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Tableware For Sale
Lenox Olympia Platinum 12 Place Settings, Serving Pieces and Fostoria Goblets
Located in Littleton, CO
The essence of elegant simplicity, this is a truly beautiful set of Lenox Olympia X-303P Platinum Rim bone china. Single estate, 1962. Exquisite condition. Signed. 7 Fostoria platinum rim water goblets also included. Purchased in 1962 to accompany the china set. 12 Dinner Plates, 10.5" 12 Salad Plates, 7-7/8" 12 Coffee Cups, 4" D x 2" H 12 Coffee Saucers, 6" D 8 Bread Plates, 6-3.8" 4 Coupe Cereal Bowls, 5.75" D Gondola Bowl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Platinum

Meissen Coffee & Dessert Set For 7 Persons, Bouquets, Blue Rim & Gold, Ca. 1860
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen coffee service, consisting of 24 parts: 1 coffee pot with lid, 1 cream jug, 1 lidded sugar bowl, 7 cups, 7 saucers, 7 dessert plates. Shape: New cutout Decor: Number 111120 -...
Category

Late 19th Century German Baroque Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sovereign Old by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 81 Pieces Acorn
Located in Big Bend, WI
Sovereign Old by Gorham (1941) sterling silver flatware set with stylized acorn or pineapple motif - 81 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 8 7/8" 8 forks, 7 1/4" 8 salad forks, 6 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Flatware, Service for 12/5 Piece Setting
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous set of sterling silver flatware by Towle Silversmiths is up for sale. The design has a Gothic look and with a curved bo...
Category

2010s American Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

21st Century Jane Serving Tray Handmade with Italian Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Simple yet stylish. The rectangular wooden structure with round corners is covered with soft hand-stitched calfskin leather. Available in 4 different sizes, Jane tray has a non-sl...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Leather, Wood

30 pieces set of Dansk Odin modernist flatware A service for six
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very clean original 30 piece set of modernist flatware . Most with the original plastic Dansk wrappers . Designed by the master designer for Dansk Designs Jens Quistgaard . Manufact...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 12 Noritake Morimura Gilt Dinner or Service Plates, Ex-Seidenberg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 Noritake porcelain dinner plates. With transfer painted polychrome flowers to the center & rim, green Rococo style decoration, and raised gold highlights. (Labeled to the reverse with an old Seidenberg sticker pricing the set at $2250.) Simply a wonderful set of dinner service plates! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: They are in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition Details: There is some noticeable rubbing to the inner gold ring in the centers of most plates. There is some minor rubbing and losses to gilding high points in the raised gold decoration and one small noticeable (a little bit deeper) half-inch scratch to one plate. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Noritake Morimura Brothers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

21st Century Steel Thermal Champagne Bucket with Leather Cover Handmade in Italy
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
A cylindrical body that delicately flares to a wide top well finished by two round handles. The steel wine cooler with leather sleeve comes also in a generous size ideal for champ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Peacocks Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans, Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Contemporary dinner plate 'Peacock' designed by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans, a magical trip in an Ottoman world made of exotic animals and c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Large Square Tray by Gisela Simas: Modern Form, Versatile Function
Located in Petrópolis´, RJ
With its modernist-inspired edges and vibrant base, the Square tray was designed by Gisela Simas in 2014. Made of freijó wood and acrylic, this versatile piece transitions seamlessly...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Tableware

Materials

Wood

19th Century Indian Solid Silver Cased Set Of Six Napkin Rings, P Orr & Sons
By P. Orr & Sons
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Indian set of six napkin rings by P Orr & Sons. Each are beautifully created with a selection of different applied castings of deities. Each ring is numbered and...
Category

19th Century Indian Other Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

19th Century two gallon Copper Measuring Jug
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th Century two gallon copper haystack measuring jug in very good condition and marked at the front with two gallon, having a large shaped handle to one side, the haystack jug named...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Silver Rose by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 80 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Lovely Silver Rose by Oneida sterling silver flatware set of 80 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 5/8" 12 forks, 7 1/2" 12 salad, 6 5/8" 1...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 4 Napkin Rings in Orange Swirl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Our colourful, modern and playful resin napkin rings will be the perfect addition to your spring and summer tablescape. The set includes 4 napkin rings. Designed by Paola Valle ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Tableware

Materials

Resin

Antique George III Old Sheffield Silver on Copper Basket 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulous antique Neo-classical George III Old Sheffield plate silver on copper bread basket / fruit dish, circa 1810 in date. The rectagular swing handled basket features ...
Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Pointed Antique Engraved Dominick & Haff Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful pointed antique engraved by Dominick & Haff huge dinner & luncheon sterling silver flatware set - 119 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner s...
Category

1890s Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wedgwood Flow Blue Dinnerware
Located in South Salem, NY
Antique Wedgwood flow blue dinnerware set. Named for the soft blue fade of the color, circa 1860. Minor losses and chips to some pieces. The se...
Category

19th Century British Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Emerald and Matt Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates RO - clear emerald, matt pastel pink Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Additional information: Material: so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Resin

Antique Sterling Silver Georgian Silver Lidded Tankard/Beer Mug 1780 George III
Located in London, GB
A classic antique George II solid Silver lidded Tankard. This Silver Georgian Quart Tankard has an impressive domed hinged lid with a shaped thumb piece and a substantial scroll hand...
Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

W.H. GRINDLEY & CO. - Daffodil - Two Victorian Ceramic Fruit Bowls - U.K. - 1882
Located in Chatham, ON
W. H. GRINDLEY & CO. - Daffodil - Set of two antique Victorian black transfer decorated fruit bowls - featuring whimsical prints to the center of each bowl with continuous printed bo...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Christian Dior Lucite, Wicker and Brass Placemats or Chargers, 6 pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish tableware ensemble of six placemats was designed for the Christian Dior Interior Collection circa 1970. The chargers have a rectangular shape with polished brass framing...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Large Art Nouveau Photo Frames
Located in London, GB
Pair of large Art Nouveau silver photograph frames by William Neale. Decorated with kingfishers and water lilies above a stylised waterscape, capturing the elegance of the Art Nouve...
Category

Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Bernadotte by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 135 pcs Luncheon
Located in Big Bend, WI
Bernadotte embodies the story of the Georg Jensen heritage. Designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte in 1939, it is the cutlery of choice for anyone who appreciates the smooth feel of ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fin Trivets from Souda, Gold, 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....
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Fin Trivets from Souda, Gold, in Stock
Fin Trivets from Souda, Gold, in Stock
$21 Sale Price / item
65% Off
Memory Lane by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 34 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
This set includes: Eight knives, 8 7/8". Eight forks, 7 1/4". Eight salad forks, 6 1/4". Eight teaspoons, 5 7/8". One serving spoon, 8 1/8". One cold meat fork, 7 5/8". Includes b...
Category

1940s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Porcelain Dinner Plates Rustic Fish Boat Design, Set of 8
By T&V Limoges, Tressman & Vogt
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous set of eight (8) French Tressman & Vogt Limoges porcelain lunch or dinner plates in a rustic Adirondack design style, circa early-20th Century, France. There're 8 plates in set, with three varying design scenes. Scenes include fishing boat, beach, bass fish...
Category

Early 20th Century French Adirondack Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Carl Auböck Signed Serving or Ice Tongs Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Aubock serving tongs, marked on the inside (Auböck MADE IN AUSTRIA). Made of stainless steel, attached to a wooden Handle, leather wrapp Excellent condition, most probably executed by the Amboss Manufactory in Upper Austria...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

37 Pc Arte Italica Marinoni Tuscan Pewter & Porcelain Dinnerware Place Settings
Located in Dayton, OH
37 Pieces of Arte Italica Tuscan Dinnerware. 5 Full 5 piece place settings plus extras. Includes; 9 Dinner plates 11" 9 salad plates 8.5" 6 shallow ...
Category

Late 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Set of 4 Antique Georgian Silver Sauce Tureens 1793 George III Serving Dishes
Located in London, GB
A set of four Antique George III solid Silver Sauce Tureens in a Classic oval form and standing on a square base. Each Tureen has a pair of impressive handles and the fitted domed lids have a reeded oval finial. Each Tureen has a large engraved armorial on the side while the lids have small crests. Made in London in 1793 by Robert Sharp. Approx. Total Weight- 2806g / 90.2oz Approx. Height- 15.6cm Approx. Length incl. handles- 24.9cm Approx. Width- 10.7cm This set of Sauce Tureen has Full English Hallmarks on Lids & Bases. The Georgian Sauce Tureens...
Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Acorn by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Dinner Set 48 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous sterling silver stuns in this rich pattern that features a natural theme reminiscent of old world grace. A classic design yet with an understated touch, this pattern focuses...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Brass Martini Picks: Four Piece Set of Sculpted and Cast Brass Olive Picks
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ultimate martini experience with this exquisite set of four brass high-polish martini picks, crafted by the skilled hands of Heath Wagoner at HW. Stu...
Category

2010s American Tableware

Materials

Brass

Set of 6 SAAP Danish Modern Rosewood Turned Wooden Knife Rest by Michael Bloch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine boxed set of Danish Modern knife rests (or chopstick rests). In rosewood (or possibly cocobolo). Produced by S.A.A.P Denmark. Designed by Michael Bloch. Comprising six ho...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Rosewood

Hand Dyed Linen Table Runner, Jade Green & Indigo Blue Abstract Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Jade green linen table runner dyed with indigo in Pleat pattern. Sustainably hand-dyed and sewn in New York City. Runner measures approximately 18 x 72 inches. Each linen runner is h...
Category

2010s American Modern Tableware

Materials

Linen

Hollywood Regency Green Ceramic Cabbage Ware Serving Bowl Set - 7
By Dodie Thayer
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of seven green Hollywood Regency ceramic cabbage ware bowls and a serving bowl. This set includes six smaller bowls and one large serving...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Sterling Silver Pepper Grinder in the Form of a Champagne Bottle Made in 1886
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1886 by Heath & Middleton, this handsome, Victorian, Novelty, antique sterling silver pepper grinder, is...
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cased Antique Cruets, English, Silver Plate, Condiment Stands, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a cased set of antique cruets. An English, silver plate canteen of four condiment stands, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 25 Louis Vuitton Coasters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis Vuitton paper coasters. Two 25 piece sets in yellow and two 25 piece sets in orange. Unique coasters still sealed in plastic wrap. Sold as a set of 25 pieces. 4 sets available. Priced individually. Fun gift for the Louis Vuitton collector. Likely used at a Louis Vuitton event.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Tableware

Materials

Paper

Genuine Redmon Woven Wicker Picnic Basket with Tabletop in Red and Brown
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A red woven wicker picnic basket with metal handles, wood lid, and short tabletop for serving drinks or sandwiches. Created from woven red and br...
Category

20th Century American American Classical Tableware

Materials

Metal

Kähler, Denmark. Large "Marguerite" teapot with blue glaze and white flowers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Kähler, Denmark. Large "Marguerite" teapot with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Tray in White Michelangelo Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simplicity is beauty. Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Nysiros, Materia e Tavola Collection by Ivan Colominas, Spanish Designer. Also available in Black Marquina Marble. Made in Italy, hand finished. Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Henry II by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 18 Service 278 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental Henry II by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 240 pieces. This incredible pattern features a heavy weight and a figural griffin and gargoyle motif. This set includes: ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Albi by Christofle Vermeil France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 54 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

Aage Rasmus Selsbo, Danish ceramic artist. Teapot and coffee pot in stoneware
Located in København, Copenhagen
Aage Rasmus Selsbo (1926-1996), Danish ceramic artist. Teapot and coffee pot in stoneware. Sleek Scandinavian design. Approximately 1970. Signed. In perfect condition. Appears unused...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stoneware

Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...
Category

2010s Tableware

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Rambler Rose by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Highly polished sides with a trellis of rambling roses down the center and of the handle best describes the Rambler Rose pattern first introduced by Towle in 1937. RAMBLER ROSE BY T...
Category

1930s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Teak Triangle Napkin Holders – Set of 4, 1960s
Located in Toronto, CA
A charming set of four Mid-Century Modern napkin holders crafted from solid teak wood, each in a clean, minimalist triangular form. With a warm grain and timeless design, these piece...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Teak

Botanica Hand-Painted Ceramic Dessert Plates - Set of 6, Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring the beauty of nature to your table with our Botanical Plate Set, featuring a variety of unique designs. Each plate showcases a hand-painted border and a central botanical motif...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Spanish Baroque Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 64 Pc Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 dinner size knives, 9 5/8" 12 dinner size forks, 7 7/8" 12 salad forks, 6 1/2" 12 teaspoons, 5 7/8" 12 place soup spoons, 6 3/4" One gravy ladle, 6 5/8" One serving spoon, 8 5/8" One cold meat fork, 8 1/2" One sugar spoon, shell bowl, 6 1/4". Includes bonus brand new storage chest - styles vary. Excellent condition, no monograms. This set will be beautifully professionally polished and sealed in individual plastic sleeves prior to shipping. Stunning! 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Reed & Barton's regal Spanish Baroque sterling...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service, 705 Pieces
Located in New Orleans, LA
This monumental American sterling silver flatware service by Gorham epitomizes the stately glamour of turn-of-the-century dining. A to...
Category

19th Century American Rococo Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Cypress Sterling Silver Coffee Spoon 034
Located in Hellerup, DK
Georg Jensen sterling silver coffee spoon, item 034 in the Cypress pattern, design #99 by Tias Eckhoff. Norwegian designer Tias Eckhoff’s Cypress was the winning design in a competit...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Meissen Koffee, Tee & Dessert Set For 12 Pers., Indian Flowers, Germany, 20th C.
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen Coffee and Tea Service, Consisting of 48 Parts: 1 lidded coffee pot, 1 lidded teapot, 2 milk jugs, 2 sugar bowls, 12 cups, 12 saucers, 12 dessert plates, 1 oblong tray, 1 ser...
Category

20th Century German Baroque Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4 Blue Wicker Ceramic Dessert Plates Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your table setting with the charming Handpainted Ceramic Wicker Plates, skillfully crafted and beautifully painted by artisans in Italy. Featuring an intricate wicker-inspired design, these ceramic plates effortlessly combine rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship, perfect for adding warmth and sophistication to any dining occasion. Ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings, these versatile plates bring a delightful artisanal touch to your tabletop, creating an inviting atmosphere. The durable ceramic construction ensures lasting quality, while the unique handpainted patterns provide each plate with its own distinctive character. Celebrate traditional Italian craftsmanship with these timeless ceramic wicker plates, a delightful addition to any home. Please note: Each plate is handcrafted and hand-painted; subtle variations and slight imperfections highlight their artisanal charm and uniqueness. Made in Italy Ø 21cm 100% Ceramic Set of 4 Blue Dessert Plates
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Edward Charles Brown. Rare set of salt and pepper shakers shaped like owls.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Edward Charles Brown. Rare set of salt and peppe...
Category

1860s British Antique Tableware

Materials

Metal

Designer Mixed Stainless Steel Flatware Set #5 Service 44 Pieces Modern Unused
Located in Big Bend, WI
Awesome high quality Modern designer patterns in a unique mixed (harlequin) stainless steel flatware service for 8 - 44 pieces ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Amboss Austria 2050 Flatware Cutlery for Six by Helmut Alder, 34 pcs., 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 six big spoons...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sterling Flatware, Service for 16/ 5 Piece Set/ 80 Pieces Total
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver flatware set is gorgeous. Not too ornate and not too plain; the perfect look for a sterling flatware set in today’s age. It has a symmetrical pattern on the bott...
Category

1940s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rina Menardi Handmade Ceramic White Lagoon Trays
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian handmade ceramic tray in white by Rina Menardi. Can be ordered in different colors. Priced individually. Made to order. Shipping from Europe not included. Measures: Mini $49...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Six Tiki Coconut and Capiz Shell Petite Bowls
Located in Ferndale, MI
This listing is for six Tiki coconut and capiz shell petite bowls. Handmade in the 1970s, each coconut shell has been lined with capiz shell, a thin almost translucent shell found in the Indo-Pacific. It is also known as the windowpane oyster and has been used as a glass substitute for generations. Being a natural product, these are environmentally friendly and a clean choice for your space. Perfect for a Tiki themed bar or beach themed tabletop for nuts, sauce, a single flower, or wedding favors...
Category

1970s Philippine Bohemian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Shell, Coconut

RARE GUCCI Ice Cube Holder, Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
RARE GUCCI ice box, Made in Italy, 1970s.  Wonderful GUCCI ice box in silver and gold metal. Wooden interior paneling with glass ice box. The object is cubic in shape. At the bottom ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal

Vintage Sculptural Japanese Butter Knife Stainless Steel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Japanese Butter Knife Stainless steel and wood 6.25 x 75 x .5 Preowned unrestored vintage Refer to all images.
Category

1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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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