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Tableware For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1970s
Faux Tortoise Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
Located in Milan, IT
Faux tortoise lucite serving tray in a brass frame. Italy 1970s
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Tableware
Materials
Brass
Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880-1900 sea shells & seaweed motif fish service, Limoges, France. Comprised of a platter, shell bowl, 8 plates & 8 sauce dishes. All but sauce dishes are R. Delinieres & Co, ...
Category
1880s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Tableware
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
1970s Yellow Danish Salt and Pepper Set in Glass by Michael Bang for Holmegaard
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of yellow Danish salt and pepper set in in glass, designed by Michael Bang and produced by Holmegaard in the 1970s.
The well designed hand blown mushroom shaped set in hand bl...
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Opaline Glass
Chamberlain's Worcester Porcelain Twenty Three Piece Botanical Dessert Service
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chamberlain Worcester Porcelain Orange Ground Botanical Part Dessert Service,
Twenty-Three Pieces,
Circa 1800-10
The Chamberlain Worcester porcelain service...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
A 6 Place Canteen by Paul Storr, 1813-1817
By Paul Storr
Located in Cornwall, GB
A 6 place silver canteen by Paul Storr. Double struck in the fiddle, thread & shell pattern with diamond and shell heel. Engraved with a crest to the terminals. (see pictures for det...
Category
1810s English George III Antique Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver, Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Caster Shaker Muffineer Salt Cellar 1900. 4.3ozs
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning English sterling silver two-part table sugar caster muffineer of cylindrical form ending on a circular spreading base.
The entire embossed with flowers leaves and scrolls, ...
Category
19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bestecke Solingen German 23/24 Karat Gold-Plated 70pcs / 12 Person Cutlery Set
Located in London, GB
Bestecke Solingen German 23/24 Karat gold-plated 12 person cutlery set in carry case.
Items are individually marked with "23/24 Karat Hartvergold...
Category
1970s German Rococo Vintage Tableware
Materials
Gold Plate
Set of Six Postmodern Vermilion Cups, Sugar Bowl and Plate by Parravicini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s.
They are made in lacquered ceramic and feature their original label "Parravicini ceramiche".
It is a vintage set, but it can be considered as in excellent origi...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Ceramic
Three hand-painted tea cups and saucers in faience with motifs of flowers.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Three hand-painted tea cups and saucers in faience with motifs of flowers and insects.
Style of Emile Gallé.
1870s.
Marked.
In excellent condition with natural cracks. One cup has a...
Category
1870s Unknown Antique Tableware
Materials
Faience
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
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
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
solid brass colander, 1970s
Located in Felino, IT
1 solid brass colander. dates from the 1970s. 2 decorated and shaped handles. 3 feet with paw finial. circle diameter 33 cm. handles excluded. sturdy and solid, usable in the kitchen...
Category
1970s Italian Folk Art Vintage Tableware
Materials
Brass
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
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
183 Pieces Of French Chambly Flatware From Hotel Plaza Athenee New York
Located in Tarrytown, NY
61 Large Forks
42 Salad Forks
10 Small Forks
39 Butter Knives
31 Sauce Spoons
183 Pieces of Chambly flatware from the Hotel Plaza Athenee in New Yo...
Category
1970s Vintage Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 use and carry. Be sure to view the ...
Category
19th Century French Other Antique Tableware
Materials
Stone
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
8 Brass & Embossed Snakeskin Steel Octagon Placemats, Italy 1970's Romeo Rega
By Romeo Rega
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A set of 8 exceptional placemats attributed to Romeo Rega (from an estate full of Romeo's design).
Framed in high polished brass with an embossed snakeskin pattern on polished steel...
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Tableware
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
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
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
Vintage Silver Plated Caviar Dish in the Shape of a Crab, c. 1970
Located in London, GB
A silver-plated caviar dish in the shape of a crab, made by Almazan in Spain c. 1970.
The crab is excellently modelled, with fine attention to detail in the legs and claws. The ori...
Category
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
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
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
Dansk "Thebe" Stainless Flatware Set 41 piece
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk "Thebe" Stainless Steel Flatware Set. 41 pieces which is service for 8 plus one butter knife. 1970's design, but this set dates to the 80's for production. Very nice solid s...
Category
1970s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
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
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
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
Gucci Vintage Porcelain Toothbrush Mug Richard Ginori 1970s
By Gucci, Richard Ginori
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci Vintage porcelain mug or tea cup in hand painted floral design. Signed with Gucci and made by Richard Ginori in the 1970s. This wonderful ...
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Vereco, France. A set of three coffee cups with saucers in amber glass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vereco, France. A set of three coffee cups with saucers in amber glass.
Modernist design.
From the 1970s.
Marked.
In good condition with signs of use.
Cup: D 8.8 cm without handle x...
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Glass
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
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
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
Gianmaria Buccellati Silver Lotus Flower Dish
Located in Braintree, GB
Gianmaria Buccellati silver lotus flower dish.
Made in Italy Circa 1970's
Maker: Gianmaria Buccellati
Fully hallmarked.
Dimensions -
Size : diame...
Category
1970s British Vintage 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
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
Brass Flatware Set, Service for 12 / 142 pieces
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Massive Brass and wood Flatware Set. 142 piece in all! 12 place settings, each place setting includes 11 pieces! 90% of set was unused and still in plastic sleeves. Some pieces sh...
Category
1970s Indian Hollywood Regency Vintage Tableware
Materials
Brass
A set of 11 pewter napkin rings with sculpted shells, 1975
By Metzke
Located in View Park, CA
A set of 11 pewter napkin rings ft shells and sand-dollars, 1975. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide.
Each ring measures appr...
Category
1970s North American Brutalist Vintage Tableware
Materials
Pewter
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 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
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
Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Pot Hallmarked in 1976 by J. J. Roberts
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1976 by Jeremy John Roberts, this very handsome, Sterling Silver Coffee Pot or Water Jug, is plain in style, and features a wooden handle and thumbpiece. The ...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Royal Holland Pewter Tea Pot
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Royal Holland Pewter Tea Pot
Category
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware
Materials
Pewter
Vintage Italian Borghese Style Pepper Mill Made in Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful piece from the 1970s made in Italy. This piece is vintage and sculptural. The design is unique, starting with a brass finial at the top and running down in sculpted curved ...
Category
1970s Italian Colonial Revival Vintage Tableware
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
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
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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China Service 12
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Oil Vinegar
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