Old Firm Returns To Roots Manufacturing Cutlery

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, makers of the world renowned lighter range Zippo, appear to be returning back to their roots and have started making a range of cutlery. In this modern world where the number of smokers is steadily decreasing, the company has had to diversify to ensure that the company continues to operate as the demand for lighters has diminished.

Here at Lincoln House, we welcome the arrival of a new cutlery manufacturer into the sector, but we’ll stick to the one core activity we engage in – distributing some of the most stunning cutlery selections that span both silver and stainless steel.

Where we will continue to evolve is in bringing some of the latest styles in both traditional and contemporary cutlery. We eat, sleep and breathe cutlery and firmly keep our eyes on the cutlery world to bring the best tableware for our discerning customers. We firmly believe that fine eating is not just about the food, but the company you keep and how you dress the table with fine cutlery.
 

Corn Cutlery? No Thanks We’ll Stick To Fine Silver and Stainless Steel Cutlery

In the United States, the House of Congress has been evaluating their use of cutlery across their cafeterias. Under the Republicans, cutlery made from corn was introduced to create a more environmentally sustainable approach to disposable cutlery which could be composted. While on paper this seemed logical, corn cutlery spoons did not withstand being dipped in soup or other liquids and the House of Congress seems destined to return back to traditional plastic cutlery.

Here at Lincoln House, we prefer to stick to the most stunning range of silver and stainless steel cutlery that spans across all styles from traditionally classic design right through to modern and contemporary cutlery. We also have the environment firmly in mind, and the quality and finish of all our cutlery ensures that our spoons, forks, knives – in fact all cutlery items – will last for a significant period of time. No point slumming it when it comes to fine and everyday eating

Give your Cutlery Drawer a Spring Clean in 2011
As the first signs of spring appear, it is time to find the motivation to clean your home from top to bottom. The spring season signifies a new beginning and is the perfect opportunity to cleanse your home of all the clutter that has built up over the winter season.
If you cannot face the thought of turning your house upside down, why not start with something small like your cutlery drawer. Spring cleaning is an annual ritual for many and hundreds of households get involved by re-organising their wardrobes or finally taking a duster to those cobwebs in the hard to reach places.
The cutlery drawer is the perfect place to start your spring clean and you may be surprised what you might find hiding in amongst your cutlery. If you would like to replace your cutlery, we have a stunning selection for your perusal here at Lincoln House.

Add Some Romance to your Table Decor in 2011
The most romantic day of the year is nearly upon us and what better excuse to dig out the posh cutlery? Here are a few romantic table decor ideas that are guaranteed to inspire.
If you are planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner there are plenty of ways to add some originality to your table decor. The first step is to create a menu with a romantic theme. Choose table accessories in a stunning shade of red such as table napkins and a bouquet of roses for the table.
Place candles in the centre of your table and scatter heart shaped confetti or even heart shaped candies on the surface. Put your stainless steel cutlery in the desired place and tie a red ribbon around them.
Once your table is set, light your candles and wait for your special guest to arrive.

Cutlery Design: Aesthetics and Design in Perfect Balance

Cutlery designers do not get the recognition of fashion designers despite gracing tables across the world. Take Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen for example, he is renowned for his contributions to interior design yet not commonly associated with designing some of the most cutting edge cutlery.

Laurence joins the cutlery design veterans Robert Welch, David Mellor and Arthur Price to name a few of the cutlery industry icons. Cutlery design has evolved significantly allowing the discerning consumer to choose from highly traditional styles, to a more contemporary cutlery design as espoused by Llewelyn-Bowen, but what has evolved most is the technology behind cutlery.

Today, the finest cutlery never scrimps on design and aesthetics that are very much measured by a tactile factor – the weight of cutlery, the balance and feel of cutlery in your hand. Add new technologies and huge attention to the way cutlery performs and lasts in this modern environment, and here at Lincoln House we are confident that our range of cutlery will meet your discerning tastes.

Please browse through our range of silver and stainless steel cutlery and if you need any help, do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 328 3694.

Caring For and Storing Your Cutlery

Even though fine cutlery is becoming increasingly easy to purchase and pricing is ever more competitive, we still want our cutlery to last and look as great as it did on the day we bought it.

So what should we do to make sure that all cutlery stays resplendent?

For silver cutlery we would recommend that dishwashers are avoided. Hand washing silver cutlery is preferable and ideally they should be washed using a mild detergent. This will work to keep that original shine silver cutlery has and a silver dip can be used if needed to restore cutlery, but be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Stainless steel cutlery is more resistant to staining or other blemishes but where they need a quick pick me up, stainless steel cleaners can be used, again with the caveat of ensuring you thoroughly follow the recommendations.

Here at Lincoln House we love the range of cutlery we sell and also provide a range of cutlery cabinets, cutlery drawer fittings and cutlery rolls to protect and prolong the life of your cherished items.

10/01/11
Stainless Steel Cutlery – The Key is in the Design and Style

While silver cutlery is without doubt the most sought after range of cutlery to embellish a table and add a whole new dimension to fine eating, modern cutlery made from stainless steel, may well offer a more budget friendly option while never compromising on quality, style and functionality.

Stainless steel cutlery has evolved significantly and to the untrained eye, the use of traditional cutlery styles in stainless steel can easily pass off as being silver. The art of making stainless steel cutlery look truly stunning, is to ensure that you select a classic look cutlery style. Go back as far as the 1920s for a classic art deco look cutlery and the illusion is created. More contemporary cutlery styles will also look stunning in modern finishes if the general design of the cutlery is well planned and executed.

As with all cutlery, periodic cleaning is thoroughly recommended to extend the life and lustre of your cutlery. Kitchen best etiquette would also suggest that you wash each item of cutlery individually to minimise the inevitable scratches and scrapes cutlery endures.

If you are looking for some fine cutlery, not only in stainless steel but also silver and silver plated, please browse through our large range of English and Continental influenced cutlery designs.

04/01/11
Best Tips for Looking After Your Cutlery

Modern stainless steel cutlery on the whole requires little care but while stainless steel is stain resistant it is not always stain proof. Periodically, cutlery should be polished with stainless steel polish to restore them to their former glory.

Silver cutlery does require a bit more care and as with all fine cutlery, benefits from careful hand washing. To those of us used to the trappings of the modern world and dishwashers this may sound at first somewhat arduous, but taking care fine silver cutlery is highly recommended. Occasional dipping is recommended to remove any stains and extend the life and shine of your cutlery.

Best advice when it comes to cutlery as whole, is to avoid mixing stainless steel, silver or silver plated cutlery as the different finishes can on occasions react and stain one another. If you have silver cutlery which you don’t use that frequently, investing in a cutlery roll to carefully store your prized items is always a shrewd move.

Here at Lincoln House we offer some of the finest and most competitively priced cutlery. Please feel free to browse our selection of products.

15/11/10
A Brief History of Cutlery

We take our cutlery for granted, but it used to be considered a great privilege to use a knife and fork. These days the word cutlery encompasses all sorts of eating utensils, but it actually comes from the French word coutel, which means ‘to cut’ and the knife is the great ancestor of modern cutlery.
Although there were cutting utensils dating back through human history, the first metal knife is thought to have been used as far back as 2000BC. It took another 1500 years before spoons made an appearance, and they were generally made of wood or clay. Forks didn’t turn up until sometime in the 9th Century and it was another eight centuries before people – predominantly royals and the extremely wealthy - used cutlery on a regular basis.
When food became a reason to socialise not just a means of existence (round about the end of the Medieval period), the use of cutlery trickled down the class system with silversmiths reaping the benefits. Silver still makes the most durable cutlery and has the added characteristic that its appearance improves with use, meaning you probably shouldn’t keep your silverware for best after all.

01/11/10
Is old-fashioned table etiquette dead?

Keeping your elbows off the table and knowing which piece of cutlery to use for what course may seem like something from the Stone Age, but knowing your table etiquette, particularly in restaurants can stop you looking like a Neanderthal.
The golden rule with cutlery is always work from the outside in; this includes the soup spoon, which will be at the extreme right if soup is the entree or second in from the right if it’s being served as a second course. Dessert cutlery will be at the top of the place setting; if there is a spoon and a fork, you can use both to devour your sweet.
Hold your knife and fork in a relaxed manner rather than in clenched fists. The prongs of your fork should face downwards at all times, unless you’re eating peas or sweetcorn when it becomes acceptable to turn the fork around and put it in your right hand. When you have finished eating, position your knife and fork side-by-side pointing into the centre of your plate.
Oh, and don’t put your elbows on the table – it looks slovenly.
 

14/10/10
Cool Contemporary Cutlery

The basic design of cutlery has remained the same for hundreds of years and this is unsurprising really as it would be hard to improve on the simple effectiveness of a knife, fork or spoon. However, cutlery designers endeavour to create different styles of cutlery and here at Lincoln House we have a fantastic range of contemporary cutlery from top designers such as Robert Welch and Arthur Price.

The Arthur Price range includes simple but cool designs such as Apollo and Willow in quality stainless steel and the Robert Welch collection includes some almost Dali-esque cutlery that has a distinctive, exaggerated curved style, such as the Comet and Sea Drift sets. The famous dandy designer Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen has also become involved in the world of contemporary cutlery, producing a range with designer Arthur Price which is stunning and original.

If classic cutlery designs don’t appeal to you then the choice must be contemporary cutlery, for quality and style. 

07/10/10
Classic Sterling Silver Cutlery

Silver has been used for thousands of years as a valuable commodity, to trade, as a basic form of money and to make utensils and ornaments. It is used more often for jewellery than utensils nowadays but here at Lincoln House you can still buy top quality, sterling silver cutlery.

Sterling silver is about the finest cutlery available to buy anywhere in the world and it is the kind of cutlery to have been used by royalty and nobles for hundreds of years. It is a way to make your dinner table truly sparkle. Silver also has germicidal effects and it is known to kill many microbial organisms. Substances such as lead also have a germicidal effect but lead is obviously toxic to humans, whereas silver is not harmful.

Sterling silver cutlery is available in simple designs or more flamboyant period-influenced styles so that whatever your taste, there will be a set of silver cutlery that you will love. 

07/09/10

The Eco Friendly Way to Wash your Cutlery

The greenest way to wash your cutlery is to do it by hand. This is the easiest way to save the planet by only using the minimum amount of water. The mistake that many people make is to pile all of their washing up in one big pile to soak in the sink. The fact of the matter is that only some of the pots and pans need soaking and putting all of your crockery in the sink together can result in the water becoming greasy.

Separate the washing up into pots and pans that require soaking and those that do not. Leave these items out of the bowl but fill them with hot soapy water to soak. Ensure your sink is clean prior to filling it. Put the cutlery in first and wash this followed by the other plates and cups. Once this is complete, turn your attention to the pans you left to soak. They will now be more manageable and will not transfer grease to the other pots ensuring you only need to fill the sink once.

31/08/10

Clean out your Cutlery Drawer
If you were to clean out your cutlery drawer, you may get more than you bargained for. A cutlery drawer that is designed to store your silverware can often end up looking a little like Aladdin’s cave. Here are a few tips on organising your cutlery drawer.

It is amazing what can end up in your cutlery drawer, from take away menus and cellotape to various other odds and ends. The first step is to invest in a cutlery tray as this will take up a significant amount of space in the drawer and prevent you from filling it with any kitchen item that doesn’t have a home.

Before you organise your cutlery into the relevant spaces, clean it all until it sparkles. There is no point cleaning out your cutlery drawer to fill it with dusty knives, forks and spoons.

If you are looking to replace your cutlery browse our extensive collection online.

Arranging Your Cutlery and Table Etiquette

The correct arrangement of cutlery can make some people nervous. The traditional etiquette of dinner table setting dates back many years, but due to the busy lifestyles of today, TV dinners have become the substitute for the round table. But if you want to make the most out of your silver cutlery set on special occasions, it’s nice to know how to set the table.

Just remember that when you arrange your cutlery, each set is organised in the order of the meal (starter, main, dessert) from the outside going inwards. But the most important thing to remember is that you want to make your guests feel comfortable. Add what you need to your table, from name cards to favours and gifts. If your guests would prefer a less formal setting then perhaps laying out the correct cutlery prior to each course would be more suitable for your party?

Whatever you choose to do, our superb cutlery collection can make your dinner parties extra special…

A Guide to Cutlery Storage

We all like to dine in sophisticated eateries but very few of us could identify all of the different pieces in a cutlery set. A traditional cutlery set can consist of up to 24 separate pieces. If you have a large cutlery set it is a good idea to find separate storage for it especially if it only comes out on special occasions.

An individual place setting usually includes a seven piece set which is one place setting. This includes one table knife and fork, one soup spoon, one desert spoon, a dessert knife and fork and a teaspoon. The more complex cutlery sets can include anything from fish knives to cake knives and the list can go on and on.

When it comes top storage the possibilities are endless. There is everything from dainty boxes to special cutlery cabinets that can store up to 90 pieces and can protect your posh cutlery from damage.

Cutlery Makes the Perfect Wedding Present

As the wedding season gets into full swing many of us are set the impossible task if finding an appropriate wedding gift for the happy couple.

Not sure where to start? If the bride and groom have not registered with a particular company you may be looking for some inspiration. Homeware is one of the most popular wedding presents available as it not only enhances the marital home but is practical too.

If you are shopping on a budget, you can rule out all of the expensive items and focus on the things in your price range.

A stunning sterling silver cutlery set is a perfect wedding gift and won’t break the bank. If you want to be original why not create a luxury hamper for the home complete with a posh cutlery set for a unique wedding gift.