Where Did You Get That Flatware?

Welcome to the 409th Tablescape Thursday!

I’ve been out of town visiting with family for the last five days and just got back late yesterday evening. Since I wasn’t home to create a tablescape, I thought it might be fun to put together a post all about flatware. Flatware is to a table setting what jewelry or shoes are to an outfit. The right flatware can be the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful setting.

Today I’m sharing some of the ones I’ve collected over the past 30+ years. Of course you don’t need as many patterns as I’ve collected, but I hope by sharing some of the ones I have, it will give you some ideas for your future tables.

I’ll mention the name and where I found each flatware and link to it if it’s still available.

This “Colonial” pattern is by Warren Kimble and it was a find on eBay a few years back. (Table setting can be viewed here: Patriotic Table for Two)

Patriotic Flatware with Stripes and Stars

 

I love it for patriotic holidays. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Patriotic Table Setting

Red, White & Blue Flatware for Patriotic Holidays

 

You may have seen this shark flatware in a recent table for Tablescape Thursday. (Table setting can be viewed here: Your Coconut Monkey Drink Awaits)

Whimsical FishStix Shark Flatware

 

It’s available here: Shark Flatware but I think it may be out of stock at the moment. (Table setting can be viewed here: 4th of July Table Setting with Patriotic Flag Dishware)

FishStix Shark Flatware_wm

 

I love the fin on each piece and the funny shark face. It’s great for any summer table, especially one with a beach or water theme.

Shark Fish Flatware for a Nautical Table

 

Another nautical flatware I love to use is this one.

Beach Table Setting with Shell and Sailboat Plates

 

I found this sailboat flatware online at Ross a few years back, but it’s available for much less here: Sailboat Flatware (Table setting can be viewed here: Beach Table with Lighthouse Lantern Centerpiece)

Sailboat Nautical Flatware

 

Another flatware that I use from time to time is this one pictured below. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Red, White & Blue for Patriotic Holidays)

Red, White & Blue Table for Patriotic Holiday

 

The design reminds me of a rope and feels very nautical. This flatware is available here: Rope Flatware  (Table setting can be viewed here: A Lobster & Crab Fest)

Beach Table Setting Tablescape with Lobster Salad Plates and Shell Chargers_wm (2)

 

Red flatware comes in handy for so many tables. It works for fall, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and patriotic holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day. (Table setting can be viewed here: Celebrating the First Days of Autumn)

Fall Table Setting with Leaf Themed Dishware and Red Flatware

 

This Hampton Forge pattern is available here: Hampton Forge Flatware (Table setting below can be viewed here: Christmas Table with Magnolia and Nandina Centerpiece)

Red Flatware

 

Here’s how it looked in a safari-themed table setting. (Tablescape can be viewed here: African Safari)

Safari Table Setting with Noritake Colorwave and Alpine Toile Dinnerware

 

I also like to mix flatware occasionally. Don’t have enough place settings of one particular flatware? No problem, mixing different flatware patterns together can add a lot of interest to a table setting.

Christmas-Table-Setting-with-Better-Homes-and-Garden-Dishware

 

The deer antler flatware below was found on eBay many years ago. (Table setting can be viewed here:  Dashing Through the Snow)

Christmas Table Setting with Plaid Plates and Antler Flatware_wm

 

I love using this whimsical twig flatware in fall settings. (Table setting can be viewed here: Autumn Table Setting with Spode Woodland)

Fall Tablescape Table Setting with Spode Woodland, Pumpkin Tureens and Twig Flatware

 

I had to use it in this snowy table for the birds. 🙂 (Table setting can be viewed here: Winter Table Setting for the Birds)

Christmas Village by David Carter Brown with Twig Flatware

 

I first purchased it in dark brown HERE. (Table setting can be viewed here: Romantic Dinner in the Garden) Update: I believe this same flatware is now available in three colors here: Twig Flatware

Table Setting Tablescape with Kim Parker Emma's Garden Chargers,, Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Dinner Plates, Herend Rothschild Bird Salad Plates, and Twig Flatware_wm

 

When it became available in silver I had to have it. (Table setting can be viewed here: Feminine Table with Silver Accents)

Silver Twig Flatware Table Setting

 

I love it especially in a Christmas or Winter setting. (Winter table can be viewed here: Winter Table Setting)

Update:  This flatware is currently out of stock where I first purchased it, but I’m pretty sure this is the same flatware here: Silver Twig Flatware

Snowflake Napkin Ring and Silver Twig Flatware

 

Gourmet Settings makes some really whimsical flatware and I love this pattern. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Dapper-Dressed Animals Gather)

Whimsical Table Setting With Gourmet Settings Treble Clef Flatware_wm

 

I bought this curly flatware in HomeGoods many years ago, but it’s also available here: Gourmet Settings (Table setting can be viewed here: Halloween Table Setting with Owl Cupcakes)

David Carter Brown Pumpkin Hollow Halloween Plates 2

 

I found this silly polkadot and stripe flatware on eBay a few years back. I don’t know who makes it.
Striped & Polka Dot Green & White Flatware

 

I like to mix it with another pattern I have in a similar color. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Dining on the Summer Porch)

Summer Table with Green Polka Dot & Striped Flatware

 

I purchased this whimsical bee flatware  many years ago.  (Table setting can be viewed here: St. Patrick’s Day Tea

Bee Flatware

 

It must be a very popular pattern because it is still being made and is available here: Bee Flatware. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Springtime Tablescape with Bee Skep Lidded Bowls)

Napoleon Bee Flatware

 

Another flatware that I’ve collected in several colors over the years is this pattern, also by Hampton Forge. Below you’ll see it in cobalt blue and it’s available here in a variety of colors: Cobalt Blue (Tablescape can be viewed here: Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July)

4th of July Tables Setting Tablescape with Jean Flatware Holder and Warren Kimble Dishware

 

I love using this pattern in black for Halloween. In addition to the link above, you’ll find it available here: Black Flatware. (Tablescape can be viewed here: Halloween Table Setting with Mercury Glass Pumpkins)

Halloween Table, Crows, Mercury Glass Pumpkins

 

I think I found this green bamboo flatware in Tuesday Morning, either there or at HomeGoods. It’s been so long, I don’t remember now. (Table setting can be viewed here:  Spring Table with Daffodil and Moss Centerpiece)

Spring Table in Green with Bunnies

 

It’s after 10:00, so I need to get this post published, but I’ll continue adding to it today because it will be a great post to refer back to when I get questions about the flatware I’m using in a particular table setting.

Here’s how I store my flatware, in plastic “shoebox” containers I found for $1 in Home Depot. I like that they are clear, allowing me to see into them without opening each one. You can view more of this dishware closet here: Dishware Storage

Flatware Storage

 

To see all the chargers I use when setting a table, check out this post: 17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party.

Pssst: I post almost daily to Instagram. Follow Between Naps on the Porch on Instagram here: Between Naps On The Porch.

Looking forward to all the beautiful tablescape shared for this week’s Tablescape Thursday!

Tablescape Thursday

 

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Comments

  1. I really enjoyed this post Susan, thank you for putting it all together! We need some more flatware at the beach and I am on waiting list for the shark flatware that you recently shared, but I am tempted to go ahead and get the sailboats instead, decisions, decisions! Thanks for the party today!

    • Hope they get the shark back in soon. I absolute love it and it makes me smile every time I use it. When I had a cookout on the porch, my guests got the biggest kick out of it.

  2. Susan, this is a wonderful “reference” post. It is from your inspiration that I’ve added several sets of flatware to our cupboards. I think it drives my husband crazy, but when I find something fun and different ~ well, what can I say? Great idea to store them in the clear shoe boxes. I need to rethink how I store our sets. I saw the flag flatware at Tuesday Morning earlier this summer. It was by Pfaltzgraff. I didn’t bring it home because we weren’t planning to entertain for the 4th, and I already have plenty of patterns that work for red, white, and blue. I still yearn for a set of the bee flatware. Perhaps one of these days. ‘-)
    Glad you have a good trip. Hope it was to see the babies.

    • That’s right, I think Pfaltzgraff makes one, too. Sarah, do you remember if it had the lines going through it like the Warren Kimble flatware and Warren Kimble Colonial dishware does? I’d love a set of the gold accented bee flatware but have resisted so far. I may cave eventually. lol

  3. The bee flatware is my favorite. I don’t collect flatware, but this post certainly makes me want to. I find that some of the thin handled flatware, while beautiful and clever, does not fit a hand very well when in use – although it looks perfect in a tablescape. I prefer flatware with a more comfortable handle, such as the bee flatware and many of the others have. You have a beautiful collection, so keep the new ones coming so we can all live vicariously through you.

  4. Love them all! I love and have several sets of flatware and several sets of dishes. Always try to set a beautiful table. Also, napkins (cloth) in all colors. For some reason I am drawn to napkins and tablecloths. My linen closet is full. I think I must have been a “great” southern lady in my past life since I was born in the south. Thank you for sharing.

  5. This post was great! I do have a question. Where did you get the plates with the owls and dog on them? My daughter loves owls and she has a dog that looks just like the dog on the plate! Thanks again for this great post!

  6. bobbi duncan says

    Great post, Susan. I love all your varied flatware that adds that “something extra” to the table setting. You always come up with such wonderful and lovely tablescapes. Know you had a ball with the grandbabies. Hugs.

    • Thanks, Bobbi! I did, I sure do miss them today. My son sent me a video of my grandson walking around looking for me yesterday and asking if I was hiding. So bitter sweet. I’m glad he misses me but made me sad we don’t live closer.

  7. Another wonderful post…many thanks for the great ideas that I get from your table decorating. I take your tablescapes and make them my own by shopping in my home. (Although I have been known that buy one or two items similar to yours. Chuckle.)

  8. Hi Susan, you have a great variety of flatware, I love all the different sets. I’m sad that the twig flatware is no longer available from West Elm, I really liked the silver version of it.

    I was able to purchase on sale (from Horchow) the gold trim version of the Napoleon Bee flatware. Napoleon Bee Gold is really pretty, plus it’s large and substantial. It looks really nice with floral or botanical dinnerware.

    Thanks again for another great Tablescape Thursday! :0)

  9. Kathy B. says

    Love this post, Susan, and have a quick question for you. How many place settings do you usually purchase…six, eight, twelve? Just wondering what your thoughts are on the perfect number.

    Thanks!

    • Thanks, Kathy! I wrote a post about that a really long time ago, I’ll link it here: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/how-many-place-settings-should-i-buy-when-shopping-for-china/
      Years ago, I used to think I needed 12 of everything, I guess because that’s what I purchased for my everyday and my formal dishware when I got married and later for my Christmas dishware. But then I realized, I really don’t need that many in every pattern I buy.
      So now, I normally buy 6 or 8 place settings. I will often buy 1 extra plate for breakage if I can afford it and it’s available. It just makes me nervous having exactly 6 of a dinner or salad plate because if one gets broken, I can’t set a table for six. Thank goodness for eBay and Replacements.com, though!
      So, just think about how you’ll be using it. If it’s for every day, I’d at least go with 12 settings if you can just so you don’t have to wash dishes all the time. If it’s Christmas china and you usually have over a lot of family/friends, you may even want more than 12, although I LOVE mixing sets at Christmas. 🙂 Also, there are so many gorgeous holiday patterns, it’s fun to own more than one. So you may just want six of each and blend together two different patterns or use them at different tables depending on how many you’ll be serving.
      I mostly buy 6 or 8 place settings since that’s what my dining table seats, 8 with the leaf and 6 without. Plus, the porch table seats 6…and try to add one in for breakage.
      So just consider when you’ll be using it, how many folks will be typically eating when you do use it, is it for holidays or for every day use, etc…
      Also, it depends on where you buy it. HomeGoods gets dishware in and if you think you want X number of settings, you need to buy it then because it’s almost impossible to find it later. I’ve been known to drive around to 3-4 HomeGoods in one day to accumulate enough of a pattern I really loved.

    • Kathy, another thing I should add, a lot of the time I just buy the salad plates in a pattern. If you have dinner plates in a basic cream or white color, you can create a whole new table with just new salad plates, especially for holidays. Salad plates aren’t normally that expensive in HomeGoods, Marshalls, World Market, etc… and that’s really all you need sometimes to create a pretty table setting.
      Check out this older post for more info on that: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/how-to-create-beautiful-table-settings-on-a-budget-welcome-to-the-132nd-tablescape-thursday/

  10. Oh my gosh, Susan, talk about bad influence, lol! I started at the top, “ooh, I like that one”, then the next one, “that one”, then the next, “no, that’s my favorite”….on and on, link after link. I think I had nearly 10 windows open by the end of the post. Your tablescapes really make every one of the flatware sets sing. I so enjoy all the tablescape posts and your hosting this party – even if you have been a bad influence! Oh yea, love the storage post too – I still remember the tell all of where you keep it – amazes me, and I love that closet with shelves (couldn’t convince my hubster to go along with that idea, even though I still think it’s brilliant).

  11. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of buying flatware, much to my hubby’s dismay. You have a great collection and I love how you style the tables and make the same set look and feel different.

    • Thanks, Sandra! I’m the same way, I love finishing off a table setting with a unique flatware. The flatware can really make such a difference. I bet your hubby love the finished result!

  12. Patricia says

    How on earth did I never notice that Bee pattern! Ordered two sets- Horchows owes you a commission!! I also love the colored ceramic handle flatware, but I have had the worst luck with the handles seperating from the tines and blades- does that ever happen to you? It’s kept me from buying other sets that have interested me over the years.

    • You will love it, Patricia…I love mine! Yeah, plastic handled flatware doesn’t hold up to the heat inside a dishwasher very well. I usually just wash that type flatware by hand to be on the safe side.

  13. Linda Page says

    OK, I have been giving this some very deep and intense thought and have come to the conclusion that you have too much flatware, you need new flatware and I will be happy to take the old flatware off of you hands and give it a good home. I will bring an empty suitcase with me in Oct so I can haul it off for you. I mean, what are friends for? Just thinking of what is in your best interest………and mine!!!! Love all of the table settings, especially the Halloween owls and puppy dog!

  14. Mary Anne Looby says

    Does the six or eight apply to the flatware as well as the place settings? I cannot imagine having all that dinnerware and flatware, although I would love to have it. I don’t think there is one that I would say no to!

    • It seems like flatware always comes in 4-place settings or 8-place setting. I like to have at least 8 place settings so if it comes in 4-place settings, I buy two sets. If I think I’ll be using it a lot or as my daily flatware, I’ll usually get 12 place settings since that’s the number of place settings I always buy for dishware I use often or daily.
      Thanks, Mary Anne!

  15. Everything is beautiful and such perfect organization! Wish I had a daughter just like you to help me organize. Thanks for putting in the links to look back at previous posts. I was reviewing some of the Christmas settings. One mentioned magnolia and nandina. I used to pick fresh nandina for Christmas arrangements. So easy to stick in an empty dry vase and it keeps it’s color for months. Thanks for all the inspiration!

    • Thanks Mary! Appreciate your sweet words! I love decorating with natural greenery at Christmas…my favorite! Nandina is really pretty, I especially love the berries for decorating with a Christmastime.

  16. What a charming collection of flatware. Very seminal. What an inspiration you are to so many of us! I love how beautifully you maintain your home and I truly have learned so much from you.

    I don’t have as much flatware as you do but I do have loads of dishes. So many that my husband says a have “dish lust”. He’s right. Over the years he’s asked “When is enough enough?” I always say “Never! This is art. It is always evolving.” But I must admit that I do feel guilty sometimes. Especially around my minimalist “worthy” friends. We do give generously in different parts of the world. We even put a well in India for a village that had no access to clean water. But I do love beautiful things. I wonder, does the thought of over consumption ever plague you? Maybe you could share your thoughts on that sometime. IF you want to. :0)

  17. Thanks so much for the links to the various flatware patterns! I have been looking for some blue so will go to the link you provided. You have alot more patterns than I do. I also store them in clear shoe boxes:) Have a great weekend. And thanks for hosting!!!!!

  18. Susan, Thanks I enjoyed seeing your flatware storage system! I wish I had closet storage for those clear stacking boxes. Our house was built in the 80s, the decade for big hair, not big closets. 😉 I have my sets stored in gallon size storage bags in wire drawer baskets, not beautiful but functional. I have twig flatware envy too…if it ever comes available again, I might not be able to resist!

  19. Thanks, Mary! I hope they bring the twig flatware back, too. I’ve seen other styles online but this was the one I like best because it looked most realistic.

  20. Lisa polinsky says

    Hi Susan,
    Your bee flatware has always been my favorite. Hoping someday you will do a post about bedroom linens and how you dress your beds.
    Hugz, lisa

    • Thanks, Lisa! Were you thinking about the master bedroom or the guest room? What type of info were you thinking about regarding the bedding?

  21. Loved this post Susan! I have an ongoing love affair with just a few things: dinnerware, throw pillows, cordial glasses and of course, flatware! I had the shark flatware in my cart for the LONGEST time but ultimately went with Vintage 1876 by Zwilling JA Henckels.
    I agree that a red set is so versatile – good to have many colors – that and a few sets of white dishes and some colorful linen napkins will get you very far as a hostess!
    I’ve always loved your bee flatware and now that we have a beach cottage I think I may have to get the shark set next – sadly my husband does not understand this at all, Bless his heart!

  22. Ahoy!! I JUST GOT the sailboat flatware!!! Luv it! franki

  23. Cyndi Raines says

    Love it all Susan! Hubby’s don’t understand. When I was making the seashell chargers I had such a debate with myself on which flatware to purchase – a shell pattern or the sailboat pattern. What a hard decision. I went with the shell pattern and am enjoying it, and then you mentioned the sailboat pattern was on sale. Yikes!! What a temptation! Haven’t caved yet, but it is really tempting. Sometimes I struggle too with “when is it enough”, but I really do love all the different patterns. The Bee pattern is just over the top! ha – maybe someday… (smile).

    • I’ve been eyeing some of the shell patterns, love those! I haven’t caved yet on the shell pattern but I have a feeling it will get me eventually. lol
      I know, the bee pattern is amazing! I would love to see it in person!

  24. claudette flanigan says

    Um, is it normal to drool over flatware? This is just the best collection, Susan! That nautical one, the red set, an the green polka dot set are my favorites. I know I have seen most of these tablesettings, but when flatware is the feature topic here I really took note. Lucky you!

  25. Carolyn Leighton says

    If you plant scaevola, you will have plenty of honeybees. They love it!!
    Great for hanging baskets or pots. Beautiful shade of periwinkle or
    white.

  26. Love this post, but thank goodness my dish obsession (mostly Fiesta) does not extend into the flatware realm. I’d need a bigger house, and more than likely, a new husband. Out of curiosity, how (or ) do you, set your table on a daily basis?

    • lol Too funny, Bernie!
      No, not on a daily basis since I’m no longer married and my son is grown and has his own house/family. I do when I have family or friends over for a porch party or for a holiday dinner, etc… I love it so enjoy doing that as often as I can.

  27. WOW ! Love all the flatware and the way you store it – perfect! Because of your inspiration I purchased some red/white/blue polka dot flatware I found at Ross and have been using them all summer. Now I know how to store them! I am dish crazy – and have just retired my Yorktowne Pfaltzgraff for plain white so I can mix and match with my “good” white china, Blue Willow, some red accents, and recently found a set of dishes with fruit motif ….but I am at war with myself because I swear I am trying to declutter and simplify….until I see something in Ross/HomeGoods/Marshalls/DollarStore….a conundrum for sure. Next project is to organize all my napkins. Like you, I love setting a table – and do it everyday for my dear husband and myself – placemat, cloth napkin, small centerpiece/candle – making everyday special. Going to check out the link to your storage – may be moving and downsizing soon and building, so I need ideas! Thanks, as always, for your great posts ! PS…it is so hot here we couldn’t use our screen porch this week…but tonight…YES !

    • lol Ann, you sound like me. 🙂 I want to eventually downsize to a little cottage house but I don’t want to get rid of any of my dishware because I love entertaining too much. I think I’ll just have to make sure I have a lot of closets. Fortunately, dishes don’t take up that much room. It’s usually cups/saucers and stemware that takes up a lot of space. Since I don’t drink coffee, except for ice coffee occasionally, I don’t usually buy the cups and saucers. I have them with a few of china patterns so do have some in case guests want coffee after dinner, but that frees up a lot of storage, not buying those.
      Yeah, this has really been the hottest summer in a long time. I still use my porch in the mornings and the evenings, too. We kind of went from spring to August weather. Crazy!

  28. Scarlett says

    Love your site! You inspire not only myself but my 17 year old daughter. Whenever I want the table to look nice, she is right there ready to create a beautiful experience for us! Your every detail makes for such unique and inspiring examples for us! I love this post highlighting flatware. Maybe you could do a similar one for your awesome napkin rings?! 😉

    • Aww, your daughter sounds wonderful, Scarlett. How lucky you guys are, because you get to enjoy her talents! I’m jealous! 🙂 That’s a good idea, I should try to put a post together for napkin rings. Thanks for the suggestion!

  29. Hi Susan,
    I found your blog while hunting for a pattern that I own of flatware and I was wondering if you might be interested in selling yours. It is the green polka dot and striped one from Pottery Barn. I found mine in an consignment store and wanted to add to it. Could you please let me know if you are interested?
    Thanks,
    Perrie~

    • Hi Perrie,
      I still use mine a good bit in table settings so I’m not ready to part with it. I hope you are able to find more to complete your pattern. Probably the best place to look would be either eBay, Etsy or Replacements.com. Best of luck, hope you find it!

  30. Thanks for your help!

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