Making a decision about flatware can be difficult, especially when needing to create a particular ambiance for a club’s dining room. Flatware can help set the mood for a dining experience and complement or detract from a dining room’s overall character. While keeping up with the trends in food presentation, flatware designs have also evolved. There has been a bold trend in the sleek form and shape of flatware designs, which can be aesthetically pleasing, but it is more important to consider the practicality of flatware.
There are several factors to consider when choosing flatware, such as style, finish, weight, budget and the balance between ergonomics and design. While some flatware may be pleasing to the eye, it might not provide a pleasant dining experience. The feel when holding flatware in your hand is a crucial consideration and weight plays an important role in choosing flatware. Weight provides a more substantial feel, allowing for balance, strength and durability.
Strong and durable, stainless steel is a fantastic metal for flatware. It is low-maintenance, hygienic, durable, resists oxidation at high temperatures, will not rust and is resistant to stains and damage from fruit acids. High-grade 18/10 stainless steel is the highest-quality composition for flatware. The number 18 represents the percentage of chromium, while 10 percent is nickel. Chromium is the element that works to rustproof the flatware, while nickel gives the flatware its sparkle and luster, adding to the steel’s resistance to corrosion. Compositions of 18/0, which has a negligible amount of nickel, are also suitable compositions. But keep in mind: It’s prone to rust and will likely have a shorter lifespan. Silver, silver-plated and pewter pieces can be beautiful but are expensive and hard to care for.
Traditionally embellished flatware tends to have a more classic feel and mimic silverware. More modern sets typically pare down details with a more streamlined appearance of a straight, thin handle with no major elements. Being so used to design elements in flatware, these more modern sets are often more unique and interesting than a more ornate set. Both traditional and modern styles are made from stainless steel. The only major consideration is if you want stainless steel flatware in a different color. Black and gold flatware have become increasingly popular because they are strikingly contrasted to the bright silver cutlery. These sets are typically made from stainless steel with another color added. While some are nearly as easy to care for as regular stainless steel, others may require more careful treatment to keep the coating from peeling.
Every flatware design has its style, tone and personality. Whether choosing a modern pattern with sleek lines, a decorative pattern matching a club’s brand, or a traditional pattern with a hint of nostalgia, you’ll want flatware that will complement a club’s dinnerware and fit in with a dining room’s image.