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Tableware For Sale
Marbre Dinner Plates, Brown, Marbled, Ceramics, Set of 4
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in Bulgaria, our Marbre collection brings a rustic elegance to any table setting, with its dreamy marbled pattern. Available in Blue, Green and Brown, the Marbre collecti...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Royal Albert England Porcelain Serving Set, Old Country Roses, 1974-1980
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage serving set consists of two-tier sandwich or cookie platter stand, relish or condiment bowl, and salt and pepper shakers. The fine porcelain pieces are decorated in Old Country Roses...
Category

1970s English Victorian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Dotty Mug in Terracotta, Ceramics
Located in London, GB
Rustic and full of charm, our Dotty collection is handmade in Southern Italy. Inspired by an antique terracotta fragment found by Louise on her travels, shop the full dinnerware coll...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Sugar Bowl Scotland Silver
Located in Epfach, DE
18th Century Sugar Bowl Scotland Silver This is an exquisite sugar bowl from 18th century Scotland. This elegant bowl rests on three curved feet and has a decorative lobed rim. A fi...
Category

1780s Scottish Baroque Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 142 pcs "L" Mono
Located in Big Bend, WI
Etruscan by Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 142 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner knives, 9 5/8", 12 dinner forks, 7 1/2", 12 luncheon knives, 8 1/2", 12 luncheon fork...
Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Tiffany Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Bonbon Scoop
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical sterling silver bonbon scoop. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Round and shallow bowl and shaped handle. Open and engraved leafing scrollwork; scrolled...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Giorgio by Italy 800 Silver Flatware Dinner Set for 12 Service 76 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
The strong lines and distinctive shape of this pattern are perfect for contemporary tables. European size, meticulously crafted in Italy. Stunning Giorgio Italian...
Category

20th Century Italian Tableware

Materials

Silver

Mythologique by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 237 pcs Dinner Huge
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Mythologique pattern was designed by Antoine Heller, a French silversmith trained under the influence of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in the studio of Jean-Leon Gerome. Joining Gorha...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Charger from the Meiji Period
Located in Kastrup, DK
A large Japanese porcelain imari charger dating from the Meiji era. Hand painted design in polychrome colors, six alternating panels surrounding the central floral medallion. Reverse...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Other Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

The Black Collection Porcelain Dinner Plate - Mix Set of 4
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a striking touch of exotic sophistication to your table setting with the Black Collection Porcelain Plate Set. This captivating set features four beautifully designed porcelain p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Queen Anne by Cooper Bros England Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 48 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exceptional Queen Anne by Cooper Bros England sterling silver flatware set - 48 pieces. This set includes: Six dinner size knives, 9 5/8" Six dinner size ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Dachshund Vintage Silver Plate Knife Rests
Located in Westport, CT
Set of twelve Dachshund dog silver plated knife rests, vintage in very good look to be unused from the 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Dinner plate L'Escalier de Cristal, 19th "Grands Oiseaux"
Located in Paris, FR
Presenting the "Grands Oiseaux" plates, an exquisite piece from the renowned Escalier de Cristal, the definitive tableware store of the 19th century. This hand-painted plate delicat...
Category

Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Art Deco Ceramic bread box with brass parts vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art Deco Ceramic bread box with brass parts vienna around 1920s Brass parts are polished and stove enameled Ceramic is original condition
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass

Steuben Amethyst Hand Blown Optic Rib Plates & Stemware Service for 12
Located in Great Barrington, MA
What an amazing collection of Steuben's hand blown amethyst crystal dinner service for 12! All hand blown in the more desirable form of optic ribbing that gives each piece a special ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Napkin Holder Denmark around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Napkin Holder Denmark around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled The napkin is only for the photoshhoting
Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass

Shell and Thread by Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 139 pcs Din
Located in Big Bend, WI
Shell & Thread was first introduced by Tiffany in 1905. Its design is typical of patterns made in England during the long reign of King George III. The raised-border edges, which acc...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Collection Five American Sterling Silver Cut Glass Coasters Frank M. Whiting & C
Located in London, GB
Collection Five American Sterling Silver Cut Glass Coasters Frank M. Whiting & Co. American, Early 20th Century Height 3cm, diameter 10cm A refined set of five sterling silver and...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Belle Époque Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Shibori Dyed Parchment Serving Tray with Chinese Wood by Alexander Lamont
Located in Khet Bang Sue, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
The Wing tray is a marriage of two beautiful natural materials - rawhide and chicken wing wood. The vibrantly-grained Chinese wood has been expertly carved i...
Category

2010s Thai Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Pressure Cast Iron Pot Ch. Umbach Bietigheim, 1910s
Located in Praha, CZ
Germany Good original condicion.
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Iron

Gucci Italy Silver Plate and Black Metal Fish Place Card Holders, circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Gucci Silver Plate Place Card Holders with Exotic Fish Motif, circa 1960 Add a touch of luxury to your private table setting with this exceptional set of six silver plate place ...
Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Italian Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s Medium size
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale an Italian mid–20th-century tray—modern in spirit yet clearly inspired by the 18th century. Made in Italy between the 1960s and 1970s by the historic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Limoges Porcelain Service Glazed in an Opulent Royal Blue with Gilt Edges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A partial coffee/dessert service in opulent Limoges porcelain, comprising 6 dessert plates, 6 side plates and a two-handled sugar container. Glazed in an opulent royal blue, the body...
Category

20th Century French Louis XVI Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sir Christopher by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Eight Service 40 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sir Christopher by Wallace Sterling Silver flatware set, 40 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 9 1/8", eight forks, seven 1/4", eight salad forks, 6 3/8", eight teaspoons,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Cassetti "Lighthouse" pepper shaker, 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage lighthouse-shaped pepper shaker by Cassetti, Italy, crafted in rich ebony and chrome-plated brass. This exquisite mid-century design, dating from circa 1950–1970, exemplifies...
Category

1950s Italian International Style Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Olympian by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 139 pc Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
The incredible multi-motif Olympian pattern, which was introduced by Tiffany & Co. in 1878, is the most elaborate and complex of all Tiffany flatware designs. Each piece of Olympian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Provence by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 52 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Provence by Tiffany - Eighteenth century France was the inspiration for this pattern - rich, yet much less formal and ornate than most design patterns of the period. The name is most...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Provincial by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 32 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
This set includes: Eight knives, 8 7/8" Eight forks, 7 1/8" Eight salad Forks, 6 1/4" Eight teaspoons, 5 7/8" Includes bonus brand new storage chest - styles vary. Excellent condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ascot by Ricci 800 Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 76 Pcs Dinner New Unused
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous unused Ascot by Ricci 800 silver flatware dinner set - 76 pieces. This pattern is Continental size and heavy. This set includes: 12 Dinner knives, pointed, 9 3/4" 12 Dinner...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver

Buttercup Gorham Sterling Silver Set 8 Silverware Service Place Size 32 Pcs New
Located in Big Bend, WI
New, unused Buttercup by Gorham sterling silver place size flatware set, 32 pieces. This set includes: Eight place size knives, 9 1/4". Eight place size forks, 7 1/2". Eight place s...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fin Trivet / Tray from Souda, Anodized Black, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop. Both durable and multifunction...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Mid-Century Sterling Silver "Bell" Pattern Flatware Set for Six by Hans Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Created by renowned Danish silversmith Hans Hansen, the "Bell" pattern showcases a harmonious blend of form and function, with each piece striking the perfect balance between aesthet...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

21st Century Diana Thermal Carafe 1.5L Earth Leather Cover Handcrafed in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A new style with a brand new laser cut pattern that beautifully finishes the elegant leather cover. Diana is our new steel thermal carafe with a capa...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Cloissoné Charger, Bowl or Platter
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Charger, Bowl or Platter, Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Charger A fine Japanese Meiji style charger, platter or bowl. This large clois...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot
Located in Red Lion, PA
Substantial Early 19th Century Pennsylvania Primitive Large Copper Kitchen Pot An exceptional example of early American craftsmanship, this large 19th-century Pennsylvania primitive...
Category

Early 19th Century Folk Art Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper, Tin

Silver-plated Mauro Manetti Ice Bucket, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Silver-plated Mauro Manetti ice bucket, 1970s, Made in Italy. Fantastic pomegranate-shaped ice bucket by Mauro Manetti, 1970s. This item is made of metal with a silver finish. The at...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal

Hand-Painted Iron Tray - Persian
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring artistic flair to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a Persian inspired design. Perfect for adding color and character to coffee tables, shelves, or wall dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Grand Tour Tableware

Materials

Iron

Marble Salt and Pepper Shakers Tableware
Located in Toronto, ON
A pair of Carrera marble salt and peppers shakers. They are made out of carved Carrera marble, finished with a stainless steel top, a plastic cork at the bottom. While they are vinta...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

A.Pozzi, Silver Plated and Brass Champagne Flute, Italy, Marked Padova A.Pozzi
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This rare champagne flute is made of silver plated with a brass lemon. This is an Italian work, signed by .A.Pozzi. and marked Padova A.Pozzi. circa 1950.
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Eight Rare Modulation Porcelain Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal. Eight rare Modulation porcelain plates with fluted rim. Platinum Detail. Classic and timeless design. 1960...
Category

1960s German Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century English Regency Papier-mâché Chinoiserie Japanned Tray
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century Regency papier-mâché chinoiserie tray. In addition to the lovely pen-work, it has mother of pearl inlay. It is not marked. Lite and general wear.
Category

Late 19th Century English Regency Antique Tableware

Materials

Wood

Early 20th century French Badonviller Set of 45 Earthenware Tableware, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful blue and white earthenware tableware service dating from the beginning of the 20th century (1900) and signed by the French manufacturer Badonviller. Beautiful decorat...
Category

20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Earthenware

Albi by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 8 Set 87 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
With a dedication to perfection and quality, Christofle flatware creations unite craftsmanship and modern technique, resulting in flatware to be handed down through generations. Th...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modern Artisanal Chowk Red Geometric Print Cotton Table Napkin( set of 4 )
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Chowk table napkin is a unique modern artisanal napkin. Created artistically and ethically by artisans in India using clamp dye technique, using only pure natural dyes. It is a pure ...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Cotton

MONDRIAN - Square Coasters Flat Set - 6 pieces - Agave Green
Located in Torino, IT
Mondrian-inspired coasters are quintessential art and design for your table. Made from high-quality leather, they exhibit the geometric precision and chromatic boldness distinctive o...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Hide, Leather

Rosenthal, Germany, Six Plates Hand Painted with Fruits and Butterflies
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rosenthal, Germany, six plates hand painted with fruits, butterflies and gold decoration. Approx. 1930. First factory quality. In perfect condition. Dimensions: D 18.0 cm.
Category

1930s German Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Cutlery Set, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage cutlery set was realized in the mid-20th century. This silver plate vintage set is made up of 61 cutleries (forks, knifes, spoons) reali...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Raymond Loewy for Air France Concorde Set of 36 Circa's 1970
Located in Brussels, BE
This is original cutlery set of 36 brown pieces : 12 knifes, 12 spoons ,12 forks. Created by designer Raymond Loewy for Air France. These are made of steel and brown plastic. Each piece is branded 'Air France'. Raymond Loewy designed...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

King Richard by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set of 24
Located in Big Bend, WI
Named for the Richard the Lion Hearted, this pattern was inspired by the rich architectural decoration of old English mansions. Introduced in 1932, the design appears to be deeply carved so the details stand out clearly, offsetting the central ornamental shield mimicking those carried by knights during the crusades and the pointed oval top and neck framed in curling leaves. The confident styling will elevate every meal into a festive dining experience, and enhance traditional and formal settings Beautiful and huge King Richard by Towle...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 5 Small Plate or Coasters in Porcelain by Piero Fornasetti, Italy 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury a set of five beautiful black and white small plates or coasters in porcelain displaying drawn animals with money (snail, dog, hen, turtl...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vision by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 95 Pieces Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
International sterling flatware in the pattern Vision designed by Ronald Hayes Pearson patented in 1961. This discontinued pattern features clean, Modernisn inspired lines and is fea...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dots and Dashes Plate Set by Judy Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Dots and Dashes 12", 9" and 7" Plate Set. Modern, simple, and elegant glass, durable enough to last a lifetime. This set, which debuted at the MoMA Design Shop in the '80s, includes 12”, 9” and 7” round glass plates sold together or separately and is part of the Yale University Art Gallery’s permanent collection, the Brooklyn Museum of Art’s permanent collection, and the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum’s permanent collection. We use only quality sustainable materials and partially recycled glass. All our products are dishwasher and microwave safe for gentle heating. Appropriate for everyday use, hospitality, and contract, applications. Dimensions: 2 x 12.5 OZ. Material: Partially recycled glass Judy Smilow...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Tableware

Materials

Glass

George III Period Antique Sterling Silver Tankard, London 1774 John King
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1774 by John King, this wonderful, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Tankard, is of traditional straig...
Category

1770s English George III Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Southern Treasure by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Southern treasure by international sterling silver flatware set - 43 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 9 1/4" 8 forks, 7 1/4" 8 salad forks, 6 3/8" 8 teaspoons, 6" 8 cr...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

1930s Fenton Georgian Ruby Agua Caliente Champagne or Dessert Goblets, S/9
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of nine Fenton Ruby red glass goblets, produced from 1931-1942. In the ‘Georgian Ruby’ pattern, sometimes called Aqua Caliente, these heavy ...
Category

1930s American Georgian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Blown Glass

Spring Glory by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 50 Piece Set
Located in Big Bend, WI
SPRING GLORY BY INTERNATIONAL Sterling Silver flatware set - 50 piece set. This set includes: 8 KNIVES, 9 1/4" 8 FORKS, 7 1/4" 8 SALAD FORKS, 6 1/2" 8 TEASPOONS, 6" 8 CREAM SO...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

German midcentury porcelain dinnerware set, Flowers, Eschenbach, 55 pieces
Located in Valladolid, ES
Beautiful German porcelain dinnerware made by Eschenbach during the 1950s. The dinnerware consists of 55 pieces, with round and oval trays of various sizes, soup and dinner plates, a...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Wave Edge by Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 259 pcs Fitted Chest
Located in Big Bend, WI
Wave Edge was designed by Charles T. Grosjean, the renowned decorator of silver and introduced by Tiffany in 1884. The fanciful marine motif, graceful lines and stylized forms of Wave Edge make it a splendid complement to even the most ornate of table settings. Grosjean worked in his family's firm which produced high end silverware to prominent New York City retailers, including Tiffany. Upon his father's death, Grosjean left his family firm to become superintendent of Tiffany's silver factory in 1868. He had great background in silver and was an artist and was referred to as "one of the best living decorators of silver". He was a teacher in the Tiffany School and designed a few full lines of sterling including Chrysanthemum, Wave Edhe, and English King, which are some of the most famous of his designs. Outstanding Wave Edge by Tiffany & Co. extensive sterling silver flatware service in large fitted Tiffany chest - 259 pieces. This service includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, blunt blades, 10 5/8" 12 Dinner Size Forks, 8" 24 Luncheon Knives, blunt blades, 9 1/4" 24 Luncheon/Dessert Forks, 7 1/8" 12 Teaspoons, 5 7/8" 12 Place Soup Spoons, 7 1/8" 12 Flat Handle Butter Spreaders, 5 7/8" 12 Cocktail Forks, 5 3/4" 12 Bouillon Soup Spoons, 5 3/8" 12 Sherbet Spoons, pinched bowls, gold-washed, 5 1/2" 12 Sherbet Spoons, small, 5 1/4" 12 Fruit Knives, hollow handle all-sterling, 7 3/8" 12 Ice Cream Spoons, 6" 12 Fish Forks with wavy tines, 6 1/2" 12 Fish Knives, hollow handle all-sterling, 7 5/8" 12 Large Dinner Spoons, 8 1/2" 12 Ice Cream Forks, 5 7/8" 2 Gravy Ladles - 1 scalloped - 7 1/8", 1 shell bowl - 7 1/4" 2 Berry Spoons w/leaf bowls, 8 5/8" 1 Berry Spoon, long, 9 3/4" 1 Pastry/Asparagus Tong, pierced, 7 5/8" 1 Sugar Tong, 4 3/8" 1 Cold Meat Fork, fluted, 8 5/8" 1 Preserve Spoon, 7" 1 Flat Handle Master Butter, 7 1/8" 1 Pickle/Oyster Fork, gold-washed, 5 7/8" 1 Cheese Scoop, 7 1/8" 1 Ice Cream Server, 11 1/4" 1 Salad Set, 2-pc, gold-washed, 10" 1 Carving Set, 5-piece: Roast knife - 14 3/4", Roast Fork - 11", Hone - 13 3/4", Steak Carving Knife - 11 1/2" Steak Carving Fork - 10 1/4" 1 Vegetable Serving Spoon, gold-washed, 9" 1 Pie Server gold-washed, all-sterling, 11 1/8" 1 Soup Ladle, 13" 1 Berry/Preserve Spoon w/embossed fruit in bowl, 8 1/2" 1 Jelly Knife, 6 7/8" 1 Crumber, 12 3/4" 1 Ice Cream Slice, 11 1/4" 1 Fish Serving Set, 12 1/8" & 9 1/2" 1 Cheese Knife w/pick, 7 1/4" 1 Sugar Sifter, pierced, 7 1/8" 1 Sterling Grape Shears...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fiore Pasta Bowl in Cream (Set of Four)
Located in London, GB
A warm, charming tabletop collection featuring our blue flower, a motif typical of Southern Italian ceramics. Handmade by our talented artisans, stock your kitchen with the full col...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Grandmother Tableware Set Designed by Robert Venturi with Denise Scott Brown
Located in Kansas City, MO
Grandmother tableware set by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Swid Powell, 1984. Set of four plates, four saucers and 20 cups. Dinner pla...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

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.