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Tableware For Sale
Creator: Georg Jensen
Creator: Amboss Austria
Vintage Georg Jensen Mitra Stainless Flatware Dinner Service for 12, 68 Pcs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This dinner service was Georg Jensen's first set in stainless steel. It was designed in 1941 by Gundorph Albertus (1887-1970). Stainless steel was chosen due to the lack of silver during the Second World War. The name Mitra derives from the headware/hat of a Bishop (mitres-s) and resembles its distinct shape. 68 pcs of flatware dinner service...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ornamental #19 by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 129 Pc Grape
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare handmade ornamental #19 by Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set with superb pierced Art Nouveau grapes motif - 129 pieces. Early "GI" hallmark for 1910-1925. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 1/2", 12 dinner size forks, 8 1/4", 12 salad forks, 6 7/8", 12 place soup spoons, 7 1/4", 12 iced tea spoons, 7", 12 pastry forks, 3-tine, 6", 12 serving spoons, 8 3/8", eight luncheon knives, 7 5/8", eight teaspoons, 5 1/2", eight ice cream spoons, 6 1/2", ten luncheon forks, 7 1/8", ten hollow handle all-sterling butter...
Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Acorn Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12, in all 126 Pieces
Located in Montreal, QC
Georg Jensen acorn sterling silver flatware set for 18 persons. 122 pieces, set consisting of, 18 salad forks 7.5" Six fis...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Silver

Boxed Amboss Mid-Century 6 Knives And 6 Forks, Flatware Cutlery, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small modernist forks and knives in their original boxes. Executed in the 1950s by Amboss Austria. Made of stainless steel with beautiful teak wooden handles. Originally produced as fruit knives and forks...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bernadotte by Georg Jensen Silverplated Flatware Set For 12 Service 48 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Bernadotte embodies the story of the Georg Jensen heritage. Designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte in 1939, it is an example of the functionalist 1930's ideal to create objects of everyday use for everyone but is contradictive as it was made in sterling. The cutlery of choice for anyone who appreciates the smooth feel of fine design and the resonant timelessness of dining among loved ones. The Danish King Christian X ate daily meals with Bernadotte cutlery...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Bernadotte by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Candlestick Pair #855b #6303
Located in Big Bend, WI
Bernadotte by Georg Jensen. Impressive Bernadotte by Georg Jensen sterling silver candlestick pair marked #855B. The candlesticks measure...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lily of the Valley by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 116 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Georg Jensen is one of the world's most significant silversmiths, who formed an international following due to his innovative and sculptural work and his collaborations with other ve...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bernadotte Low Tumbler, 6 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Eye-catching and stylish, this set of six lead-free crystal tumblers brings the Scandinavian design to your table setting. The gentle grooves that echo the details in early Art Deco ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Sky White Wine Glasses, 6 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Good wine tastes even better when served in beautiful glasses! Bringing a stylish Scandinavian touch to the joy of sipping chilled white wine, these elegant lead-free crystal white wine glasses are stunning to look at but also easy to hold with their softly sculptured shape. Pair with a Sky carafe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Elsinore by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Individual Fish Set 22 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Elsinore by Georg Jensen sterling silver individual fish set, 22 pieces. This set includes: 11 Fish Knives, flat handle all-sterling, with GI mark, 7 3/4" 11 Fish Forks, 3-tine, w...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

“Vienna Modern” Flatware Design by Helmut Adler for Amboss Austria 59pc Set
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a 59 piece set of “Vienna Modern” flatware Design by Helmut Adler for Amboss Austria 8 place settings, plus serving spoon, serving fork, ...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sky Red Wine Glasses, 6 Pcs.
Located in New York, NY
How beautiful wine is served is a big part of its enjoyment so give a good red wine the respect it deserves with these elegant contemporary lead-free crystal glasses. Perfectly balanced, they sit comfortably in the hand whilst the softly curved shape adds a sculptural edge to the table setting, especially when paired with a matching carafe from the Sky collection. French-born designer Aurelian Barbry always aims to create pieces that are beautiful to look at but which also address practicality and have a real purpose in someone’s home. His Sky collection of table and barware for Georg Jensen is a stylish and very successful example of his skills. The set of six red wine glasses...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Cutlery Set by Helmut Alder for Amboss Model 2070, 32 Pieces, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
This cutlery (model 2070) consist of 32 pieces. Designed by Helmut Alder, produced by "Amboss Neuzeughammer Steyr" Austria in the 1960s. High quality stainless steel cutlery. He...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Cobra Tumbler Set, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
The slightly curved, sensuous shape of these drinking glasses add an unexpected detail to the dining table. Unusual to look at and beautiful to hold, the tumblers work for water at a dinner party or for fruit juice...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Bernadotte Dinnerware Set, 3 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Presenting your food is an important part of the dining experience and this cool and contemporary porcelain dinnerware set is the perfect solution to stylish serving. Inspired by fun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Bernadotte Thermo Mug Set, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful example of Scandinavian design, these white porcelain thermo mugs combine both form and function whilst retaining a cool and contemporary aesthetic. The fine grooves on t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

75 Pc. Georg Jensen Caravel Sterling Silver Flatware Dinner Service for 12
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 75-piece Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware set. Designed by Henning Koppel. In the Caravel pattern. Set comprises: 12 Dinner Forks (7 3/8") 12 Salad Forks (6 1/2") 12 Tea Spoons (5 15/16") 12 Place Spoons...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Dinner & Lunch Set with 157 Pieces
Located in New York, NY
Beaded sterling silver dinner and lunch set. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. This set comprises 157 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 12 Dinner forks (7 1/4), 12 luncheon forks (6 7/8), 24 salad forks (6 3/4), 12 pastry forks (5 5/8), 2 seafood forks (6 1/8), and 1 youth fork (5 5/8); Spoons: 12 teaspoons (5 7/8), 12 teaspoons (5 1/2), 8 fruit spoons (5 7/8), 4 gumbo spoons (6 5/8), 2 ice cream spoons (5 5/8), 2 demitasse spoons (4 1/2), and 3 salt spoons (2 5/8); Knives: 12 short-handled dinner knives (9), 1 luncheon knife (7 5/8), 7 fruit knives (6 1/2), and 2 butter spreaders (5 3/4); Serving: Sardine fork (5 5/8), lemon fork (4 5/8), olive fork (7 1/4), meat fork (9 3/8), 2 cold cut forks (5 3/8), sauce ladle (5 1/2), spoon (8), berry spoon (9), 4 master salts (3 1/4), tomato server (8 1/2), pastry server (8 7/8), cake knife (10 1/2), cake knife (10 3/8), cake cutter...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sky Low Tumbler, 6 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
A perfect example of contemporary Scandinavian design, this set of six lead-free crystal tumblers combines sophisticated good looks with true functionality. The organic shape adds a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Amboss Austria Mid-Century Flatware for Six by Helmut Alder, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful modernist flatware cutlery originating from Austria, Model 2200. Design by Helmut Alder and manufactured by Amboss Austria during the 1960s. This high-quality flatware set ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Danish Sterling Silver Coffee or Tea Set Georg Jensen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Danish sterling silver four-piece coffee or tea set by Georg Jensen. This lovely set consists of a coffeepot, lidded sugar bowl, creamer, all of Models 80A, with a hammered silver tray...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Acanthus by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 68 Pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
The superb Scandinavian Moderne "Acanthus" or "Dronning" pattern of sterling silver flatware was designed by Johan Rohde in 1917 for Georg Jensen. Johan Rohde is known for his innova...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bernadotte Tall Tumbler, 6 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
All drinks taste better when served in a good glass! This set of six tall lead-free crystal tumblers bring a sophisticated elegance to everything from a simple glass of water to a mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Sky Tall Tumbler, 6 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
The ergonomic and sculptural shape of these lead-free crystal tall tumblers not only make them a beautiful contemporary addition to the dining table or home bar, they also make the glasses comfortable and easy to hold. Use for long drinks or water and combine with the Sky carafes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Cobra Medium Tumbler Set, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
The slightly curved, sensuous shape of these drinking glasses add an unexpected detail to the dining table. Unusual to look at and beautiful to hold, the tumblers work for water at a dinner party or for fruit juice...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Cobra Thermo Cup
Located in New York, NY
An unusual and intriguing take on a traditional beaker, the organic and fluid shape of this white porcelain mug has a tactile and ergonomic appeal. Suitable for tea or coffee, it bri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Carl Aubock for Amboss 30 Piece Flatware Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Moderniststainless steel flatware set, designed by Carl Aubock for Amboss, Austria, circa 1960s. This is a 5 piece set for 6 guests, 30 pieces total. It is constructed of dishwasher ...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sky Shotglass, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Offering a totally contemporary and very stylish take on the Scandinavian ritual of drinking shots to toast a celebration or to accompany delicious food, this pair of stainless steel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bernadotte Bowl Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and understated porcelain bowl - decorated simply with gentle grooves that invite touch - is the perfect all-purpose dish, suitable for everything from breakfast cereal to soup or side salads. When combined with matching plates and glasses, it adds an element of contemporary Scandinavian style to any dining experience. Swedish prince Sigvard Bernadotte was one of Georg Jensen’s first design collaborators. Strongly influenced by the functionalist movement, his work is characterised by elegant lines, a minimalist aesthetic and absolute practicality. His influence continues to the present day with the Bernadotte collection of tableware. This set of four bowls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Amboss Austria Kitchen Utensil Set, Designed by Janos Meglk
Located in Vienna, Austria
A nice set of kitchen utensils designed by Janos Meglk for Amboss Austria. These instruments have been used but are in very good condition. There are f...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal

Bittersweet by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Dinner Service 77 Pc
Located in Big Bend, WI
The "Bittersweet" or "Pinje" pattern of sterling silver flatware was designed by Gundolph Albertus in 1940 for Georg Jensen. Superb dinner size bittersweet by Georg Jensen sterling s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Georg Jensen 925 Sterling Silver Pair of Pepper Shakers, Serial Nr. 1031
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Georg Jensen 925 sterling silver pair of pepper shakers. Serial Nr. 1031 Made in Denmark. Designed by Hans Henriksen. Imported to England, London, 1961 Fully hallmarked....
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Cobra Dinner Plate Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
The crisp lines of pure white porcelain are artfully contrasted with the fluidity of its organic shape in this beautiful dinner plate. The subtlety of its design makes for a stylish ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Slovak Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Lily of the Valley by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 96 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Georg Jensen Georg Jensen is one of the world's most significant silversmiths, who formed an international following due to his innovative and sculptural work and his collaboration...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sky Bowl Set, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
With a shape that reflects the organic and asymmetric form running through much of the Sky collection, this striking porcelain bowl is a stylish and contemporary way of serving pasta, soup or salad. Mixed with other Sky pieces, the bowl adds a touch of Scandinavian flair to everything from casual meals with the family to an elegant dinner party with friends. French-born Aurelian Barbry’s central design philosophy reflects his desire to re-examine everyday objects and bring an extra element of beauty to them without losing sight of functionality. His Sky collection for Georg Jensen, inspired by the shape of clouds, is a superb example of his talent and style. The bowl set...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sky Dinnerware Set, 3 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist, stylish and very Scandinavian, this white porcelain dinnerware set, comprising of a dinner and lunch plate and a bowl, is th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Cobra Lunch Plate Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
The fluidity of the organic, uneven shape of this plate contrasts beautifully with the clean crisp porcelain, glazed in pure white. Medium in size, the plate is perfect for lunches o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage, Horn Handle, Corkscrew from Amboss Austria, Chrome-Plated, 1950s
Located in Vienna, Austria
A vintage corkscrew from Amboss Austria, from the early 1950s. The handle is made from the tip of a deer antler and held in place with a pin which g...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Bernadotte Skillet / Covered Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Georg Jensen sterling silver skillet, designed by Bernadotte pattern #909, in Art Deco style and with a wooden finial on cover. Measuring 10.7 inches long, 6.6 inches wide, and 3.7 i...
Category

20th Century Danish Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Blossom Cocktail or Pickle Fork & Condiment Spoon
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sterling silver fork and knife set were made by the renowned Georg Jensen of Denmark in his Blossom pattern in a naturalistic or organic style. Both pieces are clearly hallmarke...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cobra Bowl Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully contrasting the clean lines of pure white porcelain with a fluid and organic shape, this eye-catching bowl is a stylish way to serve snacks, nuts or candies. It brings a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Scroll by Georg Jensen Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 45 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Scroll is a scarce, hand hammered heavy weight pattern designed by Johan Rohde in 1927. Johan Rohde is known for his innovative and unique style. While his patterns are elegant an...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Blossom Cocktail or Pickle Fork & Condiment Spoon
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sterling silver fork and knife set were made by the renowned Georg Jensen of Denmark in his Blossom pattern in a naturalistic or organic style. Both pieces are clearly hallmarke...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sky Mug Set, 2 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
In true Scandinavian style, this set of two mugs combines both striking good looks and absolute functionality. The soft curves of the mug make an aesthetically pleasing form and with its unusual shaped handle makes it an attractive addition to the breakfast or lunch table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sky Serving Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Making an eye-catching centrepiece to the dining table, this asymmetric and sculptural porcelain bowl is perfect for serving vegetables, rice or salad. Combine with other contemporar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sky Bowl Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Eye-catching and contemporary, this small white porcelain bowl is the perfect size for all-purpose use - from breakfast cereal or side salad to serving candies or nuts. Echoing the asymmetric form seen in many of the pieces in the Sky collection, the dish works well as a single conversation piece at a party or as part of a full service for a stylish dinner or casual family meal. Aurelian Barbry has a strong belief that his products should be beautiful but stay true to their purpose. His Sky collection of bar and tableware for Georg Jensen is a striking example of this philosophy, with sculptural shapes working both aesthetically and practically. The bowl set...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Argo Fregat by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 60 Pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rare Dinner size Argo Fregat by Georg Jensen sterling silver Flatware set, 60 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, long handle, 8 7/8" 12 dinner size forks, 7 1/2" 12 ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sky Lunch Plate Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
What appears at first to be a simple white porcelain plate in fact reveals an unexpected detail on closer inspection: its base is in the form of an asymmetric shape that echoes other...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sky Dinner Plate Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
At first glance deceptively simple, this white porcelain dinner plate - on closer inspection - reveals itself to have the distinctive organic shape from the Sky collection as its base. This minimalist detail adds an unusual and stylish frame to the food and creates a stylish talking point at the dinner table. Designer Aurélien Barbry loves to create practical designs that celebrate the functionality of the objects but not at the expense of beauty. His organic forms make his work a natural match for Georg Jensen’s long-standing use of sculptural shapes. This set of four dinner plates...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Bernadotte Lunch Plate Set, 4 Pcs
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist yet still with subtle detailing, this small porcelain plate is perfect for lunch and salads. The small ridges add a tactile element that references Bernadotte’s functional...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Amboss Austria 2050 Modernist Flatware Cutlery for Six by Helmut Alder, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful modernist flatware from Austria, model 2050, designed by Helmut Alder, executed by Amboss Austria in the 1950s. High-quality flatware, made of brushed and polished stainless steel. For six persons, consists of 6 big spoons...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Blok, Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 6 Service 36 Pieces Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb "Blok" by Georg Jensen sterling silver dinner size flatware set, 36 pieces. This service includes: 6 dinner knives, long handle, 9" 6 dinner forks, 7 1/8" 6 salad forks, 6 3/...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Alfredo Salt & Pepper Bistro in Stainless Steel by Alfredo Häberli
Located in New York, NY
Theh Alfred salt & pepper mills move with you from kitchen to dining room. Its ergonomic shapes are equally at home in your hands or resting elegantly on a counter or table top. A...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Mirror

Lexington Jensen USA Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 66 Pieces Fiddle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Lexington Georg Jensen USA sterling silver flatware set with classic fiddle shaped handles, 66 pieces. This set includes: 6 knives, 8 3/4" 6 forks, 7 3/8" 6 salad forks 3-tine, 7" 6...
Category

Late 20th Century American Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Bernadotte Salt Cellar and Spoon in Steel by Siguard Bernadotte
Located in New York, NY
Bring class to any table setting with Bernadotte, a Classic yet modern table collection based on the iconic lines of Sigvard Bernadotte, a piece of Georg Jensen design history. When ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sky Serving Platter
Located in New York, NY
The asymmetric and organic shape of this porcelain serving platter makes it a striking way to present anything from hors d’oeuvres to salad at the dining table. Minimalist and stylis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Cobra Oval Deep Dish
Located in New York, NY
Like the surface of water or perhaps fabric caught in the wind, the Cobra oval dish seems to float above the table surface. The undulating shape is typical of the Scandinavian approa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Georg Jensen Alfredo Kitchen Roll Holder in Stainless Steel by Alfredo Häberli
Located in New York, NY
Alfredo Häberli’s sense for reinventing everyday objects as simple, accurate and thoughtful design pieces has gained him a loyal following of fans across the globe. The Alfredo colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique and Vintage Tableware

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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