Flatware 101

A quick guide to our flatware and how to choose what’s right for you.

What metal?

Stainless steel is an alloy of raw steel, chrome (to resist stains and rust), and nickel (to add color and luster); 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel contain a minimum of 18 percent chrome and 8 percent nickel.

Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver with 7.5 percent copper or nickel added for increased hardness and durability. All of our sterling flatware is made in America.

Silverplate is made by electroplating layers of pure silver onto a base of copper, brass, or stainless steel. It shines like sterling, but is often of lighter weight.

What size?

Place size is the smaller and more common of the two sizes of sterling silver flatware; the larger is called Dinner size.

Continental size refers to stainless steel flatware that features a longer fork, knife, and spoon in the European manner.

What pattern?

So many choices! Trust your own sense of style, and consider how the flatware pattern works with your dinnerware and stemware. The 2-to-1 Rule says that one of the three patterns should contrast with the other two in the amount of ornamentation.

What number?

Four-piece settings include fork, salad fork, knife, and teaspoon; five-piece settings add a “place spoon” (for soups and desserts).

Order at least as many flatware settings as you have dinnerware place settings; double up on salad forks for dessert use; extra teaspoons always come in handy. Our Hostess and Serve sets provide the serving basics for most occasions.

What else?

Want to know a bit more? Read “Flatware: Sharpen your knowledge.”