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Opinions needed on creating a set

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Author	Topic: Opinions needed on creating a set
chase33 Posts: 362 Registered: Feb 2008	posted 02-04-2010 10:27 PM Hello All, First, let me apologize in advance if this topic has been covered before. I searched the archives but didn't find anything about this topic. In a few of my last posts I spoke of two sets I had inherited from my grandparents (Gorham Etruscan and Manchester Gadroonette). Neither is a "complete" set. I would like to create a basic service for eight in order to pass them on to future family members. So far this is what I am aiming for: 8 each: place knives place forks salad forks flat butter spreaders dessert / oval soup spoons iced teaspoons 16 teaspoons 2 serving forks 2 serving spoons 2 pierced serving spoons 1 carving set 1 gave ladle 1 sugar spoon 1 pastry server Any opinions if there should be any additions or deletions? Thanks Robert IP: Logged
wev Moderator Posts: 4121 Registered: Apr 99	posted 02-05-2010 01:06 AM The Etruscan salad serving set is quite nice and useful. As mentioned in another post, I have settings in the pattern for 24, through no fault of my own. IP: Logged
Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 Registered: May 99	posted 02-05-2010 09:31 AM I don't know either pattern personally--but I would always opt for luncheon knives rather than butter spreaders. You shouldn't technically use a butter spreader at a formal meal (see Emily Post et al) but a luncheon knife can be used in many different ways. Likewise, luncheon forks are perfect standins as salad and dessert forks at a dinner. I know no one uses dessert spoons (what we would call a tablespoon now); but they are just as useful for soup as the round-bowled cream soup spoon invented in the late 19th century. I have no idea what pieces exist in these patterns, but this is just my two bits. To me the ideal service is: Dinner forks and knives Luncheon forks and knives Teaspoons; tablespoons Salad set Serving fork (meat) Serving spoon with holes Service spoon without holes. Of course, none of my silver matches anymore, because I'm so enthralled with different patterns. IP: Logged
salmoned Posts: 336 Registered: Jan 2005	posted 02-06-2010 03:54 AM Also, for the Etruscan set, I'd advise trying to get matching weight items, since they were produced in a few different weights. IP: Logged
Kayvee Posts: 204 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 02-06-2010 11:55 AM What a wonderful project! I'm sure putting together two sets will bring you a lot of pleasure. Because every family has different eating habits, favorite foods and entertaining styles it is difficult to give you specific suggestions. Do you serve appetizers/salad and also a dessert course that requires use of a fork? If so, then you'll want 16 salad/dessert forks. Do you entertain buffet style frequently? In that case you might consider another pastry or other flat-type server for all the flat foods served at a buffet. Good luck. IP: Logged
chase33 Posts: 362 Registered: Feb 2008	posted 02-06-2010 08:13 PM Thanks for everyone's opinions. These two sets are for two of the younger family members (one is 9 the other is 3) so I have awhile to finish! I have no idea how they will be entertaining in the future (I better be invited!), but I hadn't thought about double forks. I included the iced teaspoons since some members of my current family configuration drink unsweetened iced tea (shameful to admit that in the South!) and instead use Nutrasweet, Sweet-n-low and Splenda. If anyone else has more suggestions, I would be glad to hear them. Robert IP: Logged
taloncrest Posts: 169 Registered: Jun 2004	posted 02-06-2010 09:46 PM Yes, for the south, ice tea spoons are essential. Maybe not as much as in the old days, but the only pieces of my mother's wedding flatware (International's Eternally Yours) that were ever used in my memory were the sugar shell and the iced tea spoons. I like unsweetened ice tea myself. I want lots of sugar or none at all. IP: Logged

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