Whether you’re setting the table for a special dinner party or need something that will keep up with your family’s everyday use, you’ll want to have a good silverware set on hand. In the past, high-end sets of flatware (forks, spoons, and knives) would be made out of sterling silver and treated like family heirlooms or at least a considerable status symbol; lower-end ones were often merely silver-plated. The invention of stainless steel, however, changed all that, as the durable material is less prone to rusting and requires considerably less polishing to keep it looking good.
Most standard boxed sets of flatware sold at retailers include a salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon. Some have additional serving pieces, such as butter knives and cake servers, which you can purchase separately. Most flatware is made of base metal, sterling silver, or stainless steel, but stainless steel is the most practical choice since it’s sturdy enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Silver plate and silver-plated metals, on the other hand, are more delicate and require regular polishing to retain their shine.
Many people like to match their flatware with their china pattern, but it’s not a requirement—it’s more of a matter of personal style than a strict rule. In general, though, it’s a good idea to choose a design that has been in production for some time because that way replacement pieces will likely be available for quite some time. כלי כסף