A table’s flatware is often the final piece that brings the whole puzzle together. Gorgeous flatware can help enhance the look and feel of your set-up, and it also makes it possible to enjoy serving and eating food with ease.
But finding flatware that works for you and fits in your budget isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. There are lots of things to consider to ensure you make a purchase that you’re not just happy with, but excited about.
What Is Considered Flatware?
Flatware is an all-encompassing term used to describe the objects we use to eat (or eat off or out of). It includes things like forks, spoons, and other serving items.
In most situations, the utensils we use to prepare, serve, and eat food are what we’re thinking of when we discuss flatware. However, it’s sometimes used interchangeably with other terms like silverware and cutlery to mean the same thing.
Just because these words tend to be used like they are the same thing doesn’t mean they actually are, though.
What Is the Difference Between Flatware and Silverware?
Silverware can be a type of flatware, but not all flatware is silverware.
Silverware is anything made almost entirely or completely from silver. A lot of times, the term is used as a synonym for utensils or cutlery, but technically this usage is incorrect.
To be classified as silverware, an object can’t just contain silver, it must be predominantly composed of it. That means that over 90% of the object’s makeup will be pure silver.
Some flatware out there may be made with silver, which would mean that it is, indeed, silverware.
But if you’re looking to buy products, it’s crucial that you understand the difference between the two; wasting time and money on something that doesn’t fit your expectations is never ideal.
Flatware vs Silverware vs Cutlery
To add another layer to the mix of confusing terminology, it also helps to be aware of what we mean when we talk about cutlery.
In the modern world, cutlery is most often used as a fancy synonym for words like flatware or utensils. But, traditionally, the word has a meaning of its own.
Objects that cut things, like butter knives, steak knives, etc., are considered cutlery. As mentioned, it’s more common than not to see cutlery mixed in with other types of tableware and marketed as such.
Still, as is the case in the flatware vs silverware discussion, being aware of these distinctions makes it much easier to have an accurate understanding of what the products you’re considering do and don’t offer.
If cutlery is an essential part of your plan, for instance, it’s key to realize that not all flatware sets may feature cutlery. Extra shopping and planning might be necessary.
What is Flatware Made Of?
Flatware can be made out of just about anything. Most of it, though, is made out of some sort of metal (like nickel) or stainless steel.
Flatware may also be coated with other metals or materials to give them a more unique and polished look or keep them intact for longer.
Stainless steel is the best option and the highest quality, as it's more durable, especially if it has a coating to prevent scratches and promote longevity.
Our flatware here at Urquid is made from excellent quality stainless steel and it is coated with a titanium plating so you can use over and over, setting apart our flatware from the rest.
How to Choose and Buy Wholesale Flatware
If you’re looking to buy flatware in bulk, you’ll want to be sure that what you’re purchasing is good quality, fits your needs, and doesn’t break the bank.
But how can you go about doing those things, and what sort of things should you consider when making a decision? Let’s break it down.
Choose Your Price Range
Before you can make any sort of choices about style, quantity, materials, and other details, you’ll want to have a good idea of what your budget is. The amount you’re able to spend will likely impact all of the other factors you’re thinking about.
What Type of Flatware Should I Buy? Consider Your Materials
Not all flatware is made equal in terms of quality, but also in terms of practicality. Think about the details of the event or service you’re looking to plan: what sort of limitations or needs might impact your flatware?
For example, something high end and luxurious, like silverware, might be best for a formal event like a wedding reception. In other cases, though, a flatware set that’s less valuable and more replaceable may be ideal.
Choose a Style That Fits
The look of your flatware matters just as much as how it performs, at least if you’re concerned about creating a cohesive and professional-looking table setting.
As a result, it’s important to find a style of flatware that matches your goals and needs.
There are thousands of product options on the market, many of which won’t feel like a good fit for your vision. What may be more helpful than searching aimlessly is developing an idea of what you’re looking for and going from there.
How formal should the flatware be? How much work and effort are you able to dedicate to maintaining and cleaning the tableware? Is there a color or design scheme you’re incorporating elsewhere into your planning? Do you need access to just utensils and cutlery, or are you also interested in things like hostess sets and serving sets?
These questions and more can help you narrow down your search to just the products that truly interest you.
Flatware Examples: Our Recommendation
When in doubt, it never hurts to turn to elegant-looking, high-quality stainless flatware sets, including the many options we offer here at Urquid Linen.
One of our favorite picks is the Luna Klasik Flatware/Cutlery Set in Gold, which is made from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel and coated with a titanium finish.
Luna Klasik Flatware/Cutlery Set in Gold
This flatware features a beautiful matte dull shine that catches eyes and brings a new, unique element to table décor.
It’s also incredibly easy to care for and simple to order in the quantity you need. Not a fan of the gold color? No problem – this set comes in a variety of colors, including silver, rose gold, and more.
Even if black flatware is your thing, this set has you covered.
Why Buy Wholesale? Take Care of Your Flatware Needs With Urquid
Buying your flatware in bulk is one of the best and easiest ways to get the product you need at a price you can afford and at a quantity that makes sense.
Whether you need flatware for restaurants, bulk flatware for weddings, parties, or something else entirely, purchasing wholesale can save you a lot of time (and money). Our products here at Urquid Linen are made to order, giving you a unique level of control over your order that is hard to find elsewhere.
Our collection of flatware arrangements covers different styles and needs so that just about anyone can find something that works. We’re committed to providing only the best quality products, but if you’re less than satisfied with your purchase, our customer service team is able and eager to work with you to make things right.
When you purchase with Urquid, you get peace of mind and confidence along with your product so that you can refocus your energy to what really matters: taking care of your plans and getting things done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some commonly asked questions related to flatware that often lead to confusion. Be sure to check out our blog for more information about all things related to linens!
What is in a five piece flatware set?
A five piece flatware set usually contains two forks, two spoons, and a knife. Both the forks and spoons tend to come with a traditionally-sized option and a “dessert” or “salad” option, which is smaller.
Look out for various flatware descriptions and the details they contain, as they should note what is and isn’t included in a given set.
What is considered a full set of flatware?
Most of the time, a full set of flatware encompasses everything you need to set your table, serve food, and eat. This can include utensils, cutlery, and accessories like serving tools.
What flatware do restaurants use?
Restaurants may use flatware that’s made of a metal or stainless steel the most because these options are more affordable and easier to work with. However, it’s also possible to see restaurants branch out from this and use things like silverware.
Wholesale flatware for restaurants tends to be made of materials that are easier to access, though. They may even be made from things like acrylic or plastic.