Handcrafted flatware sets come in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. For those who know exactly what they want, shopping at a department store may be the answer, but what if you haven’t decided on a style? When you buy silverware online there is the convenience of being able to browse through countless styles. What’s more, unless you find an artisan shop off the beaten track, there is no better way to dive into the captivating world of handcrafted silverware than when you shop online.
If this is your first time shopping for a flatware set, the whole process can be a bit daunting. This step-by-step guide will help you find the right artisan silverware for your home.
How Many Silverware Place Settings Do You Need?
Before you buy silverware online, you need to determine how many place settings you’ll need. A single set comes with 5 pieces – a salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, dinner knife, and teaspoon. Most people will want at least 4 place settings (20 pieces) but if you plan on having a lot of dinner parties or you have a family of 4, you may want at least 12 place settings.
Unless you’ve already decided on getting a set of everyday flatware and special occasion silverware, remember the goal here is to have enough forks and knives for the day, without having to constantly do dishes.
Setting a Budget When Buying Flatware Online
The price of a 5-piece quality artisan-crafted stainless steel flatware set can range between $30 and $50. When purchasing online, retailers often offer reduced prices for sets of four, eight, or 12 pieces.
When prepping your budget, keep in mind that most silverware sets don’t include serving pieces. Most often, matching serving pieces are sold separately.
Now that you know how many sets you need and how much it will cost, you’re ready to buy silverware online.
Become Familiar with Materials Used In Flatware
Flatware is made with various materials, like stainless steel, resin, wood, plastic, and sterling silver. While sterling silver is beautiful for special occasions, it is expensive and requires more maintenance. Stainless steel flatware is durable, affordable, and easy to care for, making it a better choice.
Stainless steel isn’t a single metal, it is an alloy or a mix of metals. It comes in various grades, with the three most common being 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10. These numbers indicate the percentage of chromium and nickel in each grade. While both metals come together to make stainless steel strong, it is the nickel percentage that makes it more resistant to rust and more able to keep a lustrous shine.
For stainless steel flatware with lasting quality and shine, opt for 18/8 or 18/10 grade. Handcrafted stainless steel flatware comes in a wide range of styles, ideal for everyday or formal settings.
Selecting a Flatware Pattern and Finish You Can Live With
While it might seem obvious, when choosing a new silverware set, it’s important to consider the overall décor style of your kitchen and dining room. There is no easier way to start narrowing down your flatware set choices than to visualize a set that complements your breakfast nook and dining room.
It’s also important to select a pattern and finish that suits your style and complements your existing dinnerware. For instance, if you have white or solid-colored plates, you may prefer a striking copper flatware set with an artistic design. On the other hand, if your dinner plates feature bold patterns and you enjoy mixing and matching colorful dinnerware, a flatware design with simple, clean lines in classic silver would be a smart choice.
Imagine you've chosen a practical pattern that's perfect for daily use and stylish enough for hosting. When purchasing silverware online, another benefit is being able to easily view the available finishes and colors in your preferred pattern.
Copper is a versatile color that works with warm and cool tones. If you’re looking for a flatware set that will complement a wide range of colors, a beautiful handcrafted silverware set in an antique copper finish might be for you. Gold flatware adds an elegant touch and comes in a range of hues, from bright and shiny to more muted tones. Finally, for a modern expression, black silverware is both sophisticated and dramatic.
Where did you purchase your Flatware?
The goal when shopping for silverware online is to find something that is both stylish and sturdy, as well as comfortable for daily use. However, it's always a treat when guests ask where you purchased your flatware.
When you shop online for handmade flatware, you have a very high chance of finding a beautifully crafted set that is solid and comfortable. However, your satisfaction will go beyond just the looks and feel of your flatware once you learn that each piece is hand-forged and polished by skilled hands, just as their ancestors did before them. The result is a one-of-a-kind heirloom-quality flatware set that will elevate your dining experience for years to come.
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