How to Pick a Silverware Pattern

Picking a silverware pattern can be as simple as looking at a fork and deciding that is what you want for your table. It can also be a lot more complicated. There are a lot of factors, such as style, materials and shape and look, that can go into picking the right silverware pattern for your home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide what material you would like your flatware to be made from. You can get sterling silver, silver plate, stainless steel or vermeil or gold electroplate. Sterling silver is made of at least 92.5 percent silver. Silver plate a metal, usually nickel or brass, that is coated with a layer of 100 percent silver. Stainless steel is the most common flatware. It is graded, 18/8 or 18/10 being the best. It shouldn't rust, tarnish, chip or wear out. Vermeil or Gold Electroplate has thin layers of gold applied to a metal.
2. Pick a pattern. There are 4 basic flatware patterns: plain, banded, floral and angular. Plain flatware is a simple look. It can be easily matched with a variety of china patterns or plain white dishes. Floral flatware can be ornate with a lot of detail or design. Banded flatware has an etched band on the handle edges. Angular flatware is a modern look. It can be used in a formal or casual setting.
3. Set your table. If you are trying to match your stemware, dishes and flatware you may want to go with a simpler pattern of flatware. Your taste in your dishes may change over the years but if you choose a simple flatware pattern you won't need to change them too.
4. Hold the pieces of flatware. You may like the look of the table with the flatware you have chosen, but if you don't like the way it feels in your hand you won't want to use it. Be sure to pick up each piece of the place setting see how it feels. Make sure it doesn't roll in your hand and that it isn't too heavy or too light.
5. Learn how to care for your flatware. Most flatware will be able to go in the dishwasher, but some aren't. Even if you don't have a dishwasher now, think about whether you might want dishwasher-safe flatware in the future.