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Tableware For Sale
Max Meder, Hand Carved Wooden Squirrel Brush & Pan, France, 1950s
Max Meder, Hand Carved Wooden Squirrel Brush & Pan, France, 1950s

Max Meder, Hand Carved Wooden Squirrel Brush & Pan, France, 1950s

By Max Meder

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Large mid-century wooden squirrel brush & pan by Max MEDER (Paris), France, 1950s. Squirrel eating a nut. Noble woods. Measures: Squirrel - Height: 6.7" (17cm), Width : 7.9"(20cm), D...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Wood

Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware 1970s
Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware 1970s

Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware 1970s

By Arabia, Ulla Procope

Located in Tilburg, NL

Ulla Procopé Monumental 172 Piece Set of Iconic Arabia Ruska Tableware, Finland, 1970s. This is a very large set of iconic Arabia Ruska tableware, designed by Ulla Procopé in the 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stoneware

Sterling Silver Condiment Set in Case Blue Glass Salt, Mustard & Pepper Shaker
Sterling Silver Condiment Set in Case Blue Glass Salt, Mustard & Pepper Shaker

Sterling Silver Condiment Set in Case Blue Glass Salt, Mustard & Pepper Shaker

Located in Wembley, GB

Sterling Silver Condiment Set with Blue Glass Liners, English Hallmarked An exquisite English sterling silver condiment set, complete with its original fitted presentation case and f...

Category

Late 19th Century English Art Deco Antique Tableware

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s
“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s

“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s

By Gense, Folke Arstrom

Located in Knivsta, SE

“Focus de Luxe” Flatware Set by Folke Arström for Gense, Sweden, 1950s A rare and iconic 63-piece “Focus de Luxe” flatware set, designed in 1956 by celebrated Swedish designer Folk...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Latin American Folk Art Serving Spatula
Vintage Latin American Folk Art Serving Spatula

Vintage Latin American Folk Art Serving Spatula

By OWO Ceramics

Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR

Handmade vintage folk art Bolivian serving spatula. Embodying the rich cultural heritage of Latin American folk art, the serving utensil is in excellent condition and ready to be used. By seamlessly merging beauty, practicality, and history, this engraved spatula elevates the dining experience by infusing it with both aesthetics and cultural significance. The engraving details on this vintage spatula...

Category

20th Century Bolivian Folk Art Tableware

Materials

Silver, Nickel

Saratoga by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 54 pieces
Saratoga by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 54 pieces

Saratoga by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 54 pieces

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Big Bend, WI

Saratoga by Tiffany - Sterling Issue Date: 1870 Formerly this pattern was called King and then Cook, renamed Saratoga in 1956. Designer: Edward C. Moore. Rare Saratoga by Tiffany &...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dutch Silver Dessert Set by Gerritsen, 1907
Dutch Silver Dessert Set by Gerritsen, 1907

Dutch Silver Dessert Set by Gerritsen, 1907

Located in Delft, NL

Dutch silver dessert set by Gerritsen, 1907 A set of 12 Dutch silver dessert spoons and a Silver large serving spoon with twisted and oval shape...

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Tableware

Materials

Silver

Brass & Rosewood Flatware Set for 6 Knives Forks Spoons 24 Pcs Silverware
Brass & Rosewood Flatware Set for 6 Knives Forks Spoons 24 Pcs Silverware

Brass & Rosewood Flatware Set for 6 Knives Forks Spoons 24 Pcs Silverware

Located in Clifton Forge, VA

Here is an elegant set of 24 pieces, a service for 6 - knives, forks and spoons, made of beautiful brass and rose wood handles. It will make a festive table decor and is perfect for ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

19th Century Johnson Brothers 40 Pieces Blue and White Victorian Chintz
19th Century Johnson Brothers 40 Pieces Blue and White Victorian Chintz

19th Century Johnson Brothers 40 Pieces Blue and White Victorian Chintz

By Johnson Brothers

Located in Lomita, CA

Blue and white Victorian service pieces are always welcome and Johnson Brothers takes the cake in Victorian Chintz from the 19th Century, made in England. These rare pieces will bring a smile to the faces of those who sit down for a meal served on this antique Johnson Brothers...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates
Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates

Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite set of 12 "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charges was realized in America in 1905. Each plate has heavily detailed boarders featuring a Kylix cup amid scrolling s...

Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Belgian Battenberg Lace Tablecloth
Belgian Battenberg Lace Tablecloth

Belgian Battenberg Lace Tablecloth

Located in Sharon, CT

A beautiful large 116x58" Cotton Lace 'Battenberg' Tablecloth.

Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Late Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Richard Ginori Pittoria Fiesole Set of 4 Placemats in Box, Hand-made
Vintage Richard Ginori Pittoria Fiesole Set of 4 Placemats in Box, Hand-made

Vintage Richard Ginori Pittoria Fiesole Set of 4 Placemats in Box, Hand-made

By Richard Ginori

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage set of 4 lacquered placemats is decorated in Pittoria Fiesole pattern with rectangular romantic landscape of countryside in Tuscany; a castle, smaller buildings, and trees an...

Category

Late 20th Century English Tableware

Materials

Gold

Aldo Tura Goatskin Parchment & Brass Butler Crumber Crumb 3-Piece Set Italian
Aldo Tura Goatskin Parchment & Brass Butler Crumber Crumb 3-Piece Set Italian

Aldo Tura Goatskin Parchment & Brass Butler Crumber Crumb 3-Piece Set Italian

By Aldo Tura

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Here is an unusual crumber set by Aldo Tura of Italy. Typical of his use of materials, the three components are a mix of goatskin and brass. The goatskin on the covered handles and b...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Pink Marble Cake Stand
Pink Marble Cake Stand

Pink Marble Cake Stand

Located in Eindhoven, NB

Make every occasion extraordinary with the pink marble CAKE stand, a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with functionality. The round tray r...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Punch Bowl Set - Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Porcelain
Mid-Century Modern Punch Bowl Set - Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Punch Bowl Set - Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Porcelain

By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful porcelain punch bowl set, made by the German brand Rosenthal. This is a design by the Danish designer Björn Wiinblad, who has had many collaborations with Rosenthal. The ...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Large Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s
Italian Large Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s

Italian Large Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s

By Alessi

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

Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings
Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings

Vintage Set of 4 Post Modern Pink Lucite Scrolling Ribbon Napkin Rings

Located in Amityville, NY

A vintage post modern set of four napkin rings in pink lucite, with a scrolling, looping, wrapping, ribbon or bow shape. Each of the 4 in the set is identical, providing a perfect fe...

Category

1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Lucite

Dotty Dinner Plate in Terracotta (Set of Four)
Dotty Dinner Plate in Terracotta (Set of Four)

Dotty Dinner Plate in Terracotta (Set of Four)

By Louise Roe

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

Little Flower Tablecloth - Round
Little Flower Tablecloth - Round

Little Flower Tablecloth - Round

By Louise Roe (English)

Located in London, GB

Our Little Flower collection features a beautiful ditsy floral print and comes in three colourways: Blue, Green and Maroon. Hand-blocked by artisans onto 100% cotton, the tablecloths...

Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Cotton

84-Piece Set Silver-plated Tableware - Christofle - Art Deco
84-Piece Set Silver-plated Tableware - Christofle - Art Deco

84-Piece Set Silver-plated Tableware - Christofle - Art Deco

By Christofle

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful set of silver plated tableware, complete for 12 persons, made by the French brand Christofle. The set dates from circa 1930 and is nicely designed in Art Deco style. The...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

WEDGWOOD - Four Embossed Queen's Ware Plates - United Kingdom - Circa 1950's
WEDGWOOD - Four Embossed Queen's Ware Plates - United Kingdom - Circa 1950's

WEDGWOOD - Four Embossed Queen's Ware Plates - United Kingdom - Circa 1950's

By Wedgwood

Located in Chatham, ON

WEDGWOOD - Set of four vintage Embossed Queen's Ware ceramic plates - signed on the back (green printed back stamp circa 1940-1974 and impressed mark) - United Kingdom - circa 1950's...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Great Pair of Antique 19th Century Bronze Candlesticks with Phoenix Sculptures
Great Pair of Antique 19th Century Bronze Candlesticks with Phoenix Sculptures

Great Pair of Antique 19th Century Bronze Candlesticks with Phoenix Sculptures

Located in Lisse, NL

Practical size, antique fine bronze candleholders with original and removable bobeches. If you are looking for excellent condition antiques to create the perfect atmosphere then thi...

Category

19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Meissen Porcelain Small Knob Vase with the "Ming Dragon" Motif
Meissen Porcelain Small Knob Vase with the "Ming Dragon" Motif

Meissen Porcelain Small Knob Vase with the "Ming Dragon" Motif

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Delft, NL

Meissen porcelain small knob vase with the "Ming Dragon" motif Meissen Porcelain Ming Dragon yellow small knob vase. The rims are gilded. A small vase raised on a foot with a belly and a knob in the neck with a tapered end with Meissen's “Ming Dragon” motif. This pattern, which is one of the manufactory’s earliest designs, was created in in 1740. The figure of the dragon with four toes, which is the representation typically used at Meissen, was originally reserved exclusively for imperial princes in ancient China. The yellow Dragon...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Travertine Cake Stand
Travertine Cake Stand

Travertine Cake Stand

Located in Eindhoven, NB

Make every occasion extraordinary with the travertine CAKE Stand, a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with functionality. The round tra...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Travertine

Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s
Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s

Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s

A meticulously curated set of silver-plated cutlery, the "4100 Stockholm Laurel" series, was designed in 1955 by Kurt Mayer for WMF Germany, Württembergische Metallwaren Fabrik. This...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Arne Jacobsen 12 Place settings AJ Flatware Set 75pcs. A. Michelsen Denmark
Arne Jacobsen 12 Place settings AJ Flatware Set 75pcs. A. Michelsen Denmark

Arne Jacobsen 12 Place settings AJ Flatware Set 75pcs. A. Michelsen Denmark

By Arne Jacobsen

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Twelve six piece place setting set of AJ stainless steel flatware totaling 75 pieces including 12 large forks , 12 small forks , 12 soup spoons, 12 large spoons and 12 small spoons ....

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Heide Warlamis Postmodern Skyscraper Salt Pepper Shakers, Vienna Collection 1990
Heide Warlamis Postmodern Skyscraper Salt Pepper Shakers, Vienna Collection 1990

Heide Warlamis Postmodern Skyscraper Salt Pepper Shakers, Vienna Collection 1990

By Heide Warlamis

Located in Vienna, AT

A pair of beautiful and decorative postmodern Skyscraper Pop Art salt and pepper shakers, designed in 1990 by artist and designer Heide Warlamis as part of her renowned Vienna Collec...

Category

1990s Austrian Post-Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Fine vintage linen table cloth with embroidery and cut work
Fine vintage linen table cloth with embroidery and cut work

Fine vintage linen table cloth with embroidery and cut work

Located in Houston, TX

This fine linen cloth is beautifully embellished with exquisite Embroidery and fine cut work. The embellishments have A design with floral patterns. The edge is finely embroidered ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Tableware

Materials

Linen

Silver Travertine Cake Stand
Silver Travertine Cake Stand

Silver Travertine Cake Stand

Located in Eindhoven, NB

Make every occasion extraordinary with the Silver Travertine Cake Stand, a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with functionality. The ro...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Travertine

Mid Century Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass
Mid Century Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass

Mid Century Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass

Located in Meer, VAN

Set of 6 Coasters in Patinated Brass, Europe, Mid 20th Century. This is a wonderful set of 6 coasters in solid brass, made in the middle of the 20th century and featuring a very nic...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

rectangular pewter butter dish or cheese box with (a new) glass insert 20th ct
rectangular pewter butter dish or cheese box with (a new) glass insert 20th ct

rectangular pewter butter dish or cheese box with (a new) glass insert 20th ct

Located in Landshut, BY

classic rectangular pewter butter dish or cheese box with (a new) glass insert Manufactured in Italy Production Period late 20th century Country of Manufacture Italy H / height...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Vintage Mono Ring cutlery set by Peter Raacke for Mono, 1960's, space age
Vintage Mono Ring cutlery set by Peter Raacke for Mono, 1960's, space age

Vintage Mono Ring cutlery set by Peter Raacke for Mono, 1960's, space age

Located in BELFORT, FR

Rare vintage and original set of Mono Ring cutlery by Peter Raacke for Mono Germany. It was designed in 1962 and is made of stainless steel and red plastic. It is stamped "Mono Stain...

Category

1960s German Space Age Vintage Tableware

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Set of 12 Noritake Morimura Gilt Dinner or Service Plates, Ex-Seidenberg
Set of 12 Noritake Morimura Gilt Dinner or Service Plates, Ex-Seidenberg

Set of 12 Noritake Morimura Gilt Dinner or Service Plates, Ex-Seidenberg

By Noritake

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

Handmade Stoneware Salad Plate in Matte Black, in Stock
Handmade Stoneware Salad Plate in Matte Black, in Stock

Handmade Stoneware Salad Plate in Matte Black, in Stock

By Casa Cubista

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Elegant matte white stoneware with a minimalist design This tableware combines modern design with artisanal craftsmanship. Perfect for anyone who loves to throw a dinner party or just wants to match a black...

Category

2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Travertine Cylinder Bowl
Travertine Cylinder Bowl

Travertine Cylinder Bowl

By Kiwano Concept

Located in Eindhoven, NB

This substantial silver travertine bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine travertine and honed for a silky mat finish. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Travertine

Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces
Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces

Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces

By Richard Ginori

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Richard Ginori extensive dinnerware service Contessa rust red pattern dinnerware service . Pattern having a burnt orange and double gilt gold and black trim decorated design on white...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Gold

Wedgwood Porcelain Tableware Dinner Service For 12 People
Wedgwood Porcelain Tableware Dinner Service For 12 People

Wedgwood Porcelain Tableware Dinner Service For 12 People

By Wedgwood

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Beautiful Wedgwood porcelain tableware dinner service for twelve people with coffee serving set with hand painted design details. The service is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Include 87 pieces all-together. 12 dinner plate 10 3/4" D. 12 Salad plate...

Category

1960s English Vintage Tableware

Materials

Gold

English Victorian Minton Porcelain Dinner Set
English Victorian Minton Porcelain Dinner Set

English Victorian Minton Porcelain Dinner Set

Located in Queens, NY

30 Piece English Victorian Minton white porcelain dinner service with gold banding (6 dinner plates, 6 soup bowls, 6 salad plates, 5 dessert plates, 7 bread plates) (PRICED AS SET)

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Gold

Italian Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s Medium size
Italian Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s Medium size

Italian Vintage Stainless Steel Tray in Baroque Style By Alessi 60s Medium size

By Alessi

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

Black Marble Cake Stand
Black Marble Cake Stand

Black Marble Cake Stand

Located in Eindhoven, NB

Make every occasion extraordinary with the black marble CAKE stand, a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with functionality. The round tray ...

Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Tulip Glass Carafe by Aldo Cibic
Tulip Glass Carafe by Aldo Cibic

Tulip Glass Carafe by Aldo Cibic

By Aldo Cibic

Located in Milan, IT

Carafe made in blown in a mold glass. The Tulip collection is a glassware family by Aldo Cibic, who designed these pieces walking the line between classical and postmodern design. Th...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Myott Staffordshire England "Indian Tree" Plates and Platter, Set of Five
Myott Staffordshire England "Indian Tree" Plates and Platter, Set of Five

Myott Staffordshire England "Indian Tree" Plates and Platter, Set of Five

By Myott Son & Co.

Located in Bradenton, FL

Early 20th Century Myott Staffordshire England "Indian Tree" Plates and Platter, Set of Five. Set includes four plates and one oval platter, each decorated with richly colored floral...

Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Polar Tray Coral & Travertine By Greg Natale
Polar Tray Coral & Travertine By Greg Natale

Polar Tray Coral & Travertine By Greg Natale

By Greg Natale

Located in Sydney,, NSW

The Polar Tray presents a symmetrical fusion of two contrasting marble pieces honed for a smooth, elegant finish. With a softness to their curved edge, these versatile trays will enh...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo

By Les Ottomans

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Iron

Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People
Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People

Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People

By Wedgwood & Co

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware with exterior / interior hand painted design detail service for twelve people with serving pieces. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Set include 12 dinner plate 11" diameter. 12 salad plates...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Tableware

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire
119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire

119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Beautiful set of silver plated tableware from the French brand SFAM (Société Française d'Alliage de Métaux). The cutlery is beautifully decorated in Empire style. SFAM ceased to exis...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

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.