I picked up a box of Gourmet Settings flatware at Costco two weekends ago — the 52 piece Soprano set. I needed a set of flatware to go with my non-existient dining room table, so I picked up the first box I saw. The design looks great, which is why it caught my eye to begin with, but I noticed that everything in the set seemed unusually large compared to the flatware I’m used to seeing. The box is labeled Continental Size and I had no clue what that meant, so after bringing it home, I started researching to find out what continental size flatware actually is.
Turns out there’s not a whole lot of agreement on the Web as to what the various sizes of flatware are, but for the purposes of this blog entry, there are three sizes: place, dinner, and continental. Place size flatware is the standard size we are used to seeing here in the US. Dinner size flatware has a larger fork and knife than place size, and is considered a little more formal than place size. Continental size is larger than both place and dinner sizes (about one inch longer than standard), so it has slightly different proportions that I think looks cool. Continential size is traditional in Europe, but is apparently gaining popularity in the US. Who knew?
So there you have it, I go buy a box of flatware and next thing you know, I’m researching and sharing a flatware lesson with my readers.
Comments
Just so u know u’re not alone in the quest for answers for flatware sizes. I bought a set over a year ago, as the design was appealing and it’s been sitting in my flatware drawer, unused ever since. We do use the small spoons and forks.Now the hunt begins, once again, for smaller pieces. The online search for clarification on flatware sizes also goes on. Thanks for sharing.GerriBeautiful British Columbia
PS For a more definitive size breakdown: http://www.onlinesterling.com/keywords/flatware_sizes.htm
I bought a continental size sterling silver set a few years back from “Western Silver” on the internet. What convinced me to buy the continental size was that they were deeply discounted and the guy on the phone said silver prices were going up soon. I didn't know about the price of silver going up but I did know his prices were great.
So I bought a 46 piece set of Chantilly by Gorham in the Continental size for $2000.00. Well he was right about silver prices going up. I couldn't afford this set now.
The Continental size is bigger and heavier that what we're used to here in the States. In fact it takes some getting used to when eating. I feel like I'm holding a spear in my hands. But I haven't hurt myself yet!
Theresa
Missouri
Continental size always freaks me out at restaurants – the food looks so small!