16 stylish cutlery sets to buy now
Is there a more simple pleasure than eating with really beautiful cutlery? I recently invested in a forest green set and it genuinely lifts my mood every time I whip up a bowl of cereal in the kitchen. Cutlery (or flatware, if you will) says a lot about your taste in design for such a relatively small item. Whether you go for sleek and swan-like, colourful and rounded or heavyweight and rustic, a great cutlery set will make all the difference when setting the table and can really bring a scheme together.
What should I look for when buying a cutlery set?
When choosing yours, consider details like the sharpness of the knife, the way a fork feels in your hand and the weight too, because the perfect cutlery is entirely subjective to the diner. For the best statement flatware, go for French brands such as Capdeco or Sabre who make fabulous acrylic sets. Otherwise, cutlery is a great thing to buy from antiques markets or eBay as you can get some real bargains and it already looks so characterful. Look out for bakelite or bone handles and superb quality Sheffield steel or silver plating if you’re shopping for vintage.
Scroll on for an edit of the most handsome cutlery a table could wish for (but a note if you hate hand-washing – remember to check whether your favourites can safely go in a dishwasher).
The best cutlery and flatware to buy now
Vibrant and punchy cutlery sets are just as good on Christmas tables as they are in a summer setting. This Montes and Clark set is particularly versatile and the best part is that it's dishwasher proof, so all of it can be bunged into the dishwasher at the end of the evening. Another excellent option is this Matilda Goad set. It's like a window of sunshine on a rainy day. Much of Matila's products are instant mood-brighteners, and this colourful acrylic cutlery set in mix-and-match hues of blue, green and cream is no different. For something a little more citrusy, why not opt for The Edition 94's lime set?
I’m a sucker for anything faux tortoiseshell and Oka always have some great pieces tucked up their sleeve, including this excellent acrylic tortoiseshell cutlery set. It would be such a smart choice on crisp white linen. Liberty's slightly squat looking set of cutlery would pair perfectly with crisp white linens and colourful table settings alike. The best part is it that it's dishwasher safe, so you needn't faff around with hand washing the pieces after each use.
A simple, stainless steel cutlery set will go with any table linen, making it the most versatile style and best investment. If you're just looking for one, everyday set, then stainless steel is the way to go. Borough Kitchen's ‘Avignon Set’ is traditional, yet directional, making it an ideal everyday pick.
Bistro cutlery is a classic buy that I firmly believe everyone should have a set of. I have this set myself and included it because it’s my strongly held opinion that red cutlery is the perfect colour. It goes with everything, it’s a classic and it’s works come Christmas or high summer. If you’re not sold on the more colourful sets, these wooden handles could be just the ticket.
Now, this bamboo handled cutlery is a showstopper. It probably isn’t going to be your everyday set as it needs to be hand-washed, but when dressing your table for parties, this would be my first choice. As a founding member of the bamboo cutlery fan club, I really love this set. It screams elegance but is also quite fun – much like everything on Rebecca Udall's website. Mrs Alice's ivory cutlery is a smart set that's perfect for any moment.
Whilst this may not be the most practical choice for the everyday, this 24 piece pink set is really unusual and different. The pink set reminds me of sugared almonds and would be so pretty for outdoor summer dining tables on top of crumpled linen. For something in a similar shape, but in more versatile colours, Soho Home's ‘Amsterdam’ is a good choice.
So sue me but I can’t resist the classic 90s pull of Ralph Lauren homeware. Don’t you look at this set and instantly picture lunches on Cape Cod with checked blue and white table linen? Location aside, this would be so smart with a white and blue table scheme. A timeless style, this stonewashed cutlery from Soho Home makes me want to eat soup and crusty bread by an open fire in a romantic old cottage. This design will never date and feels substantial to hold.
If you're looking for more tableware inspiration, have a read of our guides to the best napkins, tablecloths and plate sets. For more, we also have galleries of our absolute favourite glasses, candles and candlestick holders.
