Guest Post: Choosing the Right Flatware

Here's are wonderfully informative Guest post from Bering's Hardware about choosing the right flatware. Enjoy!

Choosing a Flatware Pattern: The First Step
By Julie Shuford, Bering's Hardware
The decision to invest in a flatware pattern that will last for decades without looking dated may seem like a challenging task. Don't worry -- its not! Whether you're in the market for a new flatware set or in search of new pieces to update a preexisting collection, the task can be simple and fun. The trick is to educate yourself about the different options and to know, and stay within, your budget.
The first step is to decide whether you prefer stainless, silver-plated, or sterling-silver flatware. Making this decision early on will help to narrow your search and keep you focused on only the patterns that meet these criteria.
Stainless: Shoot for 18/10 quality (chromium/nickel). Although occasionally disputed, 18/10 typically represents the finest chromium to nickel content. The pattern options are much more varied in terms of style with stainless flatware. Stainless patterns are generally priced as five-piece place settings. In 18/10 quality they range from $30-$90.

Lyrique by Jean Couzon $75

Also, most stainless patterns usually offer additional serving pieces such as a meat fork, tablespoon, pieced tablespoon, etc. They are either sold individually or as a hostess set.

Allora Hostess Set by Reed & Barton $60

Silver-plated: Most silver-plated patterns will have more of a mirrored finish than stainless steel pieces. A term to familiarize yourself with is electrosilverplated stainless steel (EPSS). While some manufacturers will utilize a different process, companies like Sambonet use EPSS which makes their product twice as hard as traditional silver plating processes. Silver-plated pieces can either be made with a hollow handle or solid handle. The hollow handle is said to provide a balanced feel while in use. Like stainless, silver-plated flatware is typically dishwasher safe, although some manufacturers will urge you to hand wash to avoid spotting. Silver-plated five-piece place settings will cost $100-$300.
Sterling silver: Sterling-silver flatware is an entirely different ballgame. Before beginning the hunt for that perfect pattern, be aware that five piece place settings currently start at $700. Two-years-ago, a Francis I five-piece place setting was $450. Now, it is at a whopping $945! Because of fluctuations in the silver market, the price of sterling-silver flatware is constantly changing. If you have or are about to inherit sterling flatware I'd definitely use it. Life's short! You don't necessarily need a grand occasion to entertain with sterling. Many people will say that they hand wash their sterling flatware, but others just throw it in the dishwasher with the rest of their tableware. If you feel inclined to use a dishwasher avoid washing sterling pieces with other types of metals because a chemical reaction could occur during the cycle, causing your sterling to become damaged.

Chantilly Five-Piece Place setting by Gorham $910

Another great way to entertain with sterling-silver flatware is to purchase serving pieces. Buying a cake knife at $200 is an investment, but it is a far more conservative purchase than a $12,000 sterling-silver set. Some people like to match their serving pieces with the five piece place setting, but I think it can be fun to collect an assortment of patterns as well.

Queen Elizabeth Dinner Fork by Towle $270 A cake knife in Queen Elizabeth is $170

Whether you are assembling your flatware collection piecemeal or in one fell swoop, you will end up with a more personal set that fits your needs if you carefully consider the type of flatware beforehand. Examine your personal desires and budget, then go out and start or finish your collection with confidence.

About the Author:
Julie Shuford is the Marketing Manager for Bering's Hardware in Houston, TX. Julie is a girl's girl who loves a good sale, a long run, and time with her husband and new baby boy. Bering's Hardware is a unique retail store that provides everything from hardware to housekeeping products including fine sterling and stainless flatware.