Looking to upgrade my mismatched flatware. Would love something modern/art deco/art nouveau looking- but that is not too expensive. I'm currently looking at Target, but interested in other recommendations you may have? Could go a little more expensive than Target, but not much more. |
We replaced our Target flatware with a Mikasa set I bought on Amazon. You can find crazy good deals if you buy a 45 or 65 piece set there. The set I bought (Colette) isn't available right now, but this is another nice one listed at 50% of list price: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003IPBYWC
The key for me was paying attention to the weight of the stainless steel. Our old flatware from Target was super lightweight. Like the spoons would bend in soft ice cream. The one we got from Mikasa is 18.10 weight (as is the one I linked to above) and the difference is super obvious. It's not crazy heavy or anything -- or preschooler has zero problem with the forks and spoons and honestly doesn't know how to use a regular knife anyway so we just keep giving her a toddler knife if she needs one. But it has a satisfying heft and balance. And Mikasa has a lot of designs that are simply and easy to hold while also having some pretty details. This is one of my favorite household upgrades from recent years and I actually can't believe I waited as long as I did (or didn't just register for some decent flatware when we got married, it was a dumb oversight). It's something that makes me feel good every day, and I no longer feel vaguely embarrassed by our flatware when we have company. |
OP here, thank you so much! I would have never thought about the weight! |
It's not just weight, it's the nickel content. The Mikasa set linked above is 18/10 (18% chromium, 10% nickel), whereas most of the other sets posted, and the ones you are likely to find at Target, are 18/0 (same amount of chromium, but no nickel). Nickel helps give the flatware a nicer finish and is very durable, so will result in fewer scratches and blemishes as time goes on. 18/10 is better for an everyday set for a family where the flatware gets washed constantly and used by kids. I highly recommend going for 18/10 -- if you shop carefully, you can get it for close to the same cost of what you would pay for 18/0 without the discount. It's worth it and you will notice the difference in appearance and feel. These are some good articles explaining differences in flatware weight and content: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flatware/ https://www.pattersons.co.uk/blog/2016/03/17/180-vs-1810-cutlery/ |
I have no idea how much higher the prices are but I love Iittala for modern everyday flatware. |
Ebay. You can also get silver plated for cheap. |
You might also like Yamazaki flatware. |
Bloomingdale’s |
You need it to be 18/10 for it to be ‘gorgeous”. As PP pointed out, that is the nickel content in the alloy. That is what gives it long lasting luster.
IKEA has some very good modern sets. |
I really like my Fortessa flatware: https://www.costco.com/fortessa-scoop-20-piece-flatware-set.product.100760800.html Costco often has a nice selection of flatware, though the better sets are mixed in with super cheap 18/0 stuff that I would avoid, so always check the descriptions. |
Crate and Barrel has some 18/10 sets that are very nice. |