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Tableware For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1920s
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver composite Fiddle pattern flatware service for twelve persons; an addition to our silver cutlery collection. The piece...
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pitcher in faience with motifs of flowers and insects. Style of Emile Gallé
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pitcher in faience with motifs of flowers and insects. Style of Emile Gallé. 1870s. Marked. In good condition with small insignificant chips on the spout. See photo. Dimensions: H 17...
Category

1870s Unknown Antique Tableware

Materials

Faience

Large coffee pot in faience with motifs of flowers and insects.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large coffee pot in faience with motifs of flowers and insects. Style of Emile Gallé. 1870s. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: H 24.0 cm x W 24.0 cm x D 14.0 cm.
Category

1870s Unknown Antique Tableware

Materials

Faience

Set of six copper pans french 19th century
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
These French copper pans are from the 19th century. They were hand-forged in Villedieu-les-Poêles in Normandy. They are of high quality, heavy and have a nice long riveted iron hand...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Antique set of 3 Victorian Coasters Wine Bottle Holders 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely set of three Victorian silver-plated wine bottle coasters / holders, circa 1870 in date. They feature pierced cylindrical sides with bases heavily decorated with...
Category

1870s Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver olive spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Cast stem with entwined leaf and olive. Shallow and pierced bowl with engraved leaves. At other end pick...
Category

Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Repousse by Kirk Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 66 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
This pattern was named after the art of repoussé (the process of embossing metal from the back by hammering), originally used in European silversmithing. The Repousse pattern, first crafted in 1828, features an intricate floral design along its entire stem and handle. Repousse By Kirk Sterling Silver...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

2 Antique Silver Mug 84 Silver Russian Viktor Sawinkow Flowers City 875er Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
2 Antique Silver Mug 84 Silver Russian Viktor Sawinkow Flowers City 875er Silver Weight 107 grams The condition can be seen in the pictures.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Renaissance by Dominick and Haff Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 99 pcs Din
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite figural Renaissance by Dominick and Haff flatware set, 99 pieces. The Renaissance pattern was patented in 1894. The handle front and the back at the base of the handle are ...
Category

19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sturbridge by Old Newbury Crafters Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 72 pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Old Newbury Crafters silver is genuinely hand-made and wonderfully heavy, the machine cannot match the quality, durability, look and feel of handmade silver. Superb 72 piece sterli...
Category

19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Hand-Chiseled Stone Mortar
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French stone mortar used to grind herbs and spices. This mortar is hand-chiseled from one piece of stone and has four handles, making it easy to ...
Category

19th Century French Other Antique Tableware

Materials

Stone

Thomason Patent Corkscrew with Bone Handle c1810
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Thomason Patent corkscrew Date : c1820 Period : Regency Origin : England Construction : Bronze, bone, bristle. Size : 18.5x11.7cm when clsoed Condition : Excellent - some ...
Category

Early 1800s British Regency Antique Tableware

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Silver Vermeil Flatware Dessert Service for Six, 18 Pieces
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming 19th century French 18-piece cased dessert silverware / flatware set, with its unique, slightly grotesque satyr mask motif and warm ve...
Category

19th Century French Antique Tableware

Materials

Vermeil, Silver

Antique Russian plate 84 Silver edge decoration Viktor Sawinkow 875 Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Russian plate 84 Silver edge decoration Viktor Sawinkow 875 Silver Weight 201 grams The condition can be seen in the pictures.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Chrysanthemum Gravy Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. sterling silver gravy ladle in the celebrated Chrysanthemum pattern, beautifully adorned with chrysanthemum flowers on both sides, measuring 7'' in length, and bearing hallmarks as shown. Designed by Charles Grosjean and released in 1880, Chrysanthemum pattern was discontinued in 1934, but, due to popular demand, Tiffany & Company reintroduced the pattern and offered it until 1955. Tiffany's luxurious Chrysanthemum silver was designed in 1880. With its flowing curves, swirling vegetation, meandering tendrils and exotic blossoming plants, Chrysanthemum is characteristic of "The Tiffany Style" or "Art Nouveau" as that style is now more commonly known. The rich and graceful flowering motifs of Chrysanthemum were undoubtedly influenced by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The legendary Tiffany brand was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in Connecticut as a "stationery and fancy goods emporium," with the help of Charles Tiffany's father who financed the store for only $1,000 with profits from a cotton mill. Tiffany & Co. soon became a highly regarded brand for jewelry, gemstones, and silver. In 1845, Tiffany was a pioneer when it launched the Blue Book, which at the time was the first mail-order catalog...
Category

19th Century American Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Very Rare Art Nouveau Bronze Spoon Warmer Modeled After A Toad
Located in Austin, TX
Enjoy a serving of sheer whimsy with this unique Art Nouveau bronze spoon warmer designed as a toad. Reflecting a unique aspect of late 19th to early 20th-century artistry, it acts a...
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Emile Gallé. Large tray made of fruitwood. Inlaid with floral motifs.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Emile Gallé (1846-1904), French artist and designer. Large tray made of fruitwood. Inlaid with floral motifs in various types of wood. Late 19th century. Signed. In perfect conditio...
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Tableware

Materials

Fruitwood

Tiffany & Co. Pair of Sterling Silver Cold Meat Forks in Olympian Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. pair of sterling silver cold meat forks in the celebrated Olympian pattern, beautifully adorned with human figures and natural motifs, measuring 8 3/4'' in length, and bearing hallmarks as shown. The legendary Tiffany brand was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in Connecticut as a "stationery and fancy goods emporium," with the help of Charles Tiffany's father who financed the store for only $1,000 with profits from a cotton mill. Tiffany & Co. soon became a highly regarded brand for jewelry, gemstones, and silver. In 1845, Tiffany was a pioneer when it launched the Blue Book, which at the time was the first mail-order catalog...
Category

19th Century American Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Set 12 Royal Worcester for Tiffany and Co. 10” Soup or Salad Bowls C. 1877
Located in Atlanta, GA
Royal Worcester (English, 1751-2008) for Tiffany & Company (American, founded 1837). Circa 1877. A set of 10 Soup or Salad Bowls with a beautiful blue floral pattern to center of bow...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 5 Antique Victorian Quality Mason Ironstone Jugs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Set of 5 antique Victorian quality mason ironstone jugs in wonderful hand painted Imari colours with a shaped snake handle A delightful set all...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Ironstone

Pair Of Antique Drinking Cups, Italian, Bronze, Goblets, Grand Tour, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique Drinking cups. An Italian, bronze over marble decorative goblet in Grand Tour taste, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Strikingly presented cups...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Early Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique George IV (1827) Sterling Silver Gilt Grape Shears
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique George IV English sterling silver gilt grape shears - boxed; an addition to our silver flatware collection. This exceptional pair of antique cast sterling silver gilt grape shears has a hinged scissor action. The handles of these antique silver grape scissors are embellished with intertwining fruiting vine ornamentation, accented with grape clusters and foliage. The fingerpieces are ornamented with details reproducing the features of the natural vine. The circular hinged portion is surmounted with a lobed rosette design. The grape shears are fitted with plain and unembellished blades, with a rounded outer edge. These exceptional examples of 19th century silverware retain the original gilding. These impressive sterling silver grape shears are fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box, with a velvet and satin lined interior, securing with a push fit catch. The interior of the box bears the retailer's mark 'Reid & Sons, Diamond Merchants, By Appointment to the Late Queen Victorian, Newcastle upon Tyne'. These exceptional antique George IV grape shears are the finest of their type you could hope to acquire. The initials within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardisation of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silversmiths include William Eaton, Esterbrook and Eley II. Condition These antique boxed grape scissors are a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The cast decoration is all very sharp and the gilding is in excellent condition; this indicates the pieces have seen little to no use. Full hallmarks struck across the interior of the blades are very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these exceptional antique grape scissors...
Category

1820s British George IV Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Kids Set of 3, Silverware 830S by Mylius, Norway -1900s
Located in Van Nuys, CA
These delightful kids Set of 3 Silverware 830S pieces from the renowned Mylius Norway brand. This collection includes a food pusher, a dessert spoon, and a fo...
Category

1920s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

1929 Sterling Silver Water/Cordial Jug
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V sterling silver water/cordial jug; part of our dining silverware collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique sterling silver jug...
Category

1920s British Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bread Box Vienna Around, 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Bread Box Vienna Around, 1920s Original condition
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Nickel

Set of Antique French Silver-Plated Cutlery "King's Pattern - Shell Shape
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Beautiful set of antique French silver-plated cutlery divided into 8 boxes. Incredible beautiful quality silver-plated cutlery with the "Shell Shape" or "King's Pattern" There are a...
Category

1920s French French Provincial Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Durgin Gilt Sterling Silver Salad Serving Set in New Art Pattern Art Nouveau
Located in New York, NY
Durgin sterling silver salad serving set in the celebrated New Art Pattern and in Art Nouveau Style. In heavy gage and with gilt wash bowls, the fork and spoon are in crisp condition and measure 9 1/4'' in length. Hallmarks are shown. William B. Durgin Company (1853 - 1924) was a noted American sterling silver manufacturer based in Concord, New Hampshire, and one of the largest flatware and hollowware manufacturers in the United States. Over the period 1905-1924 it was merged into the Gorham Manufacturing Company. The company was founded by silversmith William Butler Durgin (July 29, 1833 - May 6, 1905). Durgin was born in Campton, New Hampshire, and from 1849-1853 apprenticed to Boston silversmith Newell Harding. In the 1840s Durgin moved back to Concord, where he opened a small shop making spoons opposite the Free Bridge Road. He incorporated as William B. Durgin Company in 1853, in 1854 added the manufacture of silverware, and in 1866 established a large brick factory on School Street. In 1905, after the death of both Durgin and his son, George F. Durgin, the company was acquired by Gorham through a long process that culminated with an official purchase in 1924. Production was moved to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1931. The company made the Davis Cup, the silver service for the battleship USS New Hampshire, and medals for St. Paul's School. Its Fairfax flatware...
Category

Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Footcup 800er Silver Germany Cup, gilded, German City View
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Silver Footcup 800er Silver Germany Cup, gilded, German City View with engraving Inside Gold plated Weight 109 grams.
Category

19th Century German Antique Tableware

Materials

Gold, Silver

Large Pair Of Antique Drinking Cups, Italian Bronze Grand Tour Goblet, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large pair of antique drinking cups. An Italian, bronze over marble decorative goblet in Grand Tour taste, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1850. Fine example of reli...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Tableware

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Napkin Ring, Chinese, Silver, Table Decor, Hallmark, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique personalised napkin ring. A Chinese, silver decorative holder, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Fascinating relief finish with personalised appeal...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Late Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Dutch set of diamond and fan crystal cut decanter and wine glasses, ca 1890
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch set of diamond and fan crystal cut decanter and wine glasses, ca 1890 A set of a crystal decanter and six wine glasses. The crystal has a diamond and fan crystal cut pattern. ...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Tableware

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Dutch silver serving spoon by Lang & Koops, Rotterdam 1848
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch silver serving spoon by Lang & Koops, Rotterdam 1848 A serving spoon made of silver, used for serving wet fruit in the 19th Century It is a Dutch serving spoon, with the Dutch...
Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique Russian Silver & Enamel Spoon Set with Ornate Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique spoon set are marked by an unknown maker and originate from Russia and date to approximately 1880 and done in a period Art Nouveau style. T...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian High Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Set Of Rare Danish Antique Silverware By Nicolai Brandt, Horsens (1787-1813).
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice set of solid silver and horn cutlery for six persons, by famous silversmith Nicolaj Brandt, Horsens, Denmark, 1787-1813.
Category

Early 1800s Danish Empire Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Durgin Set of 12 Gilt Sterling Silver Teaspoons in Heraldic Pattern
Located in New York, NY
Durgin set of 12 gilt sterling silver teaspoons in the Heraldic pattern, beautifully adorned with a lion, a castle, and a crown, among other motifs. They measure 6'' in length and be...
Category

19th Century American Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen "Continental" child pusher in 830 silver. Dated 1926
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Georg Jensen "Continental" child pusher in 830 silver. 1915-1932 hallmark. Dated 1926. In excellent condition. Dimensions: Length 9.0 cm.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

32 Piece Dessert Set Spode England, Circa 1920. 12 plates 10 Demi Cups & Saucers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
From one of our favorite English firms, Copeland Spode, is this striking set. The rich almost cobalt blue background is textured and inset with vibrant florals. Each one is different...
Category

1920s British Vintage Tableware

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Antique 1860s Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Nut Cheese Picks - Set of 8
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique 1868 Aesthetic Movement silver plate picks. Could be used for nuts, lobster or cheese. Marked Holmes, Booth & Haydens, Waterbury Connecticut, pattern is India. Dimensions...
Category

1860s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Evald Nielsen, set of twelve coffee spoons in 830 silver.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Evald Nielsen No 6, a set of twelve coffee spoons in 830 silver. Hammered finish. From the 1920s. Hallmarked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Length 11.3 cm.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Danish silversmiths, Cohr, Heimbürger, and others. Set of four jam spoons.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish silversmiths, Cohr, Heimbürger, and others. Set of four jam spoons in 830 silver, featuring different designs. From 1920-1940s. In perfect condition. Various dimensions: 11.2...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Evald Nielsen, set of eleven coffee spoons in 830 silver.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Evald Nielsen No 13. A set of eleven coffee spoons in 830 silver. Hammered finish. Dated 1925. Hallmarked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Length 11.2 cm.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

19th Century Dutch crystal with silver sugar or cacao sifter, ca 1890
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dutch crystal with silver sugar or cacao sifter, 1890-1900 A Crystal sugar or cacao sifter with silver mounted top and lid. The crystal sifter has a diamond and fan cry...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Tableware

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Georg Jensen, set of six Beaded dinner forks in 830 silver.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Georg Jensen, a set of six Beaded dinner forks in 830 silver. Hallmark from 1926-1928. Perfect condition. As new. Dimensions: Length 19.4 cm.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Georg Jensen, set of four Beaded dinner knives with short handles in silver
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Georg Jensen, a set of four Beaded dinner knives with short handles in 830 silver with stainless steel blades. Dated 1927 and 1928. Hallmarked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: Length ...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver, Stainless Steel

Set of Quality Antique Victorian Solid Silver Spoons and Sugar Tongs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Set of quality antique Victorian solid silver spoons and sugar tongs in their original leather box opening to reveal a set of six antique solid silver spoons...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

19th Century Russian Silver Samovar
Located in London, GB
19th century Russian silver samovar Russian, 1875 Height 42cm, width 28cm, depth 31cm This elegant silver samovar was crafted by Russian craft...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

19th century French copper saucepan
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
This French copper pan is from the 19th century. It was hand-forged in Villedieu-les-Poêles in Normandy. It is of high quality, heavy and has a nice...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Silver Serving Fish Knife and Fork with rare engine turned handle
Located in Perth, GB
Silver Serving Fish Knife and Fork with rare engine turned handle Fish with beautiful Fish n blade surrounded with filigree foliate scrolls and flowerheads the handle engine turned...
Category

1860s European Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 1923 48-Piece Flatware Set in Art Deco Style
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. sterling silver flatware set from 1923 in Art Deco style and in Windham pattern, with a beautiful geometric design, consisting of the following 48 pieces: - 12 place...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

A Victorian silver armorial tray presented to Brig. General Sir Bertram Portal
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian silver armorial tray presented to Brig. General Sir Bertram Portal, 17th Lancers, of rounded form with a bracketed, gadrooned rim with eight scallop shells, raised on th...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Antique American Sterling Silver & Crystal Mustard Pot w/ Spoon, Circa 1890-1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique American Sterling Silver & Crystal Mustard Pot with Spoon, Circa 1890-1900.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Tableware

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Set of 3 Gorham Japonesque Mixed Metal & Hand Hammered Ladles
Located in New York, NY
Three Japonesque sterling silver ladles. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Each: Curved and tapering handle; round and lobed bowl with small lip spout; bowl interior gilt washed...
Category

Late 19th Century American Japonisme Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

Eighteen piece hand painted porcelain dessert service by William Brownfield
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This very good quality eighteen piece hand painted porcelain dessert service by William Brownfield of Cobridge in Staffordshire consists of two high comports, four low comports and t...
Category

1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

12 Pirkenhammer Aesthetic Movement Cabinet/Dessert Plates
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A uniquely decorated set of 12 dessert plates with the most unusual Aesthetic Movement perspective. Each plate is individually hand painted and the specific subject made the focal po...
Category

19th Century Czech Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain, Paste

Antique Mother of Pearl Nut Picks - Set of 5
Located in Seguin, TX
Set of 5 antique late 19th century mother of pearl carved handle nut picks with silverplate ferrule and steel picks. Unmarked, so...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Hand Hammered Early 20th Century Japanese Silver Plated Plate
Located in Vancouver, BC
A beautiful silver plated copper plate from Japan. A piece which has unique character and hand hammered craftsmanship in the middle of the plate while the surrounding 5 leafed rim sy...
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Creil et Montereau Faïence Flora Muguet Lily of the Valley Rimmed Soup Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Creil et Montereau, a Provencal faïence rimmed soup plate in the Flora Muguet pattern, circa 1840-1876. Muguet or muguet-du-bois translates fro...
Category

Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Tableware

Materials

Earthenware

4 John Polhamus for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bead Tablespoons
Located in Washington Depot, CT
4 John Polhamus for Tiffany & Co. sterling silver tablespoons in the 1850 Bead pattern. Marked: J*P, TIFFANY & CO., STERLING. Engraved on ...
Category

1850s American Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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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