I adore gold flatware. I own several sets-- "as props" so you know it's completely justifiable that I have more flatware than I do friends who could actually use them. I've purchased some new, some used, all at a variety of price points. In the process of all this gold flatware... let's call it "collecting" I've become picky and precise about what I'm looking for. Like so many other great things, gold flatware is a bold statement and it can go a little tacky if not done thoughtfully. To fight the tack, I've pulled together some of my favorite gold flatware the internet has to offer (I'm especially obsessed with this set) and a few guidelines I use when sourcing this treasure. 

Look for simple silhouettes. Flatware is expensive and it accompanies every meal, which makes it different than your occasional serving items. Use serving items as an opportunity to be festive, funky, or trendy because you can mix and match and use those seasonally to create your tablescape. Sticking with a simple silhouette for your flatware creates an easy constant on the table that'll stay fresh and modern for years.

Compare the color tone and read reviews to see what other buyers have to say about the set you're considering. Oftentimes reviewers will mention if the gold coloring wasn't what they were expecting. The gold sets I have range from metallic yellow, to subtly orange, to brassy brown. I find each of these finishes beautiful but I wouldn't mix them on the table together. I like things that are visually different to be different enough that they appear different. Combining ever-so-slightly-not-quite-the-same golds together could look visually confused and jumbled. Pick your favorite gold and decisively use that.

Dare to mix. Okay, so this may sound like a contradiction to the above point, but hear me out. I'm talking about mixing various metals and finishes, such as gold, silver, nickel, brass, and wood, stone, plastic, etc. Just be sure that the differences are substantial enough to stand out. One of my favorite gold sets for example is stainless steel paired with gold plating. I also have a great set of cheese knives that have colored acrylic handles paired with gold plated serving surfaces. In these cases it is the differences that make the sets really special!

Follow the care and wash instructions. This may seem obvious, but unless you're buying solid gold flatware (does this person exist?) your flatware will be a thin plating of real gold or even a brass or other metallic substitute. This thin plating or coating can wear easily if not properly washed, dried, and stored. Be sure you're ready to do it right before buying. Rusty flatware is not at all appetizing. With proper care flatware can last for decades!

Used isn't icky. I'm a big fan of thrift, vintage, and pre-owned, and there are few things that I won't buy used. Flatware isn't one of them. Yea, so it can be gross to think that other people have put this vintage flatware in their mouths. But you've been to a restaurant, right? Hot water and sanitizing dish soap fix all that grossness. Just maybe don't think about it when you're in the middle of digging through sticky boxes at the thrift store.

Do you have any other tips about buying or owning gold flatware? Want to get started on your very own gold flatware collection? I've rounded up some of my very favorites below:

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