3 Perfect Gifts for Bridal Shower

I was invited to an old friend’s wedding a few months ago, and was on the fence about going. It was in Florida, which meant that I would have to fly there and find a hotel, but I really wanted to catch up with my old college friends, and spending the weekend on the beach sounded pretty nice too. I decided to go at the last minute, and was going over my flight info the week before when I realized I had to get her some gifts for bridal shower and a wedding gift! In a panic, I went online to my favorite place to get fine china dinnerware—Silverspoonstore.com. They have a great selection of bridal gifts for unbelieveable prices. I ended up getting her the Bellina by Lenox Frame, the Bellina by Lenox Ringholder and the Floating Hearts by Lenox Champagne Flutes. They were shipped to my apartment before I left for the trip which was such a relief. She ended up loving my gifts and everyone at the shower was asking where I found such great stuff. Since there’s no sense in keeping a great place like SilverspoonStore.com a secret, I told them all about my favorite site!

Dinner Parties for Dummies

So you agreed to host a dinner party and are panicking because you’ve never thrown one before and really can’t cook. Well, fear not. There are tons of ways you can impress your guests for a dinner party (even if you’re secretly plating take-out). With the right combination of fine china dinnerware, sparkling silver and stemware and nice crisp table linens, your guests will be so dazzled the food will be secondary.

Plates:
If you’re going for a classy, upscale dinner party you’re going to need matching plates. Fine china dinnerware would be ideal, but if time is of the essence, any cohesive set you have that matches would work. Chargers also are a classy touch to otherwise simple plates.

Hostess Sets:
If you don’t have a hostess set or have no idea what constitutes a hostess set, you should start your research. They are a really elegant way to serve the food and is a subtle way of tying the table together and many are available at your dinner party headquarters, The Silver Spoon Store. 

Table Linens:
If you want to really impress, and protect your table at the same time, you’re going to need some nice table linens. One to cover the table and then individual napkins for each place setting.

Everything You Needed to Know About Fine China Dinnerware

There is tons of variety when it comes to fine china dinnerware, whether it’s the design, the pattern, the brand or the materials. With all this variety comes a lot of terminology. It’s wedding season which means people are going to be buying a lot of fine china dinnerware and hostess sets. If you’re looking for the perfect dinnerware set, here is some information on how to distinguish bone china from stoneware:

•    Bone china- the strongest of the fine china materials. Is lightweight, dainty, and gleams in light. Bone china is a double-fired combination of porcelain and bone ash. It is semi-opaque and has a pearlescent quality about it.
•    Porcelain- Often confused with bone china, porcelain is luxurious, lustrous, and has an impermeable finish.
•    Ironstone- This fine material is created as a slightly more durable alternative to porcelain. It is less formal and suitable for formal and informal events.
•    Earthenware- One of the most popular materials, earthenware is slightly heavier than the other materials and has a simple appearance that makes it perfect for daily use.
•    Stoneware- This heavyweight, non-porous material is also perfect for everyday use. It can withstand years of use and when taken care of can last for years to come.

3 Unique Styles of Gorham Silverware

Gorham knows a thing or two about fine silverware; they’ve been at it since 1831! The Gorham line got its start when Jabez Gorham began making coin silver spoons to respond to demand throughout New England.

Gorham’s dedication to unrivaled quality that you can only get through old world craftsmanship shines in each and every piece of Gorham silverware that has been produced over the last 170 years.

The Gorham line features some really gorgeous flatware designs, and if you’re buying gifts for bridal shower or weddings, you can be sure that your gift will be well-received. Here are three Gorham silverware styles that are sure to please even the pickiest bride-to-be:

Blossom by Gorham 65 Piece Set

The Blossom designs are akin to a more classic, simple style playing on the Gorham's original designs.

Golden Criteria by Gorham 45 Piece Set 

The Golden Criteria design is clean and simple and the subtle gold edging as a bit of style, without being over-the-top.

Marabella by Gorham 65 Piece Set

Marabella's design is sleek, deco, and contemporary. The square handles really add a modern touch to traditionally beautiful flatware style. 

Gifts for Bridal Shower

My little sister is getting married in December. Odd time of the year to get married, but she kept pushing the date back to accommodate everyone’s schedule. I told her to have it anytime she wanted, and to forget about all of the other people, but she’s very proper about these sorts of things.

When I was placed in charge of her bridal shower, I knew that gifts for bridal shower would be a hot topic among all of our family. Since I had first dibs, I decided to get her something that she would really appreciate, something classy and elegant. I decided to go in with my mom on some fine china dinnerware. Mom bought the plates, and I bought the Gorham silverware.

Well, we had the shower last week. I was impressed with all of the gifts for bridal shower that people bought – there were some really nice things! But I have to say, none were as nice as the Gorham silverware and fine china dinnerware that Mom and I bought Mel. She loved our gift the best, and not just because of the family ties. Of course they were nice presents, but the real reason she liked them is because it matched her character. So if you have an upcoming bridal shower, buy something that fits the bride to be.

Weddings and Gifts

Weddings are a celebratory ritual that allow for the coming together of friends, families, and strangers. Flowers, dancing, food, drink – a wedding is a cause for happiness that few other events in life can equal. The spring and summer are especially popular times to celebrate the union of two individuals. Purity, sanctity, and promise are all virtues that are upheld and honored during this time.

If you are attending a wedding soon, you want to provide the lucky couple with a gift that reflects the seriousness of their decision to come together. Fine china dinnerware or hostess sets make fine gifts for bridal shower too.

These presents, since they are of high quality, will be used by the couple for years. Ideally, even as they age into their golden years, they will remember who gave them such a gift. Wouldn’t you like for your present to be remembered and appreciated until death do you part?

Fine china dinnerware and Reed and Barton silverware make excellent gifts for bridal shower or the wedding celebration. If you are thinking about what to get the couple whose wedding you’re attending, think about giving a true impression of friendship with a lasting present of quality.

The Dinner Party Moment

There’s a certain feeling one gets when at a nice dinner party.

You walk in to the ornate dining room, and the long maple table shimmers in spots where Gorham silverware and fine china dinnerware aren’t covering it. The table is set for at least ten, and hot plates are already in position, awaiting the arrival of food. On top of the placemats are gold chargers and on top of those, sit the fine china dinnerware and red folded napkins, ringed. Each napkin ring is different, some have diagonal stripes, others have small silver stamped designs, but none look out of place; in fact, it seems as though they all came in the same set. The chandelier dangles and light refracts through the crystal while below it the flames of the two high candles jump and flicker. Two forks, two spoons, two glasses; it seems like everything comes in pairs. The china cabinet that holds all of this fine china dinnerware when it’s not in use sits at one end of the room, and you can see into the living room down through the hallway with the baby grand piano and large light brown leather couches.

As everyone sits at their places, you wait for the hostess to be seated. She lifts her Gorham silverware fork and with that, everyone begins to eat.

Hostess Sets Resonate Love

The springtime is a very popular time for weddings, and you know what that means. Gifts for bridal shower time. You’re probably poring over your registry, trying to decide what to get and how much to spend. It can be stressful because you want to get something that is meaningful and not just tossed onto a heap of wedding gifts. There are so many companies out there that claim to have quality hostess sets but sell cheap stuff, or overprice the hostess sets that are quality. If you want to make the process easier, visit www.SilverSpoonStore.com to do your shopping.

If you’re looking for fine china dinnerware, you’ve come to the right place. We have Gorham silverware, Reed and Barton silverware, hostess sets and tons of other gifts for bridal shower. This fine china dinnerware is the perfect wedding gift because it is high quality and will last for years of dinner parties. Reed and Barton silverware is some of the finest in the world – in the Francis I collection, each individual piece has a different floral or fruit arrangement and is made from sterling silver.

These hostess sets will delight your bride because they are high quality; the kind of silverware that is passed down for generations and is not meant for everyday use, but for those special occasions, like when you come over for dinner.

Hostess Sets, Serving Sets, Entertainment Sets…What’s the Difference?

In the world of fine china dinnerware and flatware, there are many terms thrown about. These terms can be pretty mind-boggling if you have no experience with formal dining and the items that you use during such a dinner. Admittedly, there are a lot of things that look identical, but have completely different functions. Three things that often get confused in the world of formal dining are hostess sets, serving sets, and entertainment sets.  Hopefully this blog post will help shed some light on the differences between these three similar sets.

Hostess sets:                  

Hostess sets typically include a tablespoon, a pierced tablespoon, a sugar spoon and a butter serving knife.

Serving Set:

Serving sets are generally composed of a cold meat fork, a gravy ladle and a tablespoon.

Entertainment Set:

An entertainment set usually is a large serving spoon, a large serving fork, and a pastry server.




For the best selection of hostess sets, serving sets, entertainment sets and more, be sure to visit www.silverspoonstore.com.

Tea Lover Gifts for Bridal Shower: Royal Albert Teacup & Saucer Set

There’s something refined about drinking tea.

Maybe it’s the image we have of royals sipping their afternoon teas in their elaborate palaces.

Maybe it’s the vast history—it has been said that tea was introduced sometime around the 10th century.
After water, it is the most widely consumed beverage in the world.

Any tea lover will tell you that a good cup of tea is even better when it’s in a beautifully decorated-fine boned china tea cup.

If you’re looking for gifts for bridal shower the 100 Years of Royal Albert 10-Piece Teacup & Saucer Set is the perfect gift for the bride-to-be, who loves tea. This beautiful set is composed of 5 tea cups and 5 saucers from Royal Albert, a successful British china company with rich history, dating back to 1896.

The 5 teacups and saucers are fine-boned china, have gold banding, are dishwasher safe, have a commemorative back stamp, and are beautifully packaged. The distinctive patterns pay homage to the Royal Albert brand’s vitality and longevity combining rich classic shapes, and ornate and delicate floral design patterns.

For more great gifts for bridal shower, visit the SilverSpoonStore.com today!

Fine China Dinnerware for Birthdays

I’ve given my closest friends theater tickets, day spa vouchers, clothes, jewelry, lingerie and all sorts of things over the years for their birthdays, but these days, I like to give them fine china dinnerware because it’s something they can treasure and remember me by forever. And I’m not talking full, formal dinnerware sets of plates because they already have those.

I’m talking about individual, one-off pieces of fine china dinnerware with striking or quirky designs that bring color to the dining table. After all, it can be a little boring when everything looks the same, especially when you’re just having a casual meal. In my opinion, you can never have enough serving plates and platters, and serveware with an off-beat look really creates a talking point when you’re hosting. Recently, for her 40th birthday, I gave one of my friends a gorgeous Arabesque by Dansk fish-shaped platter, which I found through www.SilverSpoonStore.com. Blue and white, it’s such a cute piece, perfect for holding bread rolls or cheese at the table. Now my other friends all want one for their birthdays!

Freshen Up Your Dinnerware This Spring With Gorham Silverware and Plates!

Spring is a time for renewal.

So this spring, why don’t you take a cue from Mother Nature and renew your dinnerware, flatware, and hostess sets, with a fresh and exciting look. The mild weather makes people who’ve been cooped up inside all winter want to get out, socialize, and celebrate.

There’s no better way to celebrate the new season of flowers, fresh air, and sunshine than by throwing a spring soiree using some new dinnerware.

Plate your food with Gorham’s Square Butterfly Menagerie Plates and don’t go without the matching Gorham silverware. The square plates are a great alternative to plain old round dinnerplates and the vibrant colors really brighten up the party. No hostess is complete without a matching serving tray, and luckily Gorham has you covered there too. When used with the Gorham silverware and hostess sets, you have a fresh, exciting take on the classic spring dinner party.

If you want a little more spring in your step be sure to get the Gorham Color Rings glasses which come in a variety of styles. These art deco glasses are a stylish, pretty way to dress up a typical drinking glass.

If you’re interested in getting a little spring freshness in your dinnerware, check out Silverspoonstore.com where you’ll find the Gorham Butterfly Mengarie items on sale for 30% off.

1800 Reed and Barton Silverware and Hostess Sets Make Great Gifts

One of my biggest problems is that I always use my china or flatware that is supposed to be reserved for fancy occasions.

What can I say, I like bringing out my fine china, even if I’m having macaroni and cheese for dinner. It makes me feel fancy!

But using your fancy stuff everyday can be pretty hard on them, especially fine china dinnerware and I've recently found a few chips in my favorite set.

A friend of mine who I have over for dinner at least once a week, recognized my compulsive need to use fine flatware and china on every occasion and bought me the 1800 Reed and Barton Silverware and hostess set.

It was the sweetest thing! The flatware is amazing and the understated elegant design looks good whether I’m serving take out or Foie Gras.

I like fancy flatware because it’s heavy and durable, and trust me when I say that Reed and Barton Silverware is no exception. It looks great with my matching hostess set. The hostess set comes with a tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, a sugar spoon and a butter serving knife, and the set shares the same elegant simplicity of the Reed and Barton flatware.

Now my next project is to find dinnerware that is this versatile.

Fine China Dinnerware is Fine for Any Occasion

A lot of homeowners are interested jazzing up their dinnerware by investing in bone china pieces, although some worry that these purchases will only be used during special occasions. This reluctance is understandable, however bone china is not exclusive to special events. In fact, many sets of fine china dinnerware are ideal for more frequent use.

One of our favorite collections is the Blanc Sur Blanc series by Vera Wang, a designer known for her elegant minimalism. In this bone china set, Wang keeps it simple with a snow white base, matte border details, and a subtle platinum edge. The end result is modern and refined, but not so formal as to be reserved for special evenings only.

Another everyday fine china dinnerware set is Lenox's Continental Dining Platinum collection, similar to the Vera Wang in that it begins with pristine white bone china. These Lenox pieces are accented with platinum rings, and each is crafted to be both microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

With all of these options for hostess sets, it's no wonder more and more homeowners are investing in fine china dinnerware. Explore these elegant collections and more at www.SilverSpoonStore.com today.

The Best Gifts for Bridal Shower Registries

If you're in the process of registering for your bridal shower gifts, you might be asking yourself, What don't I need? Furniture, appliances, hostess sets—all of these things will be helpful in starting your new life. And fortunately, all of these are appropriate gifts for bridal shower registries. Let's talk about hostess sets.

One basic category that you shouldn't overlook when registering for gifts is flatware. A lot of couples begin their marriages in households furnished with mix-and-match silverware—a hodgepodge of IKEA sets you each bought in college, most likely.

These pieces will get the job done, of course, but if you're looking to entertain as a couple, your guests will be much more impressed with a set of Gorham or Reed and Barton silverware. Gorham silverware, especially, is a great buy for new couples, as the utensils are very sleekly designed and will go with almost any fine china dinnerware or other hostess sets you might receive.

So remember, don't be shy about asking for essential home items when selecting gifts for bridal shower registries. Your friends and family members will love giving you these timeless pieces, and it will allow you to spend your money on other expenses, like car payments and bills.

How To Plan A Tea Party Using Fine China Dinnerware

A lot of people these days don't drink tea or have tea parties as often as they used to. However, some people still do this, and they understand how fun something like this can be! I try to do a tea party at least once a month and I invite a few of my friends over for homemade crumpets and petit fours, tea sandwiches and of course... tea!

While these three things are great to begin with, you also have to consider what else to place on the table. You can go for a super modern look, or you could make it a little classier with fine China dinnerware items like teacup and saucers for your tea, sugar bowl for your cubed sugars, creamer bowl for your creamer or milk and side plates or dessert plates for the sandwiches.

I also like to add two other accessories as well. The first thing is a dome dessert tray for the crumpets, I've also been known to use cake stands with three or four layers for the petit fours as well as the sandwiches. Next, you also need silverware so you can choose from something like Gorham silverware or Reed and Barton silverware to match your plates, cups and saucers. Lastly, if you really want to make it dainty, you need antique linens and a tablecloth as well as a nice centerpiece - think vase and flowers.

You can also use those paper doilies instead of antique linens if you can't find them. If you would like to have your own tea party, or if you need gifts for bridal shower parties or hostess sets, visit our website for some of our products!

Showcase Your Wine with Versace Crystal Stemware

Appreciators of fine wine understand that enjoying a quality vintage is about more than just taste and smell—it’s an entire experience. Thus, pouring a luxury French or Italian bottle into a pair of bland wine glasses from your IKEA days simply will not suffice. Instead, might we recommend an investment in designer crystal stemware.

One of the hottest collections right now is the Versace Arabesque Amber group, featuring decadent patterning over a unique amber shade that illuminates glasses of red, white, and rosé alike. This collection includes traditional stemware, in addition to coordinating goblets and champagne flutes.

Moreover, you can truly complete your Arabesque Amber set by widening your search from crystal to barware, as this Versace line also includes beautiful red and white wine decanters, as well as whiskey and long drink glasses.

The Arabesque Amber collection is a true favorite at www.SilverSpoonStore.com, and shoppers might also enjoy the Arabesque Clear, which boasts the same elegant designs through perfectly clear crystal. Both of these stemware and barware collections are sure to upgrade the imbibing experience for sommeliers and amateurs alike.

Welcome to The Silver Spoon Store Blog!

I’m just the kind of guy who loves having guests. All the time. My wife thinks I’m crazy but hey, what can you do? I just enjoy making everybody happy! I love when people love my food, my home, my hospitality and it simply makes me happy.

Yet, having guests always takes a lot of work and preparation. Of course that not every time is dinnertime. It doesn’t have to be a big meal always, but it seems that even a relaxed wine & cheese night takes plenty of planning.

Because to me, it’s all about the design. I believe that how you serve the food matters more than what food you serve. It’s not that a Big Mac will taste better when you call it Bœuf À la carte, but when you have decent food and great looking dinnerware, well, magic will happen.

I can’t really tell you off hand how to design a good looking dinner. But this is why I have this blog. If you visit The Silver Spoon Store Blog occasionally, I promise you will learn everything there is to know about hospitality and how to serve food elegantly and tastefully.

You should also take a minute and visit us at www.SilverSpoonStore.com and browse through our magnificent selection of dinnerware, flatware, stemware and serveware. In our site you will also find an extensive buying guide and a full serveware glossary.

Go ahead and serve with style!