How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home, or as a Wedding or Housewarming Gift

Cutlery is more than just a daily essential, it’s a reflection of your style, your lifestyle, and often the tone you want to set when hosting family or friends. 

Whether you're shopping for your own home or searching for the perfect wedding or housewarming gift, the right set of cutlery combines function, form and lasting quality.

Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect cutlery set – one that fits beautifully into everyday life or makes a thoughtful and elegant gift.

1. Consider the Material

The best cutlery is both durable and elegant, and material plays a key role.

Stainless Steel (18/10): The gold standard in cutlery. The '18' refers to 18% chromium for rust resistance, and the '10' to 10% nickel for a polished shine. It’s ideal for everyday use and formal occasions.

18/0 Stainless Steel: Less shiny and more budget-friendly, but still durable – a good pick for starter sets or secondary homes.

Silver-Plated or Sterling Silver: Traditional and luxurious, silver cutlery is perfect for special gifts but requires more upkeep to prevent tarnishing.

Titanium-Coated or Coloured Steel: Modern and stylish, available in matte black, gold, rose gold or rainbow hues – great for trend-led households.

2. Think About Style and Design

Cutlery sets come in a range of styles, so consider how they’ll complement your kitchen or dining area:

Classic: Rounded handles and a timeless finish – perfect for traditional or country-style homes.

Modern: Sleek lines, matte finishes, or bold colourways suit contemporary settings.

Vintage/Art Deco: Ornate patterns or antique finishes offer charm and character – ideal for statement pieces or period homes.

When gifting, choose styles that suit the couple’s or recipient’s lifestyle – do they love understated minimalism or lean towards decorative flair?

3. Check the Set Size

Cutlery sets typically come in:

16-piece (for 4 people – basic dinner forks, knives, dessert spoons, and teaspoons)

24-piece (for 6 people)

32 or 48-piece (larger sets, often with extras like dessert forks or soup spoons)

Serving sets may include salad servers, butter knives, or cake servers, great as add-ons or premium gifts.

If you're buying for a wedding gift or a couple starting out, opt for at least a 24-piece set to cover entertaining as well as daily use.

4. Choose a Gift-Worthy Presentation

For weddings or housewarmings, presentation matters:

Look for sets in gift boxes or keepsake tins.

Some brands offer engraving options – initials or a date add a personal touch.

Pair with other dining items like placemats, serving utensils, or a cookbook to make a complete themed gift.

5. Check for Dishwasher-Safe Convenience

Not all cutlery is created equal when it comes to the dishwasher. While most stainless steel is dishwasher safe, silver-plated and coloured finishes may require hand-washing to preserve their look. Check the care instructions if low-maintenance is a priority.

6. Shop Smart – Trusted Brands and Retailers

Some trusted UK brands and retailers to explore:

Robert Welch – Known for elegant British design and quality. https://www.robertwelch.com

Arthur Price – Long-standing heritage and luxury cutlery. https://www.arthurprice.com

Viners – A popular and affordable British brand. https://www.viners.co.uk

John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com

Lakeland https://www.lakeland.co.uk

 and ProCook https://www.procook.co.uk – 

The above retailers offer great selections for all budgets and styles.

Whether you're refreshing your own tableware or shopping for someone else's new beginning, the right cutlery set adds both beauty and function to any home. A good set lasts for years, complements any meal, and adds a touch of luxury to even the simplest dinner.

If you are buying cutlery for someone with, for example, rheumatoid arthritis or other medical conditions that result in limited use of hands and fingers you might need to look at suppliers of specialist cutlery such as Care Co https://www.careco.co.uk/living-aids/kitchen-aids/cutlery Mobility Smart https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/daily-living-aids/eating-aids/disabled-cutlery.html

Choose well, and your cutlery won’t just serve – it will shine.

How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home: A Practical Guide

Cutlery might seem like a small detail when setting up your home, but it’s one of those everyday essentials that really does make a difference. 

Whether you’re slicing into a steak, stirring a spoonful of soup, or simply buttering toast, the right cutlery can enhance the whole experience of eating. 

So, how do you choose the best cutlery for your home? Let’s break it down.

1. Think About Your Lifestyle

Start with how you live. Are you someone who loves to host dinner parties, or is your home more about casual meals and quick bites? 

If you're regularly entertaining, it’s worth investing in a higher-end set with elegant detailing. For everyday use, go for something sturdy, low-maintenance, and dishwasher safe.

Tip: Many homes benefit from having two sets – a stylish set for guests and a practical one for daily use.

2. Understand the Materials

The material your cutlery is made from affects not only how it looks but also how long it lasts.

Stainless Steel – The most popular choice. Look for 18/10 stainless steel (that’s 18% chromium and 10% nickel) for a good balance of durability and shine.

Silver-Plated or Sterling Silver – Luxurious and beautiful, but high-maintenance. Needs polishing and can tarnish over time.

Titanium or Coated Sets – Trendy and often colourful, but can wear with time. Great if you want a bold, modern look.

3. Consider the Design and Feel

Cutlery comes in a variety of styles – from sleek and modern to ornate and vintage. Choose a design that complements your crockery, kitchen décor, and personal taste. But don’t stop at appearance: actually hold a piece before committing to a full set.

Weight – Some prefer heavier cutlery that feels substantial; others like a lighter touch.

Balance – Good cutlery should feel balanced in your hand.

Comfort – Pay attention to how it feels between your fingers – especially the handles.

4. How Many Pieces Do You Need?

Cutlery sets typically come in 16, 24, or 32-piece collections. A standard 4-piece place setting includes a knife, fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon. If you’ve got a family of four, a 16-piece set covers one full meal per person. But if you entertain regularly or don’t want to be constantly washing up, a bigger set is better.

Don’t forget extras like serving spoons, dessert forks, or steak knives – these often aren’t included in basic sets.

5. Budget Wisely

Cutlery is an investment, and it’s worth spending a little more on quality that lasts. That said, there are plenty of mid-range sets that offer excellent value without sacrificing style or durability. Consider what matters most to you: long-term use, special occasion appeal, or simply fitting within your budget.

6. Don’t Overlook Care Requirements

Some cutlery is dishwasher-safe, while others need to be washed and dried by hand to avoid spots or tarnishing. Make sure you’re up for the upkeep required by the set you choose.

Final Thoughts

The best cutlery for your home strikes the perfect balance between function, style, and practicality. It should feel good in your hand, look lovely on your table, and serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading your existing kitchenware, or simply treating yourself to a new set, take the time to choose cutlery that fits your home and your habits.

After all, even the simplest meal deserves to be enjoyed with the right tools.

The Hidden Hygiene Risks of Leaving Cutlery Out in the Open in Restaurants, Pubs, and Cafés

In the hospitality industry, maintaining impeccable hygiene is a top priority. However, one often overlooked aspect of food safety and hygiene is the proper handling and storage of cutlery. 

Leaving cutlery out in the open in restaurants, pubs, cafés, and other eating establishments may seem convenient and time saving to the premises but it poses significant risks to both hygiene and customer safety. 

Below, we explore the hidden dangers of this common practice and why it should be avoided.

Incidentally this blogpost was engendered when we were dining out in a chain restaurant (which we will not be naming) when we saw a child wandering free who was picking his nose and then fingering the cutlery in an open cutlery tray that was waiting for diners to collect their cutlery from. Nice! 

1. Exposure to Airborne Contaminants

Cutlery left out in the open, especially in high-traffic areas, is vulnerable to airborne particles such as dust, dirt, and bacteria. In busy restaurants or pubs, with people constantly walking in and out, opening doors, and moving around, the air can carry germs from various sources. Airborne pathogens from coughs, sneezes, and even kitchen vapours can settle on exposed cutlery, contaminating it before it reaches the customer. And even contact contamination such as mentioned above. 

2. Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other harmful microorganisms are transferred from one surface to another. Leaving cutlery on open trays, countertops, or self-serve stations makes it easy for contamination to occur. Customers and staff might unintentionally touch the handles or the business end of forks, knives, and spoons while selecting their utensils. If someone has not washed their hands properly or has come into contact with contaminated surfaces, bacteria can be transferred onto the cutlery.

3. Increased Risk of Pest Infestation

Pests such as flies, rodents, and cockroaches are attracted to food establishments. Cutlery left out in the open is an easy target for these pests, which are notorious for spreading harmful bacteria. Flies, for example, can land on cutlery after having been in contact with rotting food or waste, leading to the rapid spread of germs. Similarly, rodents might brush past exposed utensils, leaving behind fur, faeces, or saliva – all of which can carry diseases.

4. Customer Perception and Trust

In an era where customers are increasingly concerned about hygiene and food safety, visible cutlery left in open areas can raise red flags. Diners may question the establishment’s overall cleanliness and food safety practices if they see cutlery left out in the open, especially if it appears dusty or is placed in unclean environments. Maintaining a professional and clean presentation is essential in building trust with customers, and exposed cutlery can negatively impact that perception.

5. Environmental Contaminants

Beyond indoor risks, environmental factors also play a role in hygiene. If cutlery is left near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas, it is more likely to be exposed to pollutants from outside. Pollens, exhaust fumes, and other outdoor contaminants can settle on cutlery, increasing the risk of contaminating customers' food once they use the utensils.

6. Temperature Control

Cutlery left out in the open is also susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which can affect hygiene. For instance, if utensils are stored near heating sources or in sunny areas, they can become too warm, which might create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Conversely, cold environments can cause moisture build-up, further increasing the risk of contamination.

7. Best Practices for Cutlery Storage

To ensure customer safety and maintain hygiene standards, it is essential for restaurants, pubs, and cafés to implement proper cutlery storage practices. Here are a few recommendations:

Store cutlery in covered containers or drawers: This prevents exposure to airborne contaminants, pests, and environmental pollutants.

Limit customer contact with utensils: Staff should handle the cutlery as much as possible, using gloves when setting tables or wrapping utensils in napkins.

Keep cutlery in the kitchen until needed: When cutlery is stored in the kitchen or behind the service counter, it is less likely to be contaminated by customers or environmental factors.

Regularly sanitise storage areas: Even when stored properly, cutlery containers and drawers should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Monitor for pests: Ensure that pest control measures are in place and regularly inspect cutlery storage areas for signs of infestation.

Conclusion

While it may be tempting to leave cutlery out for the sake of convenience, the potential risks to hygiene far outweigh the benefits. Food safety should always come first in any dining establishment, and proper cutlery storage is a critical component of that. 

By keeping utensils in covered, controlled environments and minimising their exposure to contaminants, restaurants, pubs, and cafés can ensure the health and safety of their customers, while also maintaining their reputation for cleanliness and professionalism. Also, making one's customers obtain their own cutlery, napkins, etc, smacks of industrial catering and really isn't something an eatery should do if it wants to attract and retain diners.