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Set of 32 Dishes:  A Swansea Creamware Botanical Dessert Service
Set of 32 Dishes:  A Swansea Creamware Botanical Dessert Service

Set of 32 Dishes: A Swansea Creamware Botanical Dessert Service

By Swansea Porcelain

Located in Katonah, NY

iron red. The set includes two dozen dessert dishes Priced at $8,800 for each dozen, one shell

Category

Early 19th Century British Folk Art Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Creamware

Set of Six Signed KPM Dessert Plates with Named Plant Species
Set of Six Signed KPM Dessert Plates with Named Plant Species

Set of Six Signed KPM Dessert Plates with Named Plant Species

By KPM Porcelain

Located in Great Barrington, MA

An amazing set of six KPM hand painted dessert or cabinet plates. What set these apart are the

Category

1910s German Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chelsea Porcelain Set of Six Botanical Dessert Plates, 18th Century
Chelsea Porcelain Set of Six Botanical Dessert Plates, 18th Century

Chelsea Porcelain Set of Six Botanical Dessert Plates, 18th Century

By Chelsea Porcelain

Located in Downingtown, PA

The rare Chelsea or Chelsea Derby Porcelain plates are painted in the center with a floral bouquet panel surrounded by a mazarine-blue border and fine gilt highlights of dentil work,...

Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

A Set of Dishes: Dozen Wedgwood Chrysanthemum Pattern Dessert  Dishes
A Set of Dishes: Dozen Wedgwood Chrysanthemum Pattern Dessert  Dishes

A Set of Dishes: Dozen Wedgwood Chrysanthemum Pattern Dessert Dishes

By Wedgwood

Located in Katonah, NY

Wedgwood designed this pattern in the early 19th century. Known as "Chrysanthemum", it is an excellent example of English early 19th century Japonaiserie style. The pattern is print...

Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Earthenware, Pearlware, Pottery

Dessert Service Masons Porcelain
Dessert Service Masons Porcelain

Dessert Service Masons Porcelain

By Miles Mason Porcelain

Located in Katonah, NY

A dessert service in Masons Porcelain is an extraordinary set of dessert dishes in a lively

Category

Early 19th Century English Rococo Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century Cobalt Blue Champagne/ Dessert Glasses - Set of 6
Early 20th Century Cobalt Blue Champagne/ Dessert Glasses - Set of 6

Early 20th Century Cobalt Blue Champagne/ Dessert Glasses - Set of 6

Located in Charleston, SC

This fantastic set of cobalt blue champagne coupes or dessert glasses are thick and heavy enough

Category

Early 20th Century American Bauhaus Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Glass

Baroque 27 Piece English Porcelain Dessert/Fruit Set Porcelain with Gilding
Baroque 27 Piece English Porcelain Dessert/Fruit Set Porcelain with Gilding

Baroque 27 Piece English Porcelain Dessert/Fruit Set Porcelain with Gilding

Located in New York, NY

This gorgeous porcelain dessert/fruit set was produced in England, circa 1880. It features baroque

Category

19th Century English Baroque Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Gold Leaf

Set of 6 Sterling Silver Hanoverian Pattern Dessert Spoons London, 1792
Set of 6 Sterling Silver Hanoverian Pattern Dessert Spoons London, 1792

Set of 6 Sterling Silver Hanoverian Pattern Dessert Spoons London, 1792

By George Smith III & William Fearn

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

Set of 6 Sterling Silver Hanoverian Pattern Dessert Spoons London, 1792 Additional information

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Cauldon Hand Painted Dessert Plates W/ Raised Gold
Set of 12 Cauldon Hand Painted Dessert Plates W/ Raised Gold

Set of 12 Cauldon Hand Painted Dessert Plates W/ Raised Gold

Located in Great Barrington, MA

Executed in the elegant and detailed Sevres-style, this set of of 12 dessert /salad plates will

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set 18 Wedgwood Creamware Dessert or Salad Dishes England, circa 1820
Set 18 Wedgwood Creamware Dessert or Salad Dishes England, circa 1820

Set 18 Wedgwood Creamware Dessert or Salad Dishes England, circa 1820

By Wedgwood

Located in Katonah, NY

Made in England in the early 19th century, circa 1815, these Wedgwood dessert or salad dishes are a

Category

Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Creamware

Samuel Alcock Set of 8 Dessert Plates, Superb Flowers, 1835-1840
Samuel Alcock Set of 8 Dessert Plates, Superb Flowers, 1835-1840

Samuel Alcock Set of 8 Dessert Plates, Superb Flowers, 1835-1840

By Samuel Alcock & Co.

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful set of 8 dessert plates made by Samuel Alcock in circa 1835-1840. The plates

Category

1830s English Rococo Revival Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

A Set of Dishes: Dozen Worcester Queen Charlotte Pattern Dessert Dishes
A Set of Dishes: Dozen Worcester Queen Charlotte Pattern Dessert Dishes

A Set of Dishes: Dozen Worcester Queen Charlotte Pattern Dessert Dishes

By Royal Worcester

Located in Katonah, NY

" pattern after Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, purchased a set from Worcester in 1788. Iron red

Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Apostles by Gorham Sterling Silver Figural Dessert 13 Spoon Set Exceptional RARE
Apostles by Gorham Sterling Silver Figural Dessert 13 Spoon Set Exceptional RARE

Apostles by Gorham Sterling Silver Figural Dessert 13 Spoon Set Exceptional RARE

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in Big Bend, WI

.” Apostles by Gorham sterling silver set of 12 dessert spoons and a preserve spoon. This set is of the

Category

1890s American Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

11 Sets Elaborate Crystal & Gilt Dessert Bowls 23 Pieces Attributed to Moser
11 Sets Elaborate Crystal & Gilt Dessert Bowls 23 Pieces Attributed to Moser

11 Sets Elaborate Crystal & Gilt Dessert Bowls 23 Pieces Attributed to Moser

By Moser Glassworks

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and finely crafted set of 11 dessert bowls and 12 plates for a total of 23 pieces. We

Category

1880s Czech Rococo Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Crystal, Gold

A Set of a Dozen Spode "Rock and Tree" Dessert Dishes
A Set of a Dozen Spode "Rock and Tree" Dessert Dishes

A Set of a Dozen Spode "Rock and Tree" Dessert Dishes

By Spode

Located in Katonah, NY

This popular early 19th century Spode pattern is known as "Rock and Tree", and "Tree of Life". Each plate shows a hand painted scene with a fenced garden with blue rocks. Peonies an...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Set of 8 Chinese Export Cake or Dessert Plates
Late 19th Century Set of 8 Chinese Export Cake or Dessert Plates

Late 19th Century Set of 8 Chinese Export Cake or Dessert Plates

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Late 19th century set of 8 Chinese export cake or dessert plates. Rose Medallion. Ribbed borders

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 Coalport Green Dessert Plates w/ Neoclassical Raised Gold Medallions
Set of 12 Coalport Green Dessert Plates w/ Neoclassical Raised Gold Medallions

Set of 12 Coalport Green Dessert Plates w/ Neoclassical Raised Gold Medallions

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in Great Barrington, MA

Set of 12 Coalport shaped rim green dessert plates with profuse raised paste gold depicting

Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paste

1815, 1817 & 1820 Associated Set of 6 Georgian Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons
1815, 1817 & 1820 Associated Set of 6 Georgian Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons

1815, 1817 & 1820 Associated Set of 6 Georgian Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

1815, 1817 & 1820 Associated Set of 6 Georgian Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons, England. Fiddleback

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set 12 Antique Gilt Encrusted Dessert-Lunch Plates for Marshall Fields Chicago
Set 12 Antique Gilt Encrusted Dessert-Lunch Plates for Marshall Fields Chicago

Set 12 Antique Gilt Encrusted Dessert-Lunch Plates for Marshall Fields Chicago

By Marshall Fields

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A great set of gilded dessert, first course or salad plate (nice clear centers) with an Art Nouveau

Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Gold

A Set of Eight Spode Dessert Plates with Grapevines and Purple Grapes

A Set of Eight Spode Dessert Plates with Grapevines and Purple Grapes

By Spode

Located in Katonah, NY

. These dishes would work well with a dessert served with a dessert wine.

Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Pottery

PV France Barbotine Majolica Strawberry Fruit or Dessert Plates, Set of Four
PV France Barbotine Majolica Strawberry Fruit or Dessert Plates, Set of Four

PV France Barbotine Majolica Strawberry Fruit or Dessert Plates, Set of Four

By Portieux Vallerysthal

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A set of four French Barbotine Majolica dessert or fruit plates, circa 1910. Showing the

Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Set Antique English Imari Dishes Dinner Plates Soup/Pasta Bowls Salad/Dessert
Set Antique English Imari Dishes Dinner Plates Soup/Pasta Bowls Salad/Dessert

Set Antique English Imari Dishes Dinner Plates Soup/Pasta Bowls Salad/Dessert

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in Katonah, NY

A set of beautiful, hand painted Coalport Porcelain Imari dishes consisting of: two dozen dinner

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 George Jones/Crescent, Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses
Set of 12 George Jones/Crescent, Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses

Set of 12 George Jones/Crescent, Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses

By George Jones

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This set of 12 dessert plates feature hand painted rose subjects on an ivory ground, all

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Dessert Sets

Magnificent Set of 12 Royal Doulton Hand Painted Signed Cabinet/Dessert Plates
Magnificent Set of 12 Royal Doulton Hand Painted Signed Cabinet/Dessert Plates

Magnificent Set of 12 Royal Doulton Hand Painted Signed Cabinet/Dessert Plates

By Walter Slater

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This complete set of uniquely hand painted cabinet plates depict different rose bouquets in varying

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 2 Wedgwood Pink Pearlware Dessert Plates in the Nautilus Pattern
Set of 2 Wedgwood Pink Pearlware Dessert Plates in the Nautilus Pattern

Set of 2 Wedgwood Pink Pearlware Dessert Plates in the Nautilus Pattern

By Josiah Wedgwood

Located in Great Barrington, MA

These two 19th century Wedgwood dessert scallop shaped dessert plates feature a shaded pink glaze

Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Pearlware

A set of six George III Dessert Forks, Solomon Hougham, London, 1809

A set of six George III Dessert Forks, Solomon Hougham, London, 1809

By Solomon Hougham

Located in London, GB

The Dessert Forks are made in the Old English Pattern and are each engraved with a contemporary

Category

19th Century English Antique Dessert Sets

Set of 12 Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Dessert Plates
Set of 12 Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Dessert Plates

Set of 12 Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Dessert Plates

By Minton

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This 19th century set of 12 Minton dessert or cabinet plates exhibits all the details and quality

Category

19th Century British Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century English Royal Worcester 11 Piece Hand-Painted Dessert Service Set
19th Century English Royal Worcester 11 Piece Hand-Painted Dessert Service Set

19th Century English Royal Worcester 11 Piece Hand-Painted Dessert Service Set

By Royal Worcester

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This unusual dessert service consists of nine plates and three footed compotes. Each piece is

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 11 Hand-Painted Saxe Porcelain Dessert Plates, Early 20th Century
Set of 11 Hand-Painted Saxe Porcelain Dessert Plates, Early 20th Century

Set of 11 Hand-Painted Saxe Porcelain Dessert Plates, Early 20th Century

Located in CANNES, FR

An exceptional set of 11 dessert plates crafted by the renowned Saxe manufactory (Germany) in the

Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Walnut Cased Set of 18 Mother-of-pearl Dessert Knives Forks
Antique Walnut Cased Set of 18 Mother-of-pearl Dessert Knives Forks

Antique Walnut Cased Set of 18 Mother-of-pearl Dessert Knives Forks

Located in London, GB

This is a beautiful burr walnut cased set of silver plated and mother of pearl handled dessert

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Creamware Openwork Four Dessert Plates
Creamware Openwork Four Dessert Plates

Creamware Openwork Four Dessert Plates

Located in Downingtown, PA

Creamware openwork dessert plates, circa 1790. A set of three creamware plates with pierced

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Creamware, Pottery

A Set of Flight Worcester Porcelain "Royal Lily" Dinner and Dessert Dishes
A Set of Flight Worcester Porcelain "Royal Lily" Dinner and Dessert Dishes

A Set of Flight Worcester Porcelain "Royal Lily" Dinner and Dessert Dishes

By Royal Worcester

Located in Katonah, NY

A group of 10 18th century Blue and White dinner plates and 10 dessert plates in the Flight

Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century English Porcelain Crabstick Handled Dessert Knives, Cased Set of 12
19th Century English Porcelain Crabstick Handled Dessert Knives, Cased Set of 12

19th Century English Porcelain Crabstick Handled Dessert Knives, Cased Set of 12

By Royal Worcester

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A scarce set of 12 boxed porcelain handled dessert knives, circa 1860-1870, attributed to Royal

Category

Mid-19th Century English Japonisme Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 12 Copelands for Daniel, London Dessert Plates with Imari Decoration
Set of 12 Copelands for Daniel, London Dessert Plates with Imari Decoration

Set of 12 Copelands for Daniel, London Dessert Plates with Imari Decoration

By Copeland Spode

Located in Great Barrington, MA

These 12 porcelain dessert plates demonstrate the best of both design worlds. Incorporating an

Category

1890s English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

English Bakelite and Engraved Silver Dessert Flatware Cased Set, Service for 12
English Bakelite and Engraved Silver Dessert Flatware Cased Set, Service for 12

English Bakelite and Engraved Silver Dessert Flatware Cased Set, Service for 12

By Sheffield Mfg. Co 1

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A service for 12, cream colored English Bakelite, knobbed handled, silver-plate, dessert sized

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Late 19th Century Set of Five Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons by Gorham
Late 19th Century Set of Five Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons by Gorham

Late 19th Century Set of Five Sterling Silver Dessert Spoons by Gorham

By Gorham

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Set of 5 "Kings I" pattern sterling silver dessert spoons by Gorham, late 19th century. Retailer

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

"Escalier De Cristal" Bracquemond design, set of 2 Dessert Plates, circa 1878
"Escalier De Cristal" Bracquemond design, set of 2 Dessert Plates, circa 1878

"Escalier De Cristal" Bracquemond design, set of 2 Dessert Plates, circa 1878

By L'Escalier de Cristal

Located in Paris, FR

today in museums, private collections… Dessert plates are 24 cm You will enjoy them.

Category

1870s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Set of Coalport Dessert Dishes, Grape-moulded, Gilt and Flowers, circa 1820
Set of Coalport Dessert Dishes, Grape-moulded, Gilt and Flowers, circa 1820

Set of Coalport Dessert Dishes, Grape-moulded, Gilt and Flowers, circa 1820

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in London, GB

This is a stunning and very rare set of four dessert serving dishes made by Coalport in circa 1820

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 18 Green & Heavily Gilt Encrusted Dessert/Salad Plates Antique English
Set of 18 Green & Heavily Gilt Encrusted Dessert/Salad Plates Antique English

Set of 18 Green & Heavily Gilt Encrusted Dessert/Salad Plates Antique English

By Minton

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A vibrant and elegant set of plates by the re known Gilded Age Porcelain firm of Minton England

Category

Early 1900s British Neoclassical Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Set of Nine Haviland Limoges Vieux Paris Dessert Dishes France Circa 1876
Set of Nine Haviland Limoges Vieux Paris Dessert Dishes France Circa 1876

Set of Nine Haviland Limoges Vieux Paris Dessert Dishes France Circa 1876

By Haviland & Co.

Located in Katonah, NY

This set of nine lovely Vieux Paris dishes was made by Haviland Limoges in France circa 1876. The

Category

1870s French Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 Copeland's 19th C Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses & Leaves
Set of 12 Copeland's 19th C Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses & Leaves

Set of 12 Copeland's 19th C Hand Painted Dessert Plates w/ Roses & Leaves

By Copeland Spode

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This set of 12 Copeland dessert plates features hand painted rose decoration in a perfect palette

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

A very rare set of six George III Dessert Spoons, Cork, circa 1790
A very rare set of six George III Dessert Spoons, Cork, circa 1790

A very rare set of six George III Dessert Spoons, Cork, circa 1790

By John Nicholson

Located in London, GB

A very rare set of six George III Dessert Spoons, Cork, circa 1790, John Nicolson. The Dessert

Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Dessert Sets

Set of 12 Spode Copelands Dessert Plates, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, circa 1907
Set of 12 Spode Copelands Dessert Plates, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, circa 1907

Set of 12 Spode Copelands Dessert Plates, Bailey, Banks and Biddle, circa 1907

By Copeland Spode

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This set of 12 Spode Copelands, Sevres style dessert plates combine all the best features of both

Category

Early 1900s English Romantic Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 KPM Dessert Plates with Hand Painted Fruit Pierced & Gilt Borders
Set of 12 KPM Dessert Plates with Hand Painted Fruit Pierced & Gilt Borders

Set of 12 KPM Dessert Plates with Hand Painted Fruit Pierced & Gilt Borders

By KPM Porcelain

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This set of KPM porcelain dessert plates are exceptional as they feature interesting and more

Category

Early 1900s German Aesthetic Movement Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century German Silver Dessert Fruit Set of 12 Knives and Forks
Late 19th Century German Silver Dessert Fruit Set of 12 Knives and Forks

Late 19th Century German Silver Dessert Fruit Set of 12 Knives and Forks

By Koch & Bergfeld

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

German dessert fruit set of six knives and six forks from 1890. Decor Ludwig XVI. This decor ist

Category

Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Silver

Set of a Dozen Davenport Dessert or Salad Dishes in the Imari Style
Set of a Dozen Davenport Dessert or Salad Dishes in the Imari Style

Set of a Dozen Davenport Dessert or Salad Dishes in the Imari Style

By Davenport Porcelain

Located in Katonah, NY

A set of dessert or salad dishes in the Imari style painted with the traditional orange, gilt and

Category

Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Ironstone

Creil et Montereau Faïence Transferware Modèle Au Rébus Dessert Plates, Set of 6
Creil et Montereau Faïence Transferware Modèle Au Rébus Dessert Plates, Set of 6

Creil et Montereau Faïence Transferware Modèle Au Rébus Dessert Plates, Set of 6

By Creil et Montereau

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A set of six French Rebus Puzzle dessert plates, transfer printed in black on a white earthenware

Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Dessert Sets

Materials

Earthenware

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Antique Dessert Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique dessert sets is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, ceramic and silver, all antique dessert sets available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique dessert sets available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique dessert sets made by Rococo designers — as well as those associated with Art Nouveau — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique dessert sets are appealing in their simplicity, but Emile Puiforcat, Meissen Porcelain and Wedgwood produced popular antique dessert sets that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Dessert Sets?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,450, while they’re typically $62 on the low end and $55,000 highest priced.

Finding the Right Dining-entertaining for You

Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?

Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.

Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.

Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.

“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate & Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”

Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.

At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Dessert Sets
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 5, 2024
    To identify an antique tea set, look closely to determine who the manufacturer is. Locate the hallmark on the bottom of a saucer, teapot or cup. A maker’s mark on one of these items is the best indicator of the set’s origin. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. Professionals recommend consulting auction catalogs, books and trusted online resources such as museum exhibition materials. With some research, you may be able to match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age. 

    In 17th-century England, Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. Mass production of porcelain tea sets took place in the 18th century, and during the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England

    Reputable soft-paste porcelain makers include Sèvres, Capodimonte and Chelsea, while Meissen was the first European maker of hard-paste porcelain. Bone china manufactories of note include Spode, Minton and Derby, which was later called the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.

    Generally, a tea set is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old, while antiques are at least 100 years old. Although a maker’s mark is generally a helpful indicator of a given manufacturer, forgeries have occurred over the years. Look for other signifiers of a material, time period or style if you are uncertain of your piece’s origin. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.

    Find antique tea sets on 1stDibs.