For many, flatware isn’t the most exciting home accessory category out there. Yet most of us agonize over which set to purchase. Forks, knives, spoons, etcetera may be all-important for stabbing a piece of salmon or carving a chunk of steak, but beyond that, why overthink? We’re going to argue that there’s more to it than mere utility, actually, because good-looking flatware can elevate even a simple meal into an occasion of gastronomic pleasure.
Aesthetic harmony on the tabletop is just as important as anywhere else in the home, and the feel—weight and heft—is just as important as the look. Suffice to say that a great flatware set may seem like a small thing, but once you’ve found the right one, having guests over and hosting dinner parties will feel infinitely better. It’s really all a matter of preference though, as personal style and diet may impact your flatware priorities more than anything else. Here, 10 of our favorites to choose from.
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Michael Aram Molten Gold 5-Piece Setting
Image Credit: Bloomingdale's Mixing metals is usually a miss, but here, it works. The delicate gold beading is subdued and wraps around each utensil like a pearl necklace, letting the silver finish really shine. We also admire the thin tines of each fork.
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Jean Duboist Laguiole Olivewood Flatware Set
Image Credit: Williams Sonoma Laguiole is perhaps best known for producing the wine key most revered by sommeliers the world over. The brand’s pieces are all handmade in France, and this set clearly has that care and attention to detail, with the knife taking some direct inspiration from those wine openers. Made with Italian olivewood plus premium stainless steel, it has a slightly more rustic look that’s perfect for open-air meals.
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Villeroy & Boch 5-Piece Setting
Image Credit: Bloomingdale's Silver’s the proverbial go-to when it comes to flatware, and if not that then it’s likely gold—bronze, however, is made for those who want to stand apart from the typical. Stylish but simple, it will pair well with almost every place setting.
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Georg Jensen Bernadotte 5-Piece Setting
Image Credit: Bloomingdale's If you want a modern flatware setting that doesn’t go too out-of-the-box, this one from the Danish design brand is the way to go. Originally designed by the man himself in 1939, its Art Deco fluting adds a touch of style without going overboard.
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Fable Flatware Set
Image Credit: Fable Home Most flatware sets are cast in either silver or gold hues, so Fable’s matte black set stands out as a more elevated, chic dinner option. Altogether the package includes 20 pieces, or four place settings, and each is made with stainless steel. Add them to an otherwise by-the-book tabletop to really make the appetizers pop.
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Ricci Argentieri Bamboo Flatware
Image Credit: Bloomingdale's This set has a bit of that nostalgic 1950s tiki vibe, taking the organic look of bamboo and casts it completely in silver, rather than natural wood. It’s plenty versatile, able to transition between indoor and outdoor dining with ease.
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Ralph Lauren Academy Five-Piece Flatware Set
Image Credit: Neiman Marcus The brand may be best known for its menswear, but RL’s homeware items also make a statement. This five-piece set shines brightly, perfect for those who prefer something a bit bolder.
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Christofle 24-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Set
Image Credit: Neiman Marcus If you’re going to invest in a great set of silver flatware, might as well go big. Christofle’s has an undeniably classic look to it, and includes six four-piece place settings, so you can start using it for family gatherings right away. Our favorite part might be the silver “egg” the set comes in that doubles as elegant storage.
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Alain Saint-Joanis Oregon Rosewood Flatware Set
Image Credit: Collecto World Alain Saint Joanis has been making cutlery since 1876, so it’s safe to say the brand knows what it’s doing. This particular set juxtaposes the traditional stainless-steel look of flatware with an earthy rosewood handle. The delicate carvings give the otherwise familiar silhouette a bit of extra pizzazz.
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Casa Bugatti Cutlery Set in Champagne
Image Credit: Artemest Feel like splurging on some cutlery? Casa Bugatti—alas, no affiliation with the automaker—has a 24-piece set that you might want to display even when it’s not in use. The Champagne color gives each piece a luxe feel, and the floral patterns make them a statement piece for the table, rather than just a utensil for cutting steak or serving soup.
