Whether you’re trying to emphasize a stunning heirloom dish set, or simply want to complement your burgeoning collection of everyday service, cutlery is an investment worth serious thought. Those who are looking for formal dinnerware should keep in mind that their guests will come into direct touch with the cutlery considerably more often than the other table pieces.

On the other hand, for everyday use it’s important to pick a cutlery set that feels as good in the hand as it does on the eye. Since it’s a weighty decision, we will assist you in selecting the right one for your table. 

Buy the Right Cutlery Type

The size of your household and how often you host guests should determine the set you choose. A canteen handmade cutlery set can range in size from 44 to 124 pieces. It comes in a wooden canteen with softly lined cut-outs for each piece to sit firmly in. Because the cutlery in this type of set is high grade 18/10 stainless steel, canteen sets like these are ideal for dinner parties and special events.

A box set might be as tiny as four pieces of cutlery or as large as 124. It comes in a cardboard box with the cutlery fitted inside a plastic tray to keep all of the pieces secure. You can place it in a cutlery draw or decide to replenish an existing canteen. The majority of these sets are made of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel although there are may be some variations. Cheese and butter knives, cake pieces, dessert knives and forks round out the rest of the table. To match your existing cutlery, you can purchase each of these items separately. They usually come in small sets or individually. 

Giving your child a handmade cutlery set is a tradition passed down through the generations. A child’s set might begin with a simple knife, fork, and spoon with sturdy melamine handles for their shaky grips to high-quality stainless steel for older kids. There are sets that even include popular cartoon characters. 

Consider the Place Setting

The cutlery is frequently sold in place settings. A dinner fork, a salad fork, a dinner knife, a teaspoon, and a tablespoon are normally included in a five-piece place setting. There are four place settings in a 20-piece cutlery set. Eight place settings and five service pieces are usual for the 45-piece cutlery set. A larger cutlery set is a wise investment when you plan to entertain a larger number of guests as you will always have a clean replacement if a piece is dropped during the meal. 

Opt for Stainless Steel or Silverware

Stainless steel cutlery is ideal for everyday use. The finest quality stainless steel is marked 18/10. The number indicates that the alloy is made up of 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The chromium protects the metal from rust and stains, while the nickel adds lustre and gloss. The rest of the metal is composite steel which makes the cutlery sturdy. 

Special occasions call for silverware. Sterling silver 925 parts silver to 75 parts copper or another metal or silver-plated metal are the two options for silver cutlery sets. Although sterling silver is more expensive, silver-plated can still be of high quality, particularly if it is double or triple plated.

Decide Which Cutlery Pieces Meet Your Needs

Different types of meals require different types of handmade cutlery set pieces. For instance, some specific meals include specific-use tools such as a lemon fork or chocolate spoon. As a result, choose cutlery pieces that best meet your meal needs. 

The normal fork size is a dinner fork. The salad fork is a fraction of the size of the dinner fork. The length of a dessert fork is similar to that of a salad fork, however, it may be slimmer. The length of a fish fork is similar to that of a dinner fork, but it is usually slimmer. An oyster or shellfish fork is a tiny tool with only two tines.

The standard-sized knife is the dinner knife. Butter knives are much smaller and have rounded tips. A fish knife is similar in size to a dinner knife, but it has a unique tip for removing the head, skin, and bones from a fish, while the blade of a steak knife is extra-sharp and usually serrated. Most formal meals only require the use of a soup spoon and a dessert spoon although a modern cutlery set may feature different spoons for cream soups, broths, or desserts. 

Match the Cutlery Style with Your Dinnerware

Choose cutlery that complements your dinnerware and matches your style. Cutlery sets with scrollwork and many details have a traditional appearance, whilst sets with clean lines have a contemporary appearance. On the other hand, handles made of ceramic or wood can offer you a more unique look or you can decide to have both a set of casual and a set of formal cutlery. 

You should also think about the weight of your cutlery. This is a matter of personal taste: some individuals prefer heavier, while others prefer lighter cutlery. However, you should avoid cutlery that is overly thin as it is prone to bending and breaking.

Don’t Forget the Storage Options

A cutlery tray is a shallow tray with compartments for all your silverware that fits into a kitchen drawer or dresser. It comes in a variety of materials and sizes ideal for different types of cutlery. Adding a cutlery tray to your drawer will avoid your cutlery from becoming mixed up and will make picking the appropriate cutlery for your table layout much easier.

Follow the Cleaning Instructions

Cutlery sets usually come with a basic set of manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, which you should follow at all times to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Although some may claim that cutlery sets are dishwasher safe, the best way to avoid long-term damage and loss of shine is to put the cutlery in your kitchen sink and wash it in warm soapy water.