Our tableware is so much more than the tools we use to eat. The right cutlery can set the scene for a special dinner. Imagine a Thai feast with the gold cutlery that is so characteristic of a meal in a traditional restaurant. You can recreate this ambience at home too - and so much more - with gold flatware that's both luxurious and durable.
Style is a very personal choice, but nothing says celebration more than gold. Having a set of gold cutlery in your drawer is a good idea, as special occasions crop up from time to time. Make birthdays, dinner parties, date nights and anniversaries extra special by investing some creativity into the tablescape. Additionally, a set of gold cutlery is a wonderful idea for a housewarming or wedding gift, as there are sets that come in presentation boxes. It's one of those gift ideas that's not obvious and feels opulent without the hefty price tag.
Contemporary gold cutlery is stainless steel that's been toned gold. The benefit is that stainless steel doesn't absorb flavours or stain easily. It's a durable material that is dishwasher safe. You will come across some very reasonably priced sets, as well as expensive ones. The rule of thumb tends to be the more resistant the grade of gold the more expensive the cutlery will be. Naturally, your flatware will last longer if you take good care of it. Hand washing is best, as the gold coating can wear off. And polishing cutlery by hand with a soft cloth will preserve its mirror shine.
If you're solo dining, you can still go for gold and there are a lot of options for single sets of gold cutlery, comprising of a knife, fork, dessert spoon and teaspoon. Adding glam to your dining table can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. The golden rule is to think about what budget you're going to set yourself... or if you're happy to splurge. We've rounded up the best gold cutlery in a range of styles and made sure to include sets at affordable prices too.
Best gold cutlery for your dinner table
Best set for one
For dinners that are Instagrammable, this luxury cutlery set for one is ideal. They look luxurious but because they're made of stainless steel, they're also durable and practical. This set of flatware is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to keep your cutlery in top condition. It's a wonderful way to inject some creativity into your table setting.
Set includes: one knife, one fork, one dessert spoon and one teaspoon
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 260g
Colour: Grey and gold
Customer review: "Lovely but you only get one of each piece so quite expensive to have enough of them for a set."
Pros
- Stylish without having to commit to buying a full set
Cons
- Some customers felt misled, expecting a larger set for the price
- Expensive for four pieces
Best for value
For less than a pound per item, you get a gold knife, fork, teaspoon and dessert spoon for four people. Undeniably, they'll add glitz to your dinner table as this flatware is polished to a high-shine finish. This 16-piece cutlery set is dishwasher safe, making it ideal for large dinner parties and functions.
Set includes: 4 x fork, 4 x knife, 4 x tablespoon, 4 x teaspoon
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 900g
Colour: Gold
Customer review: "Really pleased with this set for four people. Bought for two of us for Christmas Day and then for four of us on Boxing Day. It looked great, the knives cut well, and forks were solid. Spoons are a little on the flat side but hey, for the money, and to make a change at Christmas, I’m over the moon with them."
Pros
- Value for money
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that they should not be washed in the dishwasher
Best for dinner parties
A 24-piece stainless steel cutlery set with titanium gold plate, which brings a timeless, elegance to your dinner table. This flatware's opulent lustre will brighten up any meal and make it feel like an occasion. You can set six places at a dinner table with this set, and it retails at a reasonable price if you're catering for more.
Set includes: 6 x dinner spoon, 6 x dinner fork, 6 x dinner knife, 6 x teaspoon
Material: Stainless steel, less than £1 per piece
Weight: 1.05kg
Colour: Gold
Customer review: "Highly recommend if you want nice cutlery that doesn’t look tacky for a cheap price."
Pros
- Classic design
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that the gold plating wears off in the dishwasher.
Best for gifting
This truly is a special cutlery set and makes an ideal wedding or housewarming present. It's flatware that evokes the grandeur of using the Sunday best silverware, yet it's hard-wearing enough to be used every day. This stainless-steel gold cutlery set is polished to a mirror shine and accommodates 12 place settings. Complete with its own presentation box, this is a set that you or the recipient will want to treasure for years to come.
Set includes: 48 pieces - 12 x dinner spoon, 12 x dinner fork, 12 x dinner knife and 12 x teaspoon
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: n/a
Colour: Gold
Customer review: "Wonderfully presented in a wooden box. They looked spectacular when the box was opened and are fabulous in the drawer. Very nicely balanced cutlery that is just a little bit special."
Pros
- The presentation box makes this a wonderful gift idea
Cons
- Expensive
Best for quality
Well-balanced with simple style, this 16-piece cutlery is synonymous with Viners' reputation for excellent, robust and elegant flatware. The set comes with a 15-year guarantee and is bound to be the talk of the table for many a special occasion.
Set includes: 4 x table knives, 4 x table forks, 4 x teaspoons and 4 x dessert spoons
Material: Stainless steel with titanium coating
Weight: 750g
Colour: Gold
Pros
- High quality, durable, 15-year guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
Best matt gold cutlery
www.wilko.com
This cutlery set has sleek and contemporary curves. The matt gold finish is on trend and makes it feel appropriate for everyday use. Simple and minimalist, this cutlery set has an effortless style at an affordable price.
Set includes: 4 x knives, 4 x forks, 4 x dessert spoons and 4 x teaspoons
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: n/a
Colour: Gold
Tried and Tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "The perfect touch of gold, not too bright with a matt finish. An absolute steal for a 16-piece set for £22. I would say though that they do take an extra bit of elbow grease when cleaning them as food sticks quite easily."
Pros
- Contemporary design, value for money
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that they dislike the feel of the cutlery
Best personalised cutlery set
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Be the envy of your colleagues with your own personalised cutlery set. Although gold conveys extravagance, investing in a cutlery set is far more eco-friendly than using plastic forks. A gift wrap option is available, comprising a stylish black and white presentation box, which makes this a brilliant gift. The knife is 22.5cm long and the spoon and fork are 20cm long.
Set includes: One knife, one fork and one dinner spoon
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: n/a
Colour: Gold
Customer review: "Stunning items, quickly delivered too."
Pros
- Great for gifting
Cons
- Expensive for 3-piece set
Best alternative gold cutlery set
www.wayfair.co.uk
Perfect for contemporary homes, this unique and stylish cutlery set is an excellent value while being something a bit different. The hammered finish on the handle provides a pleasing texture to hold. To maintain your cutlery set it's recommended that you wipe each piece clean with a damp cloth.
Set includes: 4 x dinner fork, 4 x dinner knife, 4 x tablespoon, 4 x teaspoon
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 0.91kg
Colour: Gold
Customer review: "Very nice. They look more expensive than they are."
Pros
- Value for money, different
Cons
- Some reviews have commented that the gold comes off with wear and tear
OUR VERDICT: Which is the best gold cutlery set to buy?
All that glitters is gold with the Berglander 24 Piece Gold-Plated Cutlery Set. As well as being excellent value for money, this gold cutlery set has a shine that makes this flatware look expensive. As long as the cutlery is cleaned with care, this set will see you through many a Christmas dinner, birthday and celebration meal. With six place settings catered for, the Berglander cutlery set is an ideal purchase to add bells and whistles to a family dinner table.
FAQs
What is the best metal for cutlery?
Stainless steel is the best material for flatware, it's designed for everyday use and is affordable and durable, plus it's easy to clean. Cutlery was traditionally made of sterling silver, which is where the term silverware comes from.
What's the difference between gold-toned and gold-plated cutlery?
Most cutlery sets that are less than £80 are made of stainless steel that is coloured to look like gold. There is a difference between this gold-toned flatware and what is termed: gold-plated. If you come into possession of gold-plated cutlery this could be an old set of silverware that you've inherited, been gifted or purchased as an investment piece. Taking care of gold-plated cutlery is intensive. It's not intended for eating with if you want it to stay pristine. Firstly, gold-plated cutlery must never go in the dishwasher. Dipping gold-plated flatware in warm water with a tiny amount of mild soap and baking soda will help remove tarnishing. Finally, polishing it with a soft cloth will maintain its shine.
Does gold-toned cutlery last?
Gold cutlery will last a long time if you take care when you clean it. Before you use your cutlery for the first time, it's a good idea to give it a wash. Keep your gold cutlery looking good by hand washing it. Do not leave your cutlery crusted with food and avoid soaking it in water for a long time. Wash and rinse your cutlery immediately, so it doesn't get stained by the detergents. It's best to avoid bleach and abrasive scouring pads. Finally, dry with a soft cloth to preserve your cutlery's mirror shine.
Can gold-toned cutlery go in the dishwasher?
Yes, as long as it's stainless-steel based, then it is dishwasher safe. But to avoid staining you must remove it immediately at the end of the drying cycle. If in doubt, read the product description for cutlery that has wood, plastic or faux marble handles.