Formal and Informal Flatware: An Enduring Gift
When you purchase high quality flatware as a wedding, anniversary or house warming present, you are giving a gift that will last a lifetime. This is true whether you buy the best stainless steel, sterling silver or silver plated flatware.
There is a distinct difference between low and high grade flatware. High quality flatware is not only more attractive, but there is also a distinct difference in the taste of the food being eaten. Food simply tastes better. Every family should have two sets:
Informal for Everyday
Stainless steel is usually used as the everyday eating utensils. When stainless steel is of the best quality, it is heavy, the tines on the forks are rounded and the knives contain high levels of carbon to keep the blades sharp. The best stainless steel flatware will have a pleasant feel to it. Quality blades will not be serrated because there will not be a need for it.
Formal Flatware
Sterling silver is usually referred to as "the silver" or "the good silver". It is easily maintained though care must be given to washing and drying it by hand every use. Sterling silver must be polished every year or so, depending on how often it is used. These are the pieces that are brought out on special occasions such as formal dinner parties, anniversaries and birthdays.
While it is not as high in quality as sterling silver, the silver plated flatware does make a nice choice as well. It is not as expensive as sterling silver but neither is it cheap. "Silver plated" means that stainless steel has been coated with a thin layer of silver. It can grow in value and is generally considered to be a nice set of formal flatware.
Formal flatware is meant to be used with a great set of crystal glasses, china dishes and cloth napkins. If the right flatware is missing, the table simply will not come together properly. Elegant dinners are always served with good flatware. If you want to give a great gift, give a set of formal flatware.
Flatware is perfect for wedding gifts, silver anniversaries and house warming parties. Couples usually include one or both types of flatware in their gift registry for their wedding. What could be more appropriate than a set of sterling silverware for a silver anniversary? A housewarming is a great opportunity for giving the gift of flatware.
If you are not comfortable with your knowledge of flatware, ask an experienced hostess to tell you about the various qualities and pieces that go into the perfect set. It doesn't matter how fancy the rest of the dishes are - a well-dressed table is not truly finished until the flatware is right.