Finding the best hostess set suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Wallace 5084513 5 Piece Hotel Hostess Set, Stainless Steel
Feature
This Wallace Hotel flatware set, with its 5 assorted English designs, brings to life a unique classic5-piece hostess set containing: 1 serving spoon, 1 pierced serving spoon, 1 serving fork, 1 sugar spoon and 1 butter spreader
Crafted of superior quality 18.10 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Lifetime Limited Warranty
Description
The most popular patterns from Europe's grand hotels are reproduced in 18/10 stainless steel, creating a unique, elegant table setting. Perfect for everyday or formal occasions. 5 piece Hostess Set includes (1) each: tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, cold meat fork, sugar spoon and butter knife. Dishwasher safe.2. Mikasa Bravo 6 Piece Serving Set in Stainless Steel
Feature
Set Includes Serving Spoon, Pierced Serving Spoon, Serving Fork, Pie Server, Gravy Ladle, & Soup LadleDishwasher Safe
18/10 Stainless Steel
Perfect for Entertaining in Style on any Holiday, Party or Get Together
Serve your favorite meal with this elegant Serving Set
Description
Serve a warm piece of apple pie or a delicious dish of gnocchi with this luxurious and versatile serving set, featuring six pieces for your convenience. Designed with 18/10 stainless steel and teardrop handles, these utensils are dishwasher safe.3. Complete Elegant Regency Line 5-Piece Flatware Serving Set, Utensil Serving S... by Update International
Feature
DIMENSIONS: See full measurements belowAdds class and style to banquet serving, buffets, holiday dinners, party serving, etc.
Commercial quality
Durable 18/8 stainless steel
Beautiful elegant Regency design
Description
The Regency line of commercial serving utensils makes the perfect accent for any and all class of food serving occasion with its simple yet subtle elegant handle design.Made of commercial quality 18/8 gauge mirror shine stainless steel, these utensils are the same high grade quality found in hotels, restaurants, catered events, etc.
The full set includes:
1-Long Handle Serving Fork
1-Short Handle Meat Fork
1-Long Handle Slotted/Perforated Serving Spoon
1-Long Handle Solid Serving Spoon
1-Short Handle Solid Serving Spoon
DIMENSIONS:
Long Handle Serving Fork
- length: 11? Inches
- width: 2 Inches
- length (prongs): 2½ Inches
Short Handle Meat Fork
- length: 8? Inches
- width: 1? Inches
- length (prongs): 2¼ Inches
Long Handle Slotted/Perforated Serving Spoon
- length: 11? Inches
- length (spoon): 3½ Inches
- width (spoon): 2¼ Inches
Long Handle Solid Serving Spoon
- length: 11¼ Inches
- length (spoon): 3½ Inches
- width (spoon): 2¼ Inches
Short Handle Solid Serving Spoon
- length: 8? Inches
- length (spoon): 3¼ Inches
- width: 2? Inches
4. Lenox Pearl Platinum Flatware Hostess Set
Feature
Crafted of 18/10 stainless steelAccented with precious platinum
4-piece set
Tarnish-resistant
Dishwasher-safe
Description
A trio of rings adds a sculptural element to the forks and spoons in this classically designed pattern. On the knife, a single sphere is sculpted below the blade for beautiful display upon your table. Simply styled, Pearl Platinum can be used for both formal and casual dining occasions. Crafted of stainless steel, the service is easy to clean, making it ideal for everyday use.5. Fiesta Merengue 5-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
5-piece set includes 1 each: slotted serving spoon, serving spoon, serving fork, sugar shell and butter knife18/0 Stainless Steel; ABS Plastic
Dishwasher Safe; Never needs polishing
Coordinates with Fiesta colors
Colorful addition to any kitchen!
Description
FIESTA, America's favorite dinnerware, was introduced by The Homer Laughlin China Company with great fanfare at the Pittsburgh China and Glass Show in January, 1936. FIESTA was the creation of Frederick Hurten Rhead, a second generation Stoke-on-Trent potter who had become Homer Laughlin's design director in 1927. FIESTA was an immediate hit with the public and, by it's second year of production, more than one million pieces were produced. The original five colors were Red, Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Green and Ivory. Turquoise was added early in 1937. The shapes of FIESTA were created in an Art Deco style with concentric circles highlighting the bright colors. The first six colors were produced through the 1930's and 40's until a change in fashion direction dictated a change to a softer palette of pastel colors at the beginning of the 1950's. Color trends moved back to brighter colors in the early 1960's and FIESTA moved with the trend. At the end of 1972, FIESTA was retired after 37 years of production. The retired dinnerware line soon became popular with collectors, especially those who had childhood memories of this brightly colored dinnerware. As years passed, the value of the original FIESTA colors and pieces grew as more people became avid collectors. Over the next twenty years, new colors have been introduced and FIESTA has become a trendsetter of color for the housewares industry. In the seventy years since FIESTA was first produced, there have been a total of 38 colors in the line. Today, Homer Laughlin introduces one new color each year and FIESTA has become the leading dinnerware brand in casual tabletop, as well as a consistent leader in bridal registries across America. All the while, collectors have continued to add to the dinnerware to which they were first introduced by their mothers and grandmothers. Today, FIESTA dinnerware is the most collected dinnerware in the history of the tabletop industry with well over one half billion pieces produced.6. Gourmet Settings Avalon 5 pc Stainless Steel Hostess set
Feature
Set Includes Serving Spoon, Sugar Spoon, Slotted Spoon, Butter Knife, Serving ForkHeat Forged Stainless Steel
Dishwasher safe
25 year warranty
Description
Classic detailing with a rustic flair.7. Ginkgo International Lafayette 4-Piece Stainless Steel Hostess Serving Set
Feature
4-piece hostess set completes Lafayette place settingsIncludes serving spoon, sauce ladle, meat fork, pierced spoon
18/0 mirror-finish stainless steel with hammered handles
Design features rounded tab ends, squared off spoons
Safe to use in dishwasher
Description
Ginkgo International Ltd. Made for your life
Ginkgo: Our History
Ginkgo International Ltd. was founded in 1977 by Wes and Janet Helmick. Their goal was to bring to the market original, quality flatware designs at the best possible price. Family-owned and operated since 1977, Ginkgo International designs quality products that are "made for your life." Now a second generation family business, Ginkgo continues to offer consumers the highest quality flatware and cutlery products at the best possible value.
Ginkgo Collection
There is a pattern in this collection for everyone. We offer a wide array of aesthetics to complement every table top and dcor. All flatware patterns in this collection are made of Stainless 18/0. We offer a range of finishes as well; All Satin, Hammered, Mirror, and the extremely polished Full Mirror. No matter your taste, we have the flatware that you will want to use every day for the rest of your life. Stainless steel is extremely easy to care for. For 30 years, Ginkgo has been designing quality products to please even the most discerning customer.
Ginkgo Collection - Newest pattern: Corrie
The latest addition to the Ginkgo collection features a full rounded handle with recessed center and polished, rounded edges that afford great comfort and balance in the hand. Corrie has a high polish finish with fine attention to detail. This makes CORRIE the ideal design for everyday. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Ginkgo Collection - Lafayette, our signature pattern
Designed by Wes Helmick in the 15th and 16th century colonial period, when silver tableware was made from silver coins, since our country did not have any silver mines at this time. The coins were melted down, shaped, and hammered to their final form. Lafayette is a beautiful rendition of the hand hammered flatware of the colonial period. If a rustic, hammered look is what you're going for, look no further than Lafayette pattern. With its hammered finish and clean design, the Lafayette pattern is ready for everyday use. From kids to your most distinguished guests, the Lafayette collection is sure to please. The handles taper from a slender neck to a rounded tab end which lifts up off the table. The spoon bowls are squared off for a contemporary look, the forks feature extra-long tines, and the knife is constructed of one solid piece. We offer this pattern in a variety of ways; Set of 20, Set of 42, 5-piece place setting, 4-piece hostess set, and finally open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Ginkgo Collection - Naples and Norse, popular patterns
Almost every pattern in this collection was inspired by some exotic locale around the world. Escape at your own dinner table, in this case to Naples, Italy with our Naples Flatware. This pattern offers a great hand feel with it's heavy forged handles, engraved with 3 simple bands, are reminiscent of Italian columns. Use your Naples flatware for casual or formal entertaining alike. Our Naples flatware is available in the following sets; 42-piece, 20-piece, 5-piece, 4-piece hostess set and finally open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. Designed to enhance the look of your table and feel good in your hand. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. The Norse collection on the other hand was influenced by Scandinavian design. The pattern features sleek, straight handles. Norse flatware is ideal for both casual and formal dining. It is simple, versatile and will go with any decor. With a clean, straight-lined handle, gleaming mirror-polished finish and sophisticated Scandinavian design, Norse flatware by Ginkgo is a sharp look for your table. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Please check out all of our patterns to find the one that best complements your personal style. Other patterns in our Ginkgo Collection are:
- Bergen
- Linden
- Bonnie
- President
- Sanibel
- Simple
- Skandia
- Svelte
- Varberg
Ginkgo Collection - Ginkgo Select
Ginkgo Select is a sub-group within our Ginkgo collection. This selection differs in that all of these patterns are offered in 18/10 Stainless Steel.
Ginkgo Select -Charlie, the newest pattern
Our Charlie pattern is sleek and thin, with an arched handle giving every piece great weight and feel. This is a distinct minimalist aesthetic geared for the contemporary table, but elegant in every way and suited to casual and formal settings. Charlie is offered on a variety of ways; 42-piece, 20-piece, 5-piece, and open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. All pieces are made from 18/10 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. 20-piece, 5-piece, 4-piece hostess set, and finally open stock.
Please check out all of our patterns to find the one that compliments your personal style. Other patterns in our Ginkgo Select Collection are:
- Burton
- Fontur
- Platinum
- Patriot
- Seadrift
- Starlight
- Woodruff
Caring for your Ginkgo Flatware:
Most stainless steel spoons and forks available in the USA are marked with their steel chemistry; usually 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10. All of these compositions should give you years of use with limited maintenance. If you notice discoloring, or small oxidation marks on your stainless, it can usually be cleaned off with hot soapy water, and a sponge. If that doesn't do the trick, use a good quality stainless polish. Often, a rust spot on your flatware is not the flatware itself, but a dissimilar steel peeler or other item leaning against it in the dishwasher.
There are many unique finishes available in our Ginkgo Collection. The most durable and stain resistant is our high gloss mirror finish. A smooth mirror finish leaves little for oxidizing agents to attack. Satin finish breaks the surface of the steel, so it is more prone to staining. However, satin finishes, like on our Norse pattern, can be revitalized simple by scrubbing (in the direction of the grain) with a delicate scrubbing sponge or very fine steel wool. This cleans off the surface, and adds more micro scratches.
Stainless Steel. What do the numbers mean?
In metallurgy, stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel (it "stains less"), but it is not stain-proof. As an example, mayonnaise left on a knife blade in the sink seems to stain the blade a darker color. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment to which the material will be subjected in its lifetime. Common uses of stainless steel are cutlery and watch straps. Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by amount of chromium present. Carbon steel rusts when exposed to air and moisture. This iron oxide film is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide. Stainless steels have sufficient amount of chromium present so that a passive film of chromium oxide forms which prevents further corrosion. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, and affordability make it an ideal base material for a host of commercial applications. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which fifteen are most common. There are different types of stainless steels: when nickel is added, for instance, the austenite structure of iron is stabilized. This crystal structure makes such steels non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperatures. For greater hardness and strength, carbon is added. When subjected to adequate heat treatment, these steels are used as razor blades, cutlery, flatware, etc. A typical composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, commonly known as 18/8 stainless, is often used in flatware. 18/8 has approximately 18% chromium, and from 8-10 percent nickel. The nomenclature 18/8, and 18/10 are sometimes both used to represent the same type steel. 18/0 has 18 percent chromium, and no nickel. This common steel is often used in flatware sets as it combines the stain resistant elements of 18/8 at a lower cost. In recent years the price of nickel has increased by tenfold.
8. Artaste 56433 Rain 18/10 Stainless Steel 7 Piece Hostess Set, Silver
Feature
Includes:10" serving spoon,10" pierced spoon,10" meat fork,9" ladle(1 Oz),6.4" sugar spoon,10.6" server and 7" butter knifeMade from 18/10 stainless steel with extra thick ergonomics handle
Rain pattern is simple and elegant with reflective mirror finish
Expertly crafted flatware will last for years
Dishwasher safe (no harsh detergents)
Description
Classic flatware is an essential part of any kitchen, whether in a restaurant or at home. Delight in one of our simple, yet elegant stainless steel flatware sets today.9. Towle Living Basic 6-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
This 6 piece set includes 1 each: 11 inch spatula, 11-3/8 inch pie server, 10-3/4 inch serving fork, 10-5/8 inch serving spoon, 10-5/8 inch slotted spoon and 7-3/4 inch ladleThe handles feature a unique, smooth shape that makes them eye-catching as well as practical
Constructed of 18/0 stainless steel, never needs polishing
Perfectly weighted for balance and control
Dishwasher safe
Description
This Towle Living 6 Piece Hostess Serving Set features a unique handle shape that makes them eye-catching as well as practical. Constructed of 18/0 stainless steel and perfectly weighted for balance and control. Dishwasher safe. 6 piece set includes 1 each: 11 inch spatula, 11-3/8 inch pie server, 10-3/4 inch serving fork, 10-5/8 inch serving spoon, 10-5/8 inch slotted spoon and 7-3/4 inch ladle.10. Gourmet Settings Twist and Shout 5-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
5-Piece hostess setStainless Steel
A handcrafted looks with a playful twist at the end
Dishwasher safe
25-Year warranty
Description
Gourmet Settings Stainless Steel Flatware. 5-piece Hostess set include serve spoon, slotted spoon, sugar spoon, butter knife, serv fork. Heat forged stainless steel. Polished black finish.11. Spode Christmas Tree 3-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
Set includes 8-inch butter dish with lidAlso, 1 pair 3-inch salt-and-pepper shakers
Made of glossy white Imperialware with green trim
Decorated with festive Christmas Tree pattern
Dishwasher-safe; gift-boxed in Spode's red packaging
Description
A new set for 2006 brings together the existing Covered Butter and Salt and Pepper Shakers.12. Ginkgo International Varberg 4-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Stainless Steel Hostess Serving Set
Feature
4-piece hostess set completes Ginkgo's Varberg place settingsIncludes a serving spoon, pierced spoon, sauce ladle, and cold meat fork
Crafted of 18/0 stainless steel with gleaming mirror polish
Graceful, modern shape flares to a lifted tab-end handle
Safe in the dishwasher; never needs polishing
Description
Ginkgo International Ltd. Made for your life
Ginkgo: Our History
Ginkgo International Ltd. was founded in 1977 by Wes and Janet Helmick. Their goal was to bring to the market original, quality flatware designs at the best possible price. Family-owned and operated since 1977, Ginkgo International designs quality products that are "made for your life." Now a second generation family business, Ginkgo continues to offer consumers the highest quality flatware and cutlery products at the best possible value.
Ginkgo Collection
There is a pattern in this collection for everyone. We offer a wide array of aesthetics to complement every table top and dcor. All flatware patterns in this collection are made of Stainless 18/0. We offer a range of finishes as well; All Satin, Hammered, Mirror, and the extremely polished Full Mirror. No matter your taste, we have the flatware that you will want to use every day for the rest of your life. Stainless steel is extremely easy to care for. For 30 years, Ginkgo has been designing quality products to please even the most discerning customer.
Ginkgo Collection - Newest pattern: Corrie
The latest addition to the Ginkgo collection features a full rounded handle with recessed center and polished, rounded edges that afford great comfort and balance in the hand. Corrie has a high polish finish with fine attention to detail. This makes CORRIE the ideal design for everyday. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Ginkgo Collection - Lafayette, our signature pattern
Designed by Wes Helmick in the 15th and 16th century colonial period, when silver tableware was made from silver coins, since our country did not have any silver mines at this time. The coins were melted down, shaped, and hammered to their final form. Lafayette is a beautiful rendition of the hand hammered flatware of the colonial period. If a rustic, hammered look is what you're going for, look no further than Lafayette pattern. With its hammered finish and clean design, the Lafayette pattern is ready for everyday use. From kids to your most distinguished guests, the Lafayette collection is sure to please. The handles taper from a slender neck to a rounded tab end which lifts up off the table. The spoon bowls are squared off for a contemporary look, the forks feature extra-long tines, and the knife is constructed of one solid piece. We offer this pattern in a variety of ways; Set of 20, Set of 42, 5-piece place setting, 4-piece hostess set, and finally open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Ginkgo Collection - Naples and Norse, popular patterns
Almost every pattern in this collection was inspired by some exotic locale around the world. Escape at your own dinner table, in this case to Naples, Italy with our Naples Flatware. This pattern offers a great hand feel with it's heavy forged handles, engraved with 3 simple bands, are reminiscent of Italian columns. Use your Naples flatware for casual or formal entertaining alike. Our Naples flatware is available in the following sets; 42-piece, 20-piece, 5-piece, 4-piece hostess set and finally open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. Designed to enhance the look of your table and feel good in your hand. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. The Norse collection on the other hand was influenced by Scandinavian design. The pattern features sleek, straight handles. Norse flatware is ideal for both casual and formal dining. It is simple, versatile and will go with any decor. With a clean, straight-lined handle, gleaming mirror-polished finish and sophisticated Scandinavian design, Norse flatware by Ginkgo is a sharp look for your table. All pieces are made from 18/0 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Please check out all of our patterns to find the one that best complements your personal style. Other patterns in our Ginkgo Collection are:
- Bergen
- Linden
- Bonnie
- President
- Sanibel
- Simple
- Skandia
- Svelte
- Varberg
Ginkgo Collection - Ginkgo Select
Ginkgo Select is a sub-group within our Ginkgo collection. This selection differs in that all of these patterns are offered in 18/10 Stainless Steel.
Ginkgo Select -Charlie, the newest pattern
Our Charlie pattern is sleek and thin, with an arched handle giving every piece great weight and feel. This is a distinct minimalist aesthetic geared for the contemporary table, but elegant in every way and suited to casual and formal settings. Charlie is offered on a variety of ways; 42-piece, 20-piece, 5-piece, and open stock. Start with a set of 20 or 42 and then add pieces as needed. All pieces are made from 18/10 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. 20-piece, 5-piece, 4-piece hostess set, and finally open stock.
Please check out all of our patterns to find the one that compliments your personal style. Other patterns in our Ginkgo Select Collection are:
- Burton
- Fontur
- Platinum
- Patriot
- Seadrift
- Starlight
- Woodruff
Caring for your Ginkgo Flatware:
Most stainless steel spoons and forks available in the USA are marked with their steel chemistry; usually 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10. All of these compositions should give you years of use with limited maintenance. If you notice discoloring, or small oxidation marks on your stainless, it can usually be cleaned off with hot soapy water, and a sponge. If that doesn't do the trick, use a good quality stainless polish. Often, a rust spot on your flatware is not the flatware itself, but a dissimilar steel peeler or other item leaning against it in the dishwasher.
There are many unique finishes available in our Ginkgo Collection. The most durable and stain resistant is our high gloss mirror finish. A smooth mirror finish leaves little for oxidizing agents to attack. Satin finish breaks the surface of the steel, so it is more prone to staining. However, satin finishes, like on our Norse pattern, can be revitalized simple by scrubbing (in the direction of the grain) with a delicate scrubbing sponge or very fine steel wool. This cleans off the surface, and adds more micro scratches.
Stainless Steel. What do the numbers mean?
In metallurgy, stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel (it "stains less"), but it is not stain-proof. As an example, mayonnaise left on a knife blade in the sink seems to stain the blade a darker color. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment to which the material will be subjected in its lifetime. Common uses of stainless steel are cutlery and watch straps. Stainless steel differs from carbon steel by amount of chromium present. Carbon steel rusts when exposed to air and moisture. This iron oxide film is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide. Stainless steels have sufficient amount of chromium present so that a passive film of chromium oxide forms which prevents further corrosion. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, and affordability make it an ideal base material for a host of commercial applications. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which fifteen are most common. There are different types of stainless steels: when nickel is added, for instance, the austenite structure of iron is stabilized. This crystal structure makes such steels non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperatures. For greater hardness and strength, carbon is added. When subjected to adequate heat treatment, these steels are used as razor blades, cutlery, flatware, etc. A typical composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, commonly known as 18/8 stainless, is often used in flatware. 18/8 has approximately 18% chromium, and from 8-10 percent nickel. The nomenclature 18/8, and 18/10 are sometimes both used to represent the same type steel. 18/0 has 18 percent chromium, and no nickel. This common steel is often used in flatware sets as it combines the stain resistant elements of 18/8 at a lower cost. In recent years the price of nickel has increased by tenfold.
13. Dansk Rondure Stainless-Steel 3-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
3-piece service set in the Dansk Rondure patternIncludes serving fork, serving spoon, and butter knife
Crafted from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel for luster and tarnish-resistance
Styling features a sleek combination of angular handles and rounded ends
Dishwasher-safe; coordinates with Dansk Rondure place settings
Description
This set is so cleverly designed, you'll find yourself looking forward to using it. Especially if someone else does the cooking!14. Cambridge Silversmiths Opulence Mirror 8-Piece Hostess Set
Feature
Includes 8 pieces for serving and hosting: 2 serving spoons, 2 slotted spoons, 1 serving fork, 1 gravy ladle, 1 pie server, and 1 lasagna server18/0 Stainless Steel
Mirror Finish
25 Year Limited Warranty
Dishwasher Safe