Things you need to know.

Whether it’s precious sterling silver or sleek, shiny and sensible 18/10 stainless, your choice in flatware will reflect on you and with some knowledge, you will be able to make the right choices. 18/10 stainless steel flatware is perfect for everyday dining as well as entertaining. For important occasions, you may be attracted to the timeless impression that sterling silver makes. It’s also a treasured memento that you will pass along to your children and grandchildren.

• Basics:
  
  
  • Flatware is generally sold individually in 5-piece place settings, or in larger grouped sets. A 5-piece setting includes a dinner fork, dinner knife, salad fork, soupspoon and teaspoon. The rule of thumb is to order the same number of flatware settings as you order dinnerware and china.
  • Hostess sets are generally offered in 2-piece, 4-piece and 6-piece sets that include various serving pieces that are indispensable when entertaining. The assortments vary but may have cake or pie servers, serving spoons, serving forks, butter serving knives, ladles and slotted spoons, among other items.
  • 18/10 stainless steel is the “gold standard” of stainless steel. The 18/10 Quality refers to the composition of the flatware: 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the nickel content the shinier the flatware. It is easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and is the preferred material to make everyday dining stress free. All Vera Wang stainless steel flatware is 18/10 Quality.
  • Sterling silver flatware is much more precious and expensive than stainless steel and not to be confused with silver-plate. There is an heirloom quality to sterling silver and while it may seem very expensive to a young couple, registering for it should be looked at as an investment. It is the ultimate touch to any formal table setting. The word “sterling” should be stamped on any genuine item of sterling silver.
  • There are a wide variety of flatware patterns available in both stainless steel and sterling silver that frequently reflect architectural and interior design periods. Generally, the patterns fall into 5 categories: square or angular; banded; floral; plain; and, unique.
    • Square/angular patterns have a more tailored look, with clean, strong lines that are architectural in nature.
    • Banded patterns can ranged from more rounded handles to fan tipped or fluted patterns with various banded designs, from light beading to more ornate adornments. Depending on the design, it can move from a tailored look to the elaborate.
    • Floral patterns are romantic with more complicated detailing.
    • Plain patterns vary in shape and size and are classics that will work with a variety of china patterns you may purchase over the years.
    • Unique patterns are just that. They have individual flair and can bring style to the simplest of tables.
• Vera recommends that you:
  
  
  • Register for 2 sets of flatware, stainless and sterling, although it is not required. Since sterling is very expensive, if you need your registry dollars to go elsewhere, or you will be inheriting a sterling set, many 18/10 stainless steel patterns are quite elegant and well-weighted. Consider your choices.
  • Register for 12 place settings of flatware.
  • Pick each utensil based on the weight, balance and feel in your hand. Nothing is more unappealing than flimsy flatware.
  • Use the “2 to 1 guide” in selecting flatware patterns that work with dinnerware and glassware: for every two ornate items, balance with something simple or vice versa.
  • Register for at least 12 more salad forks and 12 more teaspoons, which are perfect for serving dessert. Other considerations might be additional soupspoons, demitasse spoons or butter knives, which should also be ordered in groups of 12.
  • Register for more than one serving or hostess set in your pattern, especially if you plan on entertaining larger dinner parties or hosting family holiday meals.
  • Never wash your stainless and sterling flatware together as the metals will compete and cause damage to each other.