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Vintage 1940’s Birks Regency Plate Spreaders
Located in New Orleans, LA
A vintage set of six English Birks regency plate spreaders for butter or other condiments
Category
Vintage 1940s English Regency Revival Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Monticello by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 144 Pieces Dinner
By Lunt Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
place soup spoons, 7"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 1/2"
12 fruit knives, plated blades, 6 1/2"
12
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Wild Rose Rosalind Old by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 142 Pcs Dn
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Teaspoons, 6"
12 Place Soup Spoons, 7"
12 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 1/8"
12 Cocktail Forks w/flowers
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Cloeta by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 6 Service 36 pcs Grapes
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
, 6 7/8"
6 Salad Forks, 6 1/4"
6 Small Teaspoons, 5 1/2"
6 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 5 3/4"
6
Category
20th Century Unknown Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Wedgwood by Int Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Dinner and Hollowware Collection
By International Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
Hollowware including four-piece sterling silver tea set and tray, serving bowl, dessert plates, and salt and
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
William and Mary by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 96 Pcs Dinner
By Lunt Silver
Located in Big Bend, WI
spoons, 6 1/2", 12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 7/8", 12 cocktail forks, 5 1/2", one gravy ladle, 5 1
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
German Silverplate Master Butter Knife, Cheese Knife & Master Sugar; 3pcs
Located in Malibu, CA
Set of German silver-plate master butter sugar & spreader.
This flatware set is from one of the
Category
Early 20th Century German French Provincial Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 0.65 in W 6.75 in D 1 in
Chatham by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 132 Pieces Dinner
By Durgin Silver Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
forks 7 1/4",
12 salad forks 6 1/8",
12 teaspoons 5 7/8",
12 flat handle butter spreaders 5 5/8",
12
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hampton by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service Dinner 116 Pieces
By Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
forks, 6"
12 teaspoons, 5 3/4"
12 place soup spoons, 7 1/8"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 5/8"
12
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Shenandoah by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 45 Pieces Scarce
By Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
:
Six knives, blunt silver plated blades, 8 7/8",
six forks, 6 3/4",
six salad forks, 5 7/8",
six
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chateau Rose by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 153 Pcs Dinner
By Alvin Silver Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spoons, 6 1/4"
12 Place Soup Spoons, 6 5/8"
12 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 1/4"
12 Cocktail Forks
Category
Late 20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Leonore by Manchester Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 92 pcs
By Manchester Silver Co. & S. S.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Butter Spreaders, 5 3/4"
8 Cocktail Forks, 5 5/8"
8 Iced Tea Spoons, 7 1/2"
8 Demitasse Spoons, 4 1/2"
8
Category
Vintage 1930s English Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Modernist Pattern Gold Plated Stainless Flatware Set of 92 by Reed and Barton
By Reed & Barton
Located in Van Nuys, CA
stainless steel blade),
12 soup spoons,
12 cocktail forks
12 individual butter spreaders.
Measurements
Category
Vintage 1950s American Tableware
Materials
Gold Plate
Cambridge by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12 Set 90 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
12 teaspoons, 5 3/4"
12 place soup spoons, 7"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 7/8"
12 cocktail
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Chippendale Old by Alvin Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 6 Service 46 Pc Dinner
By Alvin Corporation
Located in Big Bend, WI
/8"
6 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 5 3/4"
6 Cocktail Forks, 5 1/2"
1 Serving Spoon, 8 1/2"
1
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Imperial Chrysanthemum Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 416 Pc Chest
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
knives, blunt, 8 1/2"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, wide, 6 1/2"
12 flat handle butter spreaders
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Benjamin Ben Franklin by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Service 8 Set, 73 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
forks, 7 1/8"
8 teaspoons, 6"
8 place soup spoons, 7 1/8"
8 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4"
8 large
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Virginiana by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 6 Service 57 Pieces Dinner
By Gorham
Located in Big Bend, WI
butter spreaders, 6"
6 large dinner spoons, 8 1/2"
6 gumbo soup spoons, 7"
1 roast carving set, 2-piece
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Madison by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 77 Pcs
By Wallace Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spreaders, 5 1/2"
12 Gumbo Soup Spoons, 6 5/8"
1 Sugar Spoon, 6"
1 Flat Handle Master Butter, 7"
1 Lemon
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
D'Orleans by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 60 Pieces Dinner
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spoons, 7 1/8"
8 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 6"
8 Cocktail Forks, 6"
1 Gravy Ladle, 6 1/2"
1 Serving
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Hamilton by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 63 Pieces Dinner
By Gorham
Located in Big Bend, WI
size forks, 7 3/4"
8 salad forks, 6 1/2"
8 teaspoons, 5 7/8"
8 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4"
8
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mary Chilton by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 91 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
place soup spoons, 7 1/2"
8 flat handle butter spreaders, 6"
8 iced tea spoons, 8 1/8"
8 bouillon soup
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Luxembourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 48 Pcs Dinner
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
8 teaspoons, 5 3/4"
8 flat handle butter spreaders, 6 1/8"
8 large dinner spoons, 8 3/8
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Cambridge by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12 Set 310 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
/4"
12 gumbo soup spoons, 6 3/4"
12 place soup spoons, 7"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 7/8
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Imperial Queen by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware 12 Set Service 189 Pcs Dinner
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
dinner size forks, 7 5/8"
12 regular knives w/blunt silver plated blades, 8 1/4"
12 regular forks, 7"
12
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Lafayette Engraved by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 110 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
soup spoons, 7 1/2".
Six flat handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4".
Six cocktail forks, 6 1/2".
Six
Category
Antique Early 1900s Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
68 Pc Towle Sterling Silver 925 Madeira Flatware & Chest Monogram K
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Dayton, OH
monogrammed with a K. Includes three non-matching silver plate pieces from R. Wallace and Lady Doris
Category
Vintage 1940s Victorian Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
San Lorenzo by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 80 Pcs Dinner
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
butter spreaders, 6"
8 bouillon soup spoons, 5 3/8"
8 demitasse spoons, 4 3/8"
1 gravy ladle, 7 3/4"
1
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Old Colonial by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 70 Pcs Dinner
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4"
2 serving spoons, 8 1/4"
1 pickle fork, 2-tine, 5 7/8"
1 lemon fork, 4 5
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Fairfax by Durgin Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 171 Pieces
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in Big Bend, WI
spoons, 6 7/8" (heavy),
seven place soup spoons, 7 1/4" (heavy),
11 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 5/8
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Elegante by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 245 Pieces
By Reed & Barton
Located in Big Bend, WI
".
12 knives, 9".
32 forks, 7".
24 teaspoons, 5 3/4".
12 place soup spoons, 7".
12 butter spreaders
Category
Antique Early 1900s Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Portsmouth by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 144 pcs Dinner
By Gorham
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Portsmouth by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - pieces. This pattern features a
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Norman Plain by Shreve Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 267 Pieces Dinner
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
15 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 1/8"
15 Ice Cream Forks, 5"
12 Bouillon Soup Spoons, 4 7/8"
12
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Bead by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 110 pcs Dinner
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
, 6 5/8"
8 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 5 1/8"
8 Cocktail Forks, gold-washed, 5 5/8"
8 5-O'clock
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tudor Scroll by Birks Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 140 pieces Dinner
By Henry Birks
Located in Big Bend, WI
Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 7/8"
12 Cocktail Forks, 5 3/4"
12 Coffee Spoons, 5 3/8"
1 Gravy Ladle
Category
Late 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Florentine by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service with Provenance 426 Pieces
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
, 7 3/4"
12 regular knives, 8 3/4"
12 regular forks, 7"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 6"
12 ice
Category
Early 20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Madam Jumel by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 190 Pcs Dinner
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
12 Teaspoons, 5 7/8"
12 Place Soup Spoons, 7"
12 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 5 3/4"
12 Cocktail
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Springfield by Unger Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 156 Pc Dinner "S" Mono
By Unger Brothers
Located in Big Bend, WI
pieces. Matching "S" monogram on all pieces.
12 dinner size knives (silver plate blunt blades) 9 3/4
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Old English by Birks Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Dinner Service 98 Pcs Canada
By Henry Birks
Located in Big Bend, WI
Teaspoons, 5 5/8"
8 Gumbo Soup Spoons, 6 3/4"
8 Place Soup Spoons, 7"
8 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 7
Category
Early 20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Tulipe Tulip by Boulenger French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 214 pc
By Charles Boulenger
Located in Big Bend, WI
Dessert Forks, 7 3/8"
12 Teaspoons, 5 3/4"
12 Dessert Spoons, 7 3/8"
11 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Florentine by Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 160 Pcs
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
teaspoons, 5 7/8".
12 place soup spoons, 7 1/8".
12 flat handle individual butter spreaders, 5 7/8".
12
Category
Antique Early 1900s Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Meadow Rose by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 225 Pieces
By Wallace Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
Butter Spreaders, 5 3/4"
12 Cocktail Forks, 5 3/4"
12 Iced Tea Spoons, 7 1/2"
12 Ramekin Forks, 5"
12
Category
20th Century American Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Hamilton by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 117 Pc Dinner
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
",
12 teaspoons, 6",
12 cream soup spoons, 6 3/4",
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 6",
12 cocktail
Category
Mid-20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Louis XIV by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 110 Pieces
By Towle Silversmiths
Located in Big Bend, WI
flat handle butter spreaders, 5 7/8"
12 cocktail forks, 5 1/2"
12 iced tea spoons, 7 7/8"
1 gravy ladle
Category
Vintage 1920s American Louis XIV Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
San Lorenzo, Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set 340 Pcs in Fitted Chest
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Big Bend, WI
forks, 6 7/8"
12 teaspoons, 5 7/8"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 6"
12 cocktail forks, gold-washed
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Marie Louise by Cartier Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 175 Pcs Dn P Mono
By Cartier
Located in Big Bend, WI
flat handle butter spreaders, 5 1/8"
12 cocktail forks, 5 1/2"
12 demitasse spoons, 4 1/4"
12 gumbo
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Consulat by Puiforcat France Silverplate Flatware Set Service 116 Pcs Dinner
By Jean Puiforcat
Located in Big Bend, WI
revived by Martin-Guillaume Biennais a century later, this silver-plated classic continues to charm with
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
Duo by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 119 pieces Dinner Modern
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spoons, 7 1/2"
11 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 7 1/4"
12 Fish Knives, 8 1/2"
12 Fish Forks, 3-tine
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver Plate
Orleans by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service 10 Set 60 Pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Size Forks, 7 3/4"
10 Luncheon/Dessert Forks, 7"
10 Dessert Spoons, 7"
10 Hollow Handle Butter
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Perles by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service 12 Set 48 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Forks, 6 1/2"
8 Teaspoons, 5 7/8"
8 Dessert Spoons, 7 3/8"
8 Hollow Handle Butter Spreader, 6 1/2
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Duo by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service for 12 Set 116 pieces Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Place Soup Spoons, 7 1/2"
12 Demitasse Spoons, 4"
12 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 7 1/4"
12 Fish
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver Plate
Vendome Arcantia Christofle Silverplate Flatware Set for 12 Service 96 pcs Lunch
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Teaspoons, 5 7/8"
12 Cream Soup Spoons, 6 1/2"
12 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
12 Demitasse Spoons
Category
20th Century Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Rosemont by Gorham Silverplate Flatware Set Service 114 Pc Huge circa 1930 Roses
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Big Bend, WI
, 6 1/4"
12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 3/4"
8 cocktail forks, 5 3/8"
12 iced tea spoons, 7 1/2
Category
Mid-20th Century Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
America by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service for 8 Dinner Set 110 pieces
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
8 Demitasse Spoons, 3 7/8"
8 Dessert Spoons, 6 3/4"
8 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
8 Fish
Category
20th Century Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
French Gilded Flatware Called "Bien Aimée" 180 Pieces Chambly Mid 20th
By CHAMBLY
Located in Paris, FR
large spoon
1 butter spreader
1 olive spoon
1 set of carving fork and knife
1 set of salad serving spoon
Category
Vintage 1950s French Romantic Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate
H 11.82 in W 13.78 in D 15.75 in
Bird of Paradise by Community Silverplate Flatware Set For 24 Service 115 pieces
By Community
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
24 Teaspoons, 6"
12 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 1/4"
6 Serving Spoons, 8 1/8"
1 Pickle Fork, 6 1
Category
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Triade by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Set 8 Service 66 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
8 Dessert Knives, 8"
8 Large Dinner Spoons, 8 1/4"
1 Large
Category
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Triade Gold by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Set Service 66 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spoons, 7 1/2"
8 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
8 Dessert Knives, 8"
8 Large Dinner Spoons, 8 1/4
Category
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Triade Gold by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Set Service 76 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Spoons, 7 1/2"
12 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
1 Gravy Ladle, 7 1/4"
1 Cheese Knife, 8 1/4"
1
Category
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Triade by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Set 12 Service 76 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
"
12 Hollow Handle Butter Spreaders, 6 3/4"
1 Gravy Ladle, 7 1/4"
1 Cheese Knife, 8 1/4"
1 Large
Category
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
- 1
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Silver Plate Butter Spreader For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the silver plate butter spreader you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, silver and sterling silver, every silver plate butter spreader was constructed with great care. There are 136 variations of the antique or vintage silver plate butter spreader you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a silver plate butter spreader — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A silver plate butter spreader, designed in the Art Nouveau, Art Deco or Victorian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made silver plate butter spreader has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Christofle, Gorham Manufacturing Company and Tiffany & Co. are consistently popular.
How Much is a Silver Plate Butter Spreader?
The average selling price for a silver plate butter spreader at 1stDibs is $6,498, while they’re typically $39 on the low end and $298,500 for the highest priced.
Finding the Right tableware for You
While it isn’t always top of mind for some, antique and vintage tableware can enhance even the most informal meal. It has been an intimate part of how we’ve interacted with our food for millennia.
Tableware has played a basic but important role in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used spoons (which are classified as flatware) made of ivory and wood, while Greeks and Romans, who gathered for banquets involving big meals and entertainment, ate with forks and knives. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, forks were still uncommon in American homes. Over time, tableware has thankfully evolved and today includes increasingly valuable implements.
Tableware refers to the tools people use to set the table, including serving pieces, dinner plates and more. It encompasses everything from the intricate and elaborate to the austere and functional, yet are all what industrial product designer Jasper Morrison might call “Super Normal” — anonymous objects that are too useful to be considered banal.
There are four general categories of tableware — serveware, dinnerware, drinkware and, lastly, flatware, which is commonly referred to as silverware or cutlery. Serveware includes serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, casserole pans and ladles. Most tableware is practical, but it can also be decorative. And decorative objects count as tableware too. Even though they don’t fit squarely into one of the four categories, vases, statues and floral arrangements are traditional centerpieces.
Drinkware appropriately refers to the vessels we use for our beverages — mugs, cups and glasses. There is a good deal of variety that falls under this broad term. For example, your cheerful home bar or mid-century modern bar cart might be outfitted with a full range of vintage barware, which might include pilsner glasses and tumblers. Specialty cocktails are often served in these custom glasses, but they’re still a type of drinkware.
Every meal should be special — even if you’re using earthenware or stoneware for a casual lunch — but perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party to mark a specific event. The right high-quality tableware can bring a touch of luxury to your cuisine. Young couples, for example, traditionally add “fine china,” or porcelain, to their wedding registry as a commemoration of their union and likely wouldn’t turn down exquisite silver made by Tiffany & Co. or Georg Jensen.
It’s important to remember, however, that when you’re setting the dining room table to have fun with it. Just as you might mix and match your dining chairs, don’t be afraid to mix new and old or high and low with your tableware. On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage and antique tableware to help elevate your meal as well as the mood and atmosphere of your entire dining room.
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