Along with Dinnerware and Glassware, Flatware is one the three main items couples put on their wedding registries. Flatware is forks, knives and spoon that you eat with and comes in two main categories. The first category is formal flatware and is used with your formal dinnerware and formal glassware only on special occasions. Formal flatware is usually made of sterling silver plate or stainless steel. It often has a decorative accent made of real gold. Sterling silver flatware is actually an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal usually copper (this is added for strength). Silver plate flatware is when a thin layer of silver has been applied to the exterior layer of another base metal like nickel, copper, or brass. It has look very similar to sterling silver but costs a fraction of the price. Sterling silver and silver-plate flatware actually last longer and look better if used frequently. The oils from constant use help keep a fog from developing. Eventually the surface will have small scratches that will blend together to form a rich finish known as a patina. Sterling silver flatware or silver plate flatware is not dishwasher safe, and will require hand washing. In fact you should also dry them with a towel, water left on the surface will form stains or even tiny pits marring the finish. Registering for Flatware »