Next time you're sitting down for tea or coffee (like I am right now!) take a good look at the spoon you're using. Does it have much character? Individuality? Is it making the whole experience a little better just because it's there? Ha, that last one might be pushing it a little, but the point is that good silverware can really increase the "luxe" factor of any meal or dining experience.

This hand-forged silver tea spoon from Etsy is made by the seller from a block of sterling silver, with a slight pattern from hammering left visible on the handle and in the bowl of the spoon, and also the creator's initials and date stamped into the back. I think one (or a few) of these would make a great gift. $75 each.

When it comes to durability and timelessness in the kitchen very few things can compete with stainless steel, but the downside is that stainless steel dishes almost always have to sacrifice beauty for functionality. But that's not the case with this deep steel bowl by Simon Pearce. A brushed and traditional "stainless" look on the outside leads to the surprising shine and glisten of hammered steel on the inside. The combination makes for a nice mix of tough meets pretty, art meets function, you get the idea. $128.