A fork is difficult to judge on a screen. The handle may look right and feel wrong; a glass that photographs beautifully may be awkward to carry through a room. BALTER SALES, at 209 BOWERY, carries flatware, glassware, tabletop pieces and restaurant equipment. Its showroom gives you a chance to handle the things you are considering.
Build one place setting first
Put a dinner plate, fork, knife and glass together before deciding on quantities. Notice the weight of the cutlery and how much room the setting occupies. A very large plate can make a narrow table feel crowded before any food arrives. A small water glass needs more frequent attention.
Bring the dimensions of your tables and a photograph of the dishes you already own. You do not need every piece to match, but a common scale helps. If possible, look at the setting under light closer to the light in your room.
Ask the unglamorous questions
Can you replace a few pieces later? Does the glass fit the washing setup? How are the plates packed and stored? What is sold individually and what comes by the case? These questions matter more once you have hosted a second dinner.
For an occasional event, check the venue inventory before buying a complete set. You may only need serving spoons, a few platters or a particular dessert plate. Keep a short list of the gaps and leave with things that have a job.
BALTER’s tabletop and equipment information is a useful starting point for that list.