Tips for buying the right cutlery set for you
Here are some top tips for choosing a cutlery set that will support different types of occasions but be easy to maintain and look great with your existing tableware.
1. Configuration. Think about how many people gather around your table then decide how often you entertain and whether it’s worth factoring in extra guests.
2. Material. Stainless steel is the most common material, but you can also choose from silver plated and sterling silver.
3. Colour and style. Do you like a mirrored shine or are you after a matte black or gold cutlery set? What about your home decor, do you have a colour scheme in mind?
4. Durability and use. If you use them everyday, then go for dishwasher safe cutlery, but if it’s for an occasion think about how you plan on storing
them as well as maintenance
5. Accessories. Picture your dream table and decide whether you want your cutlery set to blend in or make a statement and how it will complement your existing accessories.
Different configurations available
There are many different configurations to consider but the bare essentials tend to include:
Table knives
Table forks
Dessert spoons
Teaspoons
As the number of pieces in a set increases, more options and additions get added into the mix for different courses and so it doesn’t necessarily mean the capacity to seat extra people.
It can get even more complicated when you start searching for a cutlery set with both a soup spoon and dessert spoon configuration or a cake fork and steak knife set integrated into it. But fear not, here’s a quick guide to help shed some light on what different cutlery configurations include.
The basics:
16 piece cutlery set. Sits four. Includes the essentials.
24 piece cutlery set. Sits six. Includes the essentials.
40 piece cutlery set. Sits eight. Includes the essentials + soup spoons OR steak knives.
50 piece cutlery set. Sits ten. Includes the essentials + steak knives.
The works:
56 piece cutlery set. Sits eight. Includes the essentials and a mix of the below.
70 piece cutlery set. Sits ten. Includes the essentials and a mix of the below.
100 piece cutlery set. Sits twelve. Includes the essentials and a mix of the below.
More comprehensive cutlery sets for formal table settings include all the items mentioned above, but with the potential to include any of the following, which vary from set to set and brand to brand:
Steak knives
Soup spoons
Side forks
Side knives
Salad forks
Salad spoons
Dessert forks
Dessert knives
The extras:
Remember, you can always start out with the essentials and add in an extra knife set or fork set as you enhance your cutlery collection. As your family grows, you can even purchase a children’s cutlery set to help them feel more grown up around the dinner table.
Understanding your material when choosing a cutlery set
Stainless steel is by far the most common and affordable material when it comes to cutlery. You would choose a stainless steel cutlery set, constructed from high quality 18/10 stainless steel, if you’re looking for one that will look great, wear extremely well and be dishwasher safe. However, for something less practical and more special, silver plated cutlery is the perfect choice.
Styles and colours available to choose from
Along with traditional silver-coloured cutlery, other trending colours available to choose from are:
Gold cutlery sets. Perfect for luxurious table settings and decor.
Black cutlery sets. Perfect for fashion-forward table settings and decor.
Buying cutlery for everyday use
Just like buying cookware, kitchenware or bakeware, you want your cutlery sets to be able to stand up to everyday use, so quality really matters. We sell cutlery sets to suit all styles and tastes, making it easy to find the best cutlery for everyday use - and, if this is your very first order with us, rest assured knowing that quality is always at the heart of everything we offer.
Accessories to add to your new set of cutlery
Once you’ve selected your new set of cutlery, it’s time to think about what your entertaining style is and start planning a few different table setting options that will not only look good styled with your existing tableware, dinnerware or home decor, but will complement the different types of cuisine you enjoy cooking. For example, making a grazing board? Don’t forget cheese knives. What about those Asian-inspired dishes? Hello, chopsticks.
Adding texture to your table
You can easily build texture into your setting with must-have accessories such as placemats and coasters, napery, platters, salt and pepper grinders, serving bowls and salad servers. Then build on this by adding in contemporary glassware like tumblers and jugs for opulence as well as convenience.
Brands we know and trust
At Kitchen Warehouse, we’re proud to offer a wide range of products from renowned specialists so if you prefer to shop by brand for your new cutlery set, our most popular tableware brands include: Stanley Rogers (Stanley Rogers Albany and Soho are popular choices), Laguiole by Andre Verdier Debutant, Tablekraft, Maxwell & Williams, Noritake and Avanti.
FAQs:
What is the best type of cutlery set?
It depends on your personal taste and how you would like to use the set.
For everyday use, the best type of cutlery set would be silver stainless steel with a mirrored shine, which will look great day after day yet is practical enough to be washed in the dishwasher.
For something more unique or on-trend, add a coloured cutlery set in gold or matte black to your wishlist. They look great and draw plenty of admiration from excited dinner guests.
If you are looking for something reserved for very special occasions, silver plated cutlery is the way to go, which also makes a perfect housewarming or wedding gift.
How many cutlery sets do you need?
This is a tricky one. We recommend having two cutlery sets at the very least. One for every day that can seat the immediate family, such as a 24 piece dinner set which seats six people.
Then that leaves one for formal entertaining like a 56 or 70 piece dinner set. If you love entertaining outside or packing up a picnic, then the ideal third choice would be an outdoor cutlery set.
And if you have gift cards to spend? You should definitely go for something a little bit quirky and different such as a cutlery set with debutant resin handles capped with luxe, decorative bolsters like these.
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