For most millennials, chances are the only set of silverware that’s likely to be in their home once belonged to their grandmother. And yet, registering for a set of silverware isn’t a long lost tradition—yet. O.K. fine, you don’t see much of this precious metal on your standard Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel registries—and to be perfectly honest, it’s an expensive set of items to ask your guests to buy as gifts. But, a well chosen silver registry, balanced out with some silicone spatulas of course, is still appropriate for most couples about to tie the knot. The only problem? Many marrying millennials don’t know the first thing about picking out silver. To help out, we reached out to Puiforcat Paris, the French silver house that has been in existence for nearly two hundred years. With twenty-six stores around the world, and a line of products available available on Moda Operandi, the brand remains an industry leader today. Below, we talk to Elvire Blasset, Puiforcat’s director of stores, who shares her nine top tips about registering for silverware.
1. Stay Away from Trends
“First and foremost, keep in mind that your flatware set is meant to last a lifetime. When selecting a pattern, do not focus on the latest trends or newest launch, and instead think about how you will use your flatware in the future. While you may continue to add to your entertaining collection along the way with the purchase of new dessert plates or small decorative table accessories, you’ll likely invest in a new, full flatware set only once.
2. It’s a Numbers Game
“The basic 5-piece set (dinner pieces, desert pieces, salad fork) is a must. People usually buy them by 6, 8, 12, even up to 18, depending how many people you can seat in your dining room and how often you like to entertain.”
3. Consider Those Extras
“More specific pieces such as fish forks and knives can be useful to register for, depending on what you like to cook, as well as smaller spoons. Tea and coffee spoons for instance may be used to serve different dishes like verrines, even if you don’t use them to stir milk and sugar into your hot drinks.”
4. And Versatile Items
“Register for a few extra large utensils, including dinner forks and dinner spoons. They can also used as serving tools for small dishes.”
5. It’s Often Pie Day
“Do not hesitate to register for several pie servers. Besides desserts, they are convenient for serving appetizers and sometimes main dishes. If you like to entertain large parties with buffets, you will also need more than one.”
6. And Since You’re Entertaining. . .
“To complement your flatware, additional silverware items are also good to have. Small accessories such as salt and pepper sets will always add an elegant touch to your table, as well as serving dishes and platters. The metal can easily be mixed with any porcelain pattern and therefore is very versatile.”
7. Don’t Forget About the Decor
“Beautiful decorative accessories such as picture frames and vases are wonderful additions to your silver collection. They’re often available, and add special touches in a home.”
8. Keep the Packaging
“When you open your wedding gifts be sure to keep the cloth pouches that your silver comes in. When not using it, the best way to preserve your silver—no matter the size or shape of the pieces—is to store everything in the cloth pouches as they will protect the material from air and heat.”
9. Shine On!
“The best way to ensure a great shine is to use a cream or a lotion specially formulated for silverware. Pour a small amount of lotion onto a soft cloth, and wipe the surface of the piece. Remove the excess of lotion with a clean soft fabric—always use a very soft material or you will scuff the surface of your item. The flatware should be washed with warm soapy water afterward.”
