Beyond the Basics - Cutlery Pieces You Didn't Know You Needed
There's more to cutlery than forks, knives, and spoons. Discover underrated pieces that can make daily dining smoother and hosting much easier.
Cutlery often seems straightforward--forks, knives, and spoons. But if you've ever struggled with serving soft cheese, dividing a pie neatly, or eating soup with the wrong spoon, you will know that sometimes the basics fall short.
There are pieces designed for very specific uses--and while they might not be part of a typical starter set, once you've used them, it's hard to go back.
1. Butter Knives That Actually Work
Not the dinner knife you're used to--the proper butter knife has a rounded tip, perfect for spreading without tearing bread. It's ideal for everyday use, especially if you enjoy soft spreads, pates, or dips.
2. Cheese Knives for Clean Cuts
Soft cheese needs a different blade than hard cheese. Perforated cheese knives reduce sticking, while cleaver-style ones are great for firm wedges. If you serve cheese regularly, having the right knife elevates the experience--and keeps your fingers cleaner.
3. Pie Servers That Don't Struggle
A pie or cake server helps you lift slices with ease, without destroying the rest of the dessert. Choose one with a serrated edge and a slightly flexible body. It makes slicing and serving much neater.
4. Soup Spoons (Yes, They Matter)
A soup spoon has a deeper, rounder, bowl than your standard spoon. It holds more liquid, helps avoid spills, and feels more comfortable when sipping broth or cream-based soups. You don't need a dozen--but having a few makes soup nights nicer.
5. Steak Knives That Glide
You don't have to reserve steak knives for red meat--they are just as useful for thick-crusted bread, grilled vegetables, and even pizza. A good one should be sharp, serrated, and feel balanced in hand.
6. Dessert Forks for Small Bites
Slightly shorter with thinner tines, a dessert fork is perfect for pastries, cakes, and soft fruits. It's not just for show--this smaller utensil offers better control with delicate foods and looks right when paired with a coffee or tea setting.
8. Long-Handled Spoons
Useful for stirring drinks, scooping from jars, or reaching into tall dessert glasses. They are great to have if you make iced coffee, serve parfaits, or just want to scrape the bottom of a peanut butter jar properly.
9. Seafood or Shellfish Picks
If you enjoy prawn, crabs, or mussels--even occasionally--a seafood pick or small fork helps you get to the good bits without the mess. It's the kind of tool that saves time and keeps things neat.
10. Cutlery for Kids or Guests with Special Needs
Small, well-shaped utensils help kids eat more independently, and adaptive cutlery can offer comfort for guests with arthritis or limited mobility, They may not be standard in your drawer, but having them on hand shows thoughtfulness.
LITTLE ADDITIONS THAT MAKE MEALS SMOOTHER
You don't have to own every specialised cutlery piece out there. But choosing a few that match your eating habits, favourite dishes, or go-to snacks can improve both presentation and practicality.
They are not just for entertaining either--these tools are handy for regular meals and make a quiet difference in how food is enjoyed.
