The 20 Best Flatware Sets of 2021

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Long gone are the days when nice flatware—usually fine silverware—was only used sparingly and for special occasions. Couples today register for all sorts of flatware for every occasion, and many times what is considered "fancy" and "every day" are interchangeable. There are endless options to choose from, covering every style, color, material, and finish.

From vintage-inspired silverware to ultra-modern pieces, there’s truly something for everyone. Also, you don't like you have to stick to just one pattern! With so many possibilities, you may feel like registering for a couple of styles and mixing things up at your next dinner party. When you're registering, it's also helpful to think about other areas of your life that might be less expected— think reusable plastic flatware for your lunch or picnic excursions. Don’t worry— whatever the occasion, we’ve got you covered.

Here, the best flatware sets.

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Best Traditional Flatware: Degrenne Mikado Brushed Finish 5-Piece Set

Degrenne Mikado Brushed Finish set — Courtesy of Food52

Set your best table with this vintage-esque flatware set that looks effortlessly cool regardless of your aesthetic. Pair it with modern plates and funky napkins or your very best china—anything goes with these pretty gals.

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Most Versatile: Mepra Linea Italian 5-Piece Set

Mepra Italian Flatware, Linea — Courtesy of Food52

This modern flatware comes in five different colorways and finishes, making it the perfect addition to any table. Choose from finishes like black shine for a moody look, copper for a modern, trendy vibe, or gold brushed for a glam tablescape.

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Best Bamboo Flatware: Pottery Barn Bamboo Stainless Steel 5-Piece Set

Pottery Barn Bamboo Stainless Steel set — Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Bamboo-style flatware has been around for a while—we love this updated version in a stainless steel finish that works perfectly as your everyday set. It's a more casual shape mixed with an elegant silver finish, so it's perfect for both casual brunches and dinner parties alike.

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Best Modern: Cutipol Goa 3-Piece Set

Best Modern: Cutipol Goa set — Courtesy of Food52

This super contemporary flatware adds drama to a minimalist table with modern serving pieces and plates. The gold and black finish and slender silhouette makes it feel like the opposite of the old fashioned silverware you grew up with.

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Best Old World Flatware: Wallace Hotel 77-Piece Set

It may not actually be your grandmother’s flatware, but it’s a close second. This more ornate set has a certain charm that’s hard to deny—call it nostalgia, but we wouldn’t mind bringing these out next time we entertain.

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Best Travel Flatware: Anthropologie Reusable Travel 3-Piece Set

Anthropologie Reusable Travel Flatware — Courtesy of Anthropologie

Yes, sometimes you need your flatware to travel with you. Whether it be for a day at the beach, a meal on the go, or just for your everyday desk lunch, these pretty, cleverly designed sets are worth registering for.

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Best Dishwasher-Safe Flatware: Mepra Stiria 24-Piece Set

You may think that all modern flatware was created dishwasher safe, but many sets still require extra care. Make sure you always check before registering or buying—you have to be willing to commit to handwashing if your everyday flatware isn’t dishwasher safe! This set is versatile, stainless steel, and feels modern but not too modern for your morning cereal or eggs.

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Best Reusable Flatware: Sophistiplate Bella Black 48-Piece Set

Sophistiplate Bella Black Flatware — Courtesy of Food52

We'd be hard-pressed to find a set of reusable plastic flatware that’s as elevated and well designed as this. They’re BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe, and come in a set of 48. Can’t beat that for your next picnic in the park!

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Best Rose Gold Flatware: Kate Spade Malmo 5-Piece Set

Tubular handles and a chic rose gold finish make this flatware set unique but still perfect for everyday use. Your guests will oh and ah over it at your next dinner party, guaranteed.

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Most Unexpected Flatware: Sharecook Multicolor 5-Piece Set

Sharecook Multicolor set — Courtesy of Amazon

This modern iridescent flatware is a dream if you aren't a fan of the word “understated” and if you’re fully on board for using these aside equally playful plates. When you set the table with these shimmery statement makers, you can make your own rules.

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Best Gold Flatware: Hawkins New York Highland 5-Piece Set

Hawkins New York Highland Flatware Set — Courtesy of Verishop

This gorgeous gold flatware set falls somewhere between glam and handmade, and we’re into it. A shiny finish and nontraditional shape add interest to any tablescape. Don’t overwhelm the table with too many other metallic accents if you use these, however, as things could turn a bit flashy.

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Best Colorful Flatware: Mepra Fantasia Color 20-Piece Set

Mepra Fantasia Color Set — Courtesy of Food52

If you want color on your table, this flatware 100% serves that up (pun very much intended). With fourteen colorways to choose from (we especially love the more understated sage and sky blue), you can quite literally match your flatware to your china if you want. Looking for more variety on your table? Get the “sea” set and you’ll get mixed blues and greens, or the “earth” set that includes brown, white, and blues.

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Best Mixed Metallic Flatware: Crate and Barrel Tuscany 5-Piece Set

Crate and Barrel Tuscany set — Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

For those who crave the traditional flatware patterns, this banded set is perfect. A silver and gold-toned mix means it’ll go well with whatever metallic accents you already have on your table. With just enough weight to feel sturdy, you know it’ll stand the test of time.

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Best Modern Black Flatware: Cutipol Duna 5-Piece Set

This is among our all-time favorite dark and moody sets. Tapered handles and a brushed matte finish seal the deal, and we cannot get enough of that knife—it’s a sculptural work of art (bet you never thought you’d read that about a knife!).

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Best Geometric Flatware: CB2 Carter Shiny Steel 20-Piece Set

CB2 Carter Shiny Steel set — Courtesy of CB2

It’s not often you see flatware with a 3D geometric handle—this set is perfect for a couple that wants a cool and contemporary table. It feels special without being too fussy, it's also dishwasher safe so it’s perfect for everyday use.

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Best Traditional Black Flatware: Gourmet Settings Ebony 20-Piece Set

Service for four? Check. Modern black matte finish with an old-world shape? Check. Perfect for any occasion? Check. Any way you slice it, this pretty (and uber-affordable) set is the cool factor your table has been missing.

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Best Ombre Flatware: CB2 Pin Tumbled 20-Piece Set

Yes, ombre is still having a moment—at least in the form of this modern flatware. A two-toned gold and silver mash-up works beautifully thanks to the subtle fading from one color to the other. A tumbled, worn finish adds to the cool-factor.

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Best Black and Gold Flatware: CB2 Earl Gold and Resin 20-Piece Set

CB2 Earl Gold and Resin set — Courtesy of CB2

Quirky and cool, this black and white striped flatware set mixes resin and gold for a Beetlejuice meets Kelly Wearstler vibe. Best of all, the resin lends itself to a more laid back aesthetic and the gold fancies things up, so you can dress these babies up or down, depending on your mood.

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Best Wooden Flatware: Pottery Barn St. Michelle Pakka Wood 5-Piece Set

Pottery Barn St. Michelle Pakka set — Courtesy of Pottery Barn

This classic, slightly masculine style lends itself perfectly to a mountain home or ranch aesthetic. Dark brown wood and stainless steel create an air of sophistication and timelessness. These are hand wash only, but we think it’s worth the commitment.

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Best Preppy Flatware: Sabre Paris White Stripe 5-Piece Set

Sabre Paris White Stripe set — Courtesy of Yvonne-estelles

Nothing says preppy quite like a good stripe. With a look that appears hand-painted and perfectly imperfect, this nautical style would fit perfectly in both a seaside cottage or just your outdoor living space. The design is refined, yet playful, and begs to be used all summer long.

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