i JUST bought 12 setting at tj maxx of a towle pattern. it was a total of $60! they also had sasaki and cambridge there. i would look at places like that. i also went to kohls for the first time and they have a brand labeled "food network". seemed reasonable with clean lines....

I like the Sasaki Orbit, the Berghoff. and the Cambridge Silversmiths Atrium . But it's hard to pick without seeing in person.

I'd look for the highest grade stainless for the money. Not all stainless is created equal. You will see 18/10 on some, 18/8 on others. 8/10 means 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the nickel content, the more protection from corrosion.

Overstock, TJ Maxx, Ross, and outlets are all great places to check. Also...Linens and Things is going out of business and most of their stuff is 40% off right now.

OMG... I never even thought to look at TJ Maxx. This is why I posted the question despite the OT issue. I knew you'd have info I needed... I just knew it.

THANK YOU and keep the suggestions coming if there are more.

Costco had some nice looking contemporary stainless flatware sets I looked at awhile back. I haven't been down that aisle in awhile, so can't say whether they're still there and I don't remember the price. I'm not much help, but it could be worth a look if you go to Costco. (Can't beat their return policy)

This is actually the best time to look at this kind of stuff at Costco - they always bring out the nice stuff around the holidays. Their sets are normally oversized, too.

The Asana set looks like it would be rather uncomfortable to hold/use. Like you, I like the Orbit set the best.

Amazon has some great prices on flatware. I saw an Oneida set for 12 that was going for $103 while everyone else charged $169. (It's only 18/0, though, and I wanted 18/10.)

There are also good sales right now at Macy's, especially if you can get ahold of their coupons. I just bought a set of Henckels Twin service for 8 - it was $99.99 on sale and I had a $25 off $100 coupon (had to buy some chocolate for $3.25 to get it over $100 ;-)).

My test was to run my fingers across the tines of the fork - some of the sets are made so cheap, you can practically bend them! I wanted something good and solid.

costco.com has some inexpensive sets right now, too.

I think the Asana and Towle are going to be awfully uncomfortable to hold and eat with.

For value and looks the Berghoff would be my first choice but for looks alone I like your first choice best.

I found the Orbit on eBay for $27/ 5 pc place setting and he has more than 10 available and 100% feedback on over 500 sales

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sasaki-ORBIT-Stainless-2pc-Hostess-Set_W0QQitemZ370124505485QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

thanks guys. went to linens and things... they are wiped out. went to TJ Maxx... nice stuff but not very inexpensive and only one of this, one of that (20 pc. sets).

loves2cook: he shows a pic of a 5 pc place setting and mentions one in his description yet the title of the auction is for a 2 pc. hostess set. I sent him an email to see what gives. if it is $27 for a 5 pc place setting I might go for even though the lower price points are better for my budget.

an advantage of buying off of ebay is that I have a bunch of money in my paypal account so I wouldn't be coming out of pocket. (have been buying china at a local consignment shop and selling it on ebay - as a SAHM, making a little bit of money seems like making a LOT of money).

Shoot looks like he changed it. Too bad. Have you looked at crate and barrel or potterybarn?

How bout these:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=100&f=1514
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=100&f=13159

or super inexpensive
http://www.gourmetsettings.com/cruise
http://www.silversuperstore.com/towle/stainless_steel_flatware/wave_silverware.html (found cheaper even at http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=682530)

Look at your favorite and then look at some of the other choices. You seem to favor a thin stem yet some sets pictured are chunky. Others already pointed out they may not be comfortable to eat with especially for kids with smaller hands. I like the Cirque, what's the grade on that one?

Cooking.com has a large selection of quality flatware at reasonable prices. They have 2 coupon codes valid until 12/31/08.

C88966 $15 off of $100
C88967 $20 off of $200

HTH

I've fallen in love with so many cool flatware designs, only to fall out of love when I pretend to eat with them. To me, the "hand" and "heft" is as important as the "eye" which is why I have such a hard time -- so often my eye loves what my hand doesn't. I wish I could add to my old Dansk Elsinore without breaking the bank.

To me, the Berghoff and the Atrium look most comfortable to use.

I think you are so right. I tend to do most of my shopping online and internet bargain shopping is a bit of a hobby, but I think I should resist in this circumstance.

I have been into Target to look at their flatware and I have to say that the heft (or lack thereof) leaves something to be desired.... just a little too flimsy (at least the ones I tried). We used to have a set by Couzon which was really too heavy (would topple off of the plate and crash to the floor fairly often as the stems were so much heavier than the tings/spoons, etc).

This is a bit of a goldy-locks situation (but on a BUDGET). Am going to try the better TJMaxx and the Crate and Barrel outlet either today or sometimes soon.

Also, have re-thought the chunkier styles... I think you are right, they won't be great for the kids.

the pricey ones at TJMaxx were by Argent. Very nice and based on my price shopping last night a good deal (but still more than I would ideally like to spend).

they also had some Gourmet Settings sets, but not in any styles that I liked and some Jean Dubost sets, again didn't like the styles.

BUT did pick up 12 Laguiole olive wood handled steak knives as a Christmas present for $50 ($25 for 6). He'll love them. Our steak knives are el-cheapo that I've had since I got out of college which is quite a ways back (and we only have four of them so this is good).

Linked BergHoff set is a little diferent (I didn't see the particular set you have listed) but it lists the stainless as 18\10. They are out of Belgium but not sure where the manufacturig base is. In Canada their knives are marketed heavily to pros. My Mom just bought a set of Earthchef cookware that they produce - she hasn't used it but the features (aluminum base with a stainless body and hollow core handles that are oven safe) are quite good for the price point and it is designed to be used on the induction burners they sell.

Here is a link that might be useful: BergHOFF Link

My hubster is very concerned about the "heft" and "balance" of flatware -- who knew? But that means I have to try it before I buy it.

I found items at TJ Maxx that I was able to find matches for on ebay. If you like the set, but there's not enough (one here, one there), try checking Ebay for the same pattern to round it out.

I love overstock. Returns are pretty easy if you don't like the sets.

do you have a marshalls in your area? how about another tj maxx? i went to two different marshalls and two different tj maxx's before i found the ones i liked......plus, if one store only has a set of 20, you may find more at another store. it is hit or miss with these places but they are easy enough to return if you have too.

also, i just got a 20% off coupon from kohl's and i think i liked some of their flatware......

We received a Wallace flatware set from ny husbands company as a 25th anniversary gift and I really love it. It's strong, well balanced and I'd say quite high quality. I just found it at overstock and am buying myself a set for the beach house (am very excited). The flatware I have down there now is from TJ Maxx and it is rubbish.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wallace flatware at Overstock

I found it even cheaper. Check out the selection, it's really nice. If you find a pattern you like, I promise you, you won't be unhappy with this product. This site seems to have pretty good prices.

By the way, I love the William Sonoma set you picked. If you like that French look, they have some very nice patterns at Horchow.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Flatware Store

caryscott, glad to hear you are happy with the berghoff... I haven't heard of them so it gives me pause to purchase sight unseen off the internet.

the Wallace sets I have seen at TJ Maxx have seemed to be the best quality, unfortunately I haven't loved any of the patterns. I have now been to THREE different TJ Maxx. We do have a Marshalls close by too, but I am starting to lose my steam on the bricks and mortar shopping trips (although I have been able to get a lot of Christmas shopping done).

I saw this set on Overstock... fairly reasonable. It is under consideration. I have a 10% off coupon for Overstock and also a 10% off coupon for Horchow.

This comes out to $12.75 per 5 pc setting and includes service pieces. It is by Villeroy and Boch and is 18/10

{{!gwi}}

another one I like is Kate Spade Larabee. Sort of in the same range as the Sasaki Orbit. Love the dots... seems a little more substantial than the Oneida dot pattern. Silly to pay up for a trendy brand name though, correct??

{{!gwi}}

Here is another variable which may be included under balance, but I never heard of it until AFTER I bought a set of flatware way marked down. Now I know why the price was so low. It is fine to eat with heft-wise but I can't clear a plate without the fork or knife falling off. The handle is too heavy; the design is unbalanced. Looks sleek and the aesthetics are fine but every time something crashes to the floor, I kick myself for not researching what to look for on this site.

elizabeth, that is exactly the situation we had with the couzon flatware. TOO much heft - unbalanced - falling with a big crash to the floor - DH totally annoyed.

I am all over the map. I now have a new favorite (spawned from seeing Villeroy and Boch pattern on overstock). Unfortunately this V&B pattern, Pegasus is not on Overstock. Perfect though... just the right balance of streamlined but not too trendy. Casual or dressy - sophisticated. Who knows, at this rate, I'll have three new favorites by the end of the day, and likely out of my reach anyway.
{{!gwi}}

The first Villeroy and Boch pattern and that pricey Kate Spade pattern are both great. The 2nd V&B pattern only has 3 prongs on the forks, is that an issue? I love your taste.

cheri127, I have that exact set, too. Last year around this time, Sam's Club had for a spectacular price of somewhere between $67-72 -I forget the exact $- the same 77 piece set you linked too. I bought 2 sets! It's got great balance and washes beautifully, but it's a very traditional look.

Helene

Really like that Overstock Villeroy and Boch. Nice lines and 18/10. I am enjoying this thread and your pics.

I confess I am crazy in love with my flatware, Gourmet Settings Silver Hearts pattern. Lovely, beefy, heavy, perfectly balanced and indestructable. Feels funny to use "regular" flatware when I am away from home.

I scored two boxes at a TJ maxx of all places. A relative splurge for me. No regrets.

This company, Gourmet Settings, are fanatical about flatware and have varied styles and a range of price points. Mine above is under the 'handmade' tab. Really really REALLY nice stuff.

Here is a link that might be useful: flatware by Gourmet Settings

UPDATE:

I made a purchase. Purchased from Overstock, (2) 45 piece sets so service for 16 and 10 serving pieces, had a 10% off coupon code courtesy of another GW'er so my total came to $152. Apparently since I paid with Paypal I will be getting 15% cash back which would bring the cost down to $129.

The set is Cassidy by Hampton Forge. I was a little concerned with the quality of Hampton Forge, but I had lunch in a nice local restaurant yesterday and this is the pattern they have. It reminds me of the Kate Spade with the dots (pattern doesn't show up much on the picture), but obviously a lot less money (I'd be able to get 3 placesettings of the Kate Spade for what I paid for 16 plus serving pieces of the Hampton). Maybe not quite the panache, but on a budget just fine.

Plus as you mentioned I can return it if dissatisfied, but I have going to the restaurant for years and he has always had the same flatware so if it is holding up under those circumstances I am sure it will be good enough for me.

Thank you all for your input!!

{{!gwi}}

IMHO I'd say your research paid off. Appears to be a great mix of form and function at a reasonable price!! Happy eating. Glad you got your circle/dot look.

Very, very nice! They look stylish and sturdy and comfortable to use -- and at a good price. What more could you ask??

Thanks for all your research, and to CelticMoon for the link she gave. I'll be needing flatware for the kitchenette and thought I'd try to get something that would march along with my good flatware if need be . . . so y'all saved me some work!!

Lovely - hope you have many years of good use with it.