the brilliance of the finish.

commonly asked questions

what is the quality difference between 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel?
18/10 has a greater percentage of nickel content, which lends to the luster of the finish. Overall there is not a vast difference in the quality between 18/10 and 18/8 flatware.

how many place settings do I need?
It is always best to coordinate the number of place settings of flatware to the number of dinnerware settings � this will ensure equal numbers for all your entertaining needs.

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