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Guest Picks: Gorgeous Flatware
Don't settle for so-so flatware. With these 20 delicious options, there's sure to be the perfect set for your dining table
interior designer. style influencer. design writer. design speaker. www.fieldstonehilldesign.com
interior designer. style influencer. design writer. design speaker. www.fieldstonehilldesign.com... More »
When it comes to choosing flatware, many people just settle. Yet there are so many gorgeous choices out there that can add fantastic detail to your dining decor; they're like the cherry on top of your tabletop. You will be surprised at how easily a simple flatware change can add vitality back to your table settings. And don't be afraid to select a set that contrasts with your current decor. Select what you love, and use it with joy! The table is where memories are made. — Darlene from Fieldstone Hill Design
by Anthropologie
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I think this flatware is purely elegant. I love how the resin recalls the influence of bone china. It's stunning.
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This gold bamboo flatware set is simple, breathtaking and haute design. I would love to have these on my table. They would dress up any tablescape and take your meal to a classier level.
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This is one of the most beautiful sets of cutlery I have ever seen. The lines are so delicate, and I am madly in love with the gold. It is so classy. This is not your average table setting.
by World Market
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This hammered flatware collection is affordable, but it adds so much art to the table. I love the detailing in the handles. You'll get a huge bang for your buck when setting a gorgeous table.
by Anthropologie
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How fun are these bronze babies? These skinny utensils have an edgy shape that gets my attention.
by Anthropologie
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Pretty, pretty, pretty! The rich caramel color in the bone handles is my favorite feature of this flatware. It creates eye-catching contrast with the sleek stainless steel.
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I am crazy for mixed metals. Add the slender, classic lines of these utensils — and the fantastic price — and I am sold.
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I think it is so creative how this gorgeous, unique, matte black cutlery is a stunning variation on the average utensil. Have you considered black for your cutlery?
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If I ever need a purely simple and modern set of cutlery, this would be my choice. These utensils will keep your table crisp and clean. The knives are definitely my favorite pieces.
by Anthropologie
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It is about time to be able to get that vintage, mixed look without spending years scouring flea markets. This Rediscovered flatware is unique and is silver-plated quality.
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These are sleek and fun. I think they would be the perfect twist to add to your traditional table setting to liven it up.
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I love this bronze flatware made by the Italian design company Skitsch. The bronze is such a warm change of pace and would add a spark to any table setting.
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Rethink your idea of cutlery, and make way for these bamboo utensils. I find these to be so elegant. Plus, I love that you can rewash them, but the price is equivalent to disposable cutlery.
by Cath Kidston
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This flatware collection makes me want to have summer parties and eat fudgy sundaes. These are for anyone who wants to add some color and fun to their dinner parties.
by Studio William
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The Brits know how to set a proper table: two of each kind, plus a tiny teaspoon. And, I must be honest, teeny-tiny spoons make me happy. There is no better way to eat ice cream.
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These utensils had a bad day, but I think they would just make me smile if they were sitting on my table. Imagine the fun dinner parties that can be had with them.
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How about adding some midcentury rosewood gorgeousness to your table? I love the clean lines, and especially the brass detailing, in this antique service for 12.
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This French cutlery set is absolutely unique and stunningly contemporary. If you'd love your house to be a mix of the creative, then this set would be perfect. I can easily imagine this set in a home that is filled with stunning collections of art.
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| Even disposable cutlery can be stunning. These woodgrain pieces come with three choices of sayings stamped on the handle. My favorite is "Bon Appetit"! |
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I think this set is perfect for adding fun, whimsy, color and even conversation to your dinner table. You will never set the same table twice! Now, how fun is that?
More: Discover Your Dining Table Style
More: Discover Your Dining Table Style
Ideabook published on Aug. 12, 2012.
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When I went to pick out my flatware I noticed how a lot of it didn't feel right. The handle was sometimes too short, or uncomfortably narrow, Sometimes the way the weight balanced in my hand wasn't right either.
And function tends to be most important to me. These are pretty to look at though.
We have a very nice set and I love using them. Only problem is 6 teaspoons doesn't seem to be enough!
I also recommend to hold and feel flatware before buying. Knives have to be well balanced, and spoons have to have a bowl with smooth, round edges, otherwise they are too 'sharp' for your lips. Also agree with Kuva: six teaspoons are definitely not enough!
In general, I find rounded handles much more comfortable than flat ones. Try to eat spaghetti the Italian way - fork only - and you'll see that twirling a completely flat handled fork is almost impossible. And although I love the rosewood set, I would never buy cutlery you can't put into the dishwasher. Go for it though if you have plenty of storage space and just use them twice a year.
Because I love an uncluttered lifestyle, devoid of things I don't use almost daily, I have a very simple approach to cutlery (and most other household items): buy timeless design and the very best quality you can afford. Good design and quality always look good, inherently. If you want to make your table more festive or fancy, buy an extraordinary table cloth, or decorate with bold napkins, candles and flowers.
And I'm sorry to sound negative, but the Anthropologie-isation of anything genuinely old, worn and characterful just makes me cross. Who needs to spend a lifetime scouring the world for mismatched silverplate?? Anyone who has been to a flea market or charity shop knows the world is overflowing with it! With the exception of the big designer names, most of it was not very expensive to start with and because it can't go in the dishwasher no one buys it. Please don't buy newly manufactured knockoff sweatshop rubbish which is is a low-quality copy of something people are virtually giving away. There are job lots of EPNS going unsold for less than $2 on eBay.
Ahem. Sorry - strong opinion.
The gold-plated ones are a definite no-no for the dishwasher. I suspect some of the other selections are also inappropriate choices for an easy lifestyle.