Stainless Steel Tableware

Whether you are bringing home your friends for dinner or dining with your close family, the success of the meal depends to a certain extent on your tableware. Choosing the right kind of tableware is an art in itself and reflects your taste and personality. While chinaware and porcelain still rule the roost, the stainless steel tableware is slowly and steadily making inroads in to our dining rooms. In addition to flatware, stainless steel service ware, stemware and other table accessories are fast becoming must-haves on the dinner table.

Steel tableware

One of the main reasons why the stainless steel is fast becoming the choice of everyday dining is its capacity to maintain its durability and luster for a number of years. Stainless steel is basically an alloy of steel, chromium and nickel. Chromium is responsible for its durability and protects from heat, stains and corrosion. Nickel imparts the permanent bright look.

Though stainless steel remains bright and new for a number of years, yet utensils made of it are subject to discoloration. Tableware in stainless steel offers form and grace due to a variety of styles, complementing both formal and everyday dining. Good quality stainless steel should be of 18/8, that is, 18% chromium and 8%nickel.

Comprehensive stainless steel tableware set should include flatware, stemware, napkin holders, napkin rings, candle holders, bread baskets, fruit bowls, salt & pepper, ashtray, eggcup, card holder, toothpick holder, trivet, charger plate and ice cream/ dessert cup.

Tableware guide

The flatware usually includes dinner knife, dinner fork, dinner spoon, salad fork and soup spoon. Other than this, specialized utensils such as cocktail fork, fish fork, butter knives, steak knives, large serving spoon, slotted serving spoon, serving fork and sugar spoon are also available in stainless steel. Some flatware also sport single as well as double colored handles.

Some of the favorite colors include red, blue and yellow. Silver plated tableware offers a rich sheen. Tableware comes in different designs and the craftsmanship decides the price often.

You must look for tableware with smooth and buffed edges and luster for a perfect table setting. Large serving bowls in stainless steel are also a good buy as they may be used to serve a variety of foods including salad, fruits and chocolates.

Flower vases in brushed stainless steel add a contemporary look to your dining table. Candle holders include a glass to keep the insides clean. The glass can be detached and placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Hundreds of designs and styles of stainless tableware are available in the market today.

While it is easy to get carried away by the multitude of designs, care should be taken that the tableware fits with the style of your dining room and complements it. So, the next time you invite your friends over for a party or have luncheon with your loved one, surprise them with your brand new, shiny and sleek stainless steel tableware.

Caring for your tableware

• It is best to wash your stainless steel ware by hand. Mild soap or detergent may be used to clean and clean, hot water must be used to rinse all tableware. They must all be dried immediately after washing as hand drying prevents buildup of oxide.
  
  
• If the tableware is cleaned in a dish washer, it should be removed after the last rinse cycle and dried by hand.
  
  
• To remove any stubborn stains, the use of a good polish is recommended. In addition to removing the stains, the original luster will also be restored by polishing.
  
  
• Ensure that you remove all remnants of food immediately after use and presoak in a non-abrasive solution. Drying your tableware immediately on wash prevents spotting.