Q: I recently purchased a set of Versace dishes on Craigslist. It's a pattern that I have admired for years called Red Medusa. It is a service for 8, including all of the serving pieces. It's rather elaborate so we would like to change out our flatware. I would like to have a good stainless pattern that can be used for everyday and my partner thinks we should go with a set that is gold plated to match the dishes. I'm not sure which style we should go with …

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White Enamel Flatwa...
I have no suggestions, but wow that is beautiful.
That's all.
Wow, awesome dishes! Keep the flatware you already have for everyday use and get a crazy gold-plated set to go with this! I just don't see a set of everyday stainless doing these dishes any justice.
go with good silverplate in a more simple pattern than the dinnerware, the gold flatware is pretty tacky (at least most that i have ever seen)
So you have the china & the crystal. Get a set of real sterling silver. Take a high res photo of the china with you whenever you're shopping & hit those antique stores. Replacements.com also has sterling silver in all patterns. Estate sales may also have a set that you like. And really, don't worry about too ornate a pattern of sterling. Looks like a lovely table! And make sure you have some real linens, too :)
Go with a modern gold set; there are some gorgeous ones available now (the posters who claim they're tacky haven't been paying attention to what has come out in the past 2 or 3 years).
Some of the "gold" ones are even dishwasher safe, and look gorgeous with more casual handmade ceramic styles for everyday.
Here are some examples:
http://www.gretelhome.com/linea-ice-oro-by-mepra/71-five-.html
http://www.lafemmeepicure.com/2010/03/find-of-day-gold-flatware.html
These seem to be discontinued, but maybe you can still find a set somehow:
http://www.trendir.com/dining-entertaining/italian-gold-flatware-meret-flatware-from-crate-barrel.html
This may sound strange, but what about black?
http://www.oneida.com/vivanti-romano-black-5-piece-place-setting.html?utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=F020005A&ne_ppc_id=801&ne_key_id=10249541
I don't think gold would be tacky; I think it's fitting with the style of the china. It's Versace! There's no room for minimalism or restraint and you should go all out. :)
Kind of related, but when I was in high school I had to do a huge illustrated book report on the Iliad for my Greek and Roman Mythology class. I cut out the Red Medusa insignia from ads in Interview magazine to introduce each section. I had forgotten about that until I saw your china!
Wow, I echo mschatelaine's suggestions ... the gold would be lovely and the simple lines would offset the fabulous fancy-ness of the dishes. How gorgeous and opulent!
I agree with tallsarah: get real sterling. You won't regret it.
hit ebay, clist, and estate sales for simple vintage sterling w/ good heft. also i've seen beautiful italian pewter flatware w/ pearl handles that would be gorgeous w/ this set.
Here is something to think about. Gold accented stainless would be practical. Look at Wallace pattern called Corsica. It also comes in silver plate. Its got a mediteranean feel.
http://www.silversuperstore.com/wallace/stainless_steel_flatware/gold_corsica_silverware.html
Gold would look fabulous! Have you looked into having your existing flatware plated? I don't know how much that would cost, but possibly less than buying a whole new set.
I'm partial to Georg Jensen sterling - Either Acorn or Cactus - which you can pick up pre-owned sets of via eBay.
I would totally go with gold or black, but not to throw your search out of balance, but that chrystal detracts from the Versace set. Look into Riedel after you purchase the silverware...
Elaine - that gretel set looks AMAZING. love love
Less is more when your dishes are ornate. Gold plated is good, but no intricate designs - if you can find something plain with a matte finish that would look nice. On the other hand, owning real sterling is always a plus. you could go with flatware that has both gold and silver elements also so that they can be used for several china sets. I'd just stay away from swirling designs, flowers, and patterns with that china.
these are both nice high-level examples. I like the second:
http://www.amazon.com/Herdmar-Stainless-5-Piece-Placesetting-Finish/dp/B004GXACB4
http://www.amazon.com/Herdmar-Brushed-Stainless-5-Piece-Setting/dp/B004CCRLZE
Fabulous! I love the Red Medusa line but can't afford it.
Does anyone know the brand & line of the crystal? They're identical to a set of water glasses my guy found at a thrift store and he'd love to add to the set!
Just choose flatware that you like since you may want to use it with other china as well. I don't think it has to match too closely. Mismatched sets of china/crystal/flateware have an inherited look. Personally, I would go with something streamlined and sort of Art Deco.
I love elaborate china! I am more of a minimalist, and had plain white C & B everyday dishes. I've started collecting some from an elaborate pattern and have really enjoyed them! It makes me happy every time we use them.
http://www.michaelcfina.com/tableware/formal-china/banded/hermes-cheval-dorient-CHHERMCHDO.html
I'm siding with your partner - a gloriously gaudy dinner service like this needs ornate gold cutlery. Silver just won't cut it.
My father would love your table so very much.
Oh my, how beautiful this table setting is, and a perfect compliment to the entire room! We think the Neiman Marcus Gold-Plated "Plume" set would complete this setting, and to follow the lines and style of that exquisite china, we suggest our Angles Collection crystal stemware? Strong lines and ornate curves make a lovely match. Great craigslist find!
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I will be spending the next few days looking at your suggestions. I still can't believe my luck in finding this china so inexpensively on Craigslist. I had been lusting after it for years.
To sheschemes - the crystal is an inexpensive pattern that I have been slowly purchasing over many years call Cristal d'Arques. I like it because it isn't so precious that I'm afraid to use it. Macy's sold it the last time I looked and you can find it at Amazon.com.
WOAH... you found this on craigslist??! The wonders of the internet... nice find!