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Tableware For Sale
Search Within: Flatware
Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six pieces of serving utensils.
Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six pieces of serving utensils.

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six pieces of serving utensils.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six pieces of serving utensils consisting of two large serving spoons, three serving spoons with round heads, and one carving fork. Da...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Bacchanalian English Sterling Silver Flatware Dessert Set 12 pieces Vermeil
Bacchanalian English Sterling Silver Flatware Dessert Set 12 pieces Vermeil

Bacchanalian English Sterling Silver Flatware Dessert Set 12 pieces Vermeil

Located in Big Bend, WI

Superb Bacchanalian (unknown maker) English vermeil lightly gold-washed figural multi-motif sterling silver flatware set, 12 pieces. This set includes: 4 Dessert Knives hollow handl...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern
Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern

Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Atlanta, GA

Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Carl Aubock for Amboss, Austria, circa 1960s. This is a 5 piece set for 7 guests, 35 pieces total. The largest piece measures 8.25...

Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Six-person dinner set.
'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Six-person dinner set.

'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Six-person dinner set.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six-person dinnerware set consisting of six dinner forks, six dinner knives, six tablespoons, six coffee spoons, and six dessert spoons....

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Stradivari by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces
Stradivari by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces

Stradivari by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces

By Wallace Silversmiths

Located in Big Bend, WI

As unique as the sound of a violin crafted by Antonio Stradivarius, this pattern reflects the majestic style of the 18th century. The fully formed acanthus leaf that curls back over ...

Category

1930s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Carving set and carving fork.
Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Carving set and carving fork.

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Carving set and carving fork.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Carving set and a carving fork. Three pieces. Danish design from the 1960s/70s. Marked: Scanline. In excellent condition. Knife: L 28.5 cm.

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Four-person dinner set.
'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Four-person dinner set.

'Scanline' brass flatware by Sigvard Bernadotte. Four-person dinner set.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Four-person dinnerware set consisting of four dinner forks, four dinner knives, four tablespoons, four butter knives, four teaspoons, an...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

122-Piece Christofle Capricorne Liane Silver-Plated Flatware Set, France
122-Piece Christofle Capricorne Liane Silver-Plated Flatware Set, France

122-Piece Christofle Capricorne Liane Silver-Plated Flatware Set, France

By Christofle

Located in Rochester, NY

A rare and expansive 122-piece silver-plated flatware set in the iconic Capricorne Liane pattern by Christofle, France. This mid-20th century collection showcases the sculptural ele...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate, Stainless Steel

Set of four-person dinner flatware in brass. Swedish design.
Set of four-person dinner flatware in brass. Swedish design.

Set of four-person dinner flatware in brass. Swedish design.

Located in København, Copenhagen

A set of four-person modernist dinner flatware in brass, consisting of four dinner knives and four dinner forks. Swedish design. Late 20th century. Marked. In perfect condition. Knif...

Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Tableware

Materials

Brass

Waterford Crystal Handle Flatware Set of 4 Steak Knives
Waterford Crystal Handle Flatware Set of 4 Steak Knives

Waterford Crystal Handle Flatware Set of 4 Steak Knives

By Waterford Crystal

Located in Big Bend, WI

Set of 4 Steak Knives, 9 1/2", with Waterford Crystal handles with stainless blades. They are in excellent vintage condition, with no monograms. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed!

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2300 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1970s
Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2300 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1970s

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2300 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1970s

Beautiful modernist flatware from Austria, model 2300, in excellent “as new” condition, designed and manufactured by Neuzeughammer Ambosswerk in the 1970s. This model series is based...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Botticelli by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces
Botticelli by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces

Botticelli by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces

By Oneida

Located in Big Bend, WI

Stunning Botticelli by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware set, 51 pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 9 1/2" 12 Forks, 7 1/2" 12 Salad Forks, 6 5/8" 12 Teaspoons, 6" 1 Serving Spoon,...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Stylish Rare Set of Vintage Swedish Stainless Steel Brass & Wood Flatware
Stylish Rare Set of Vintage Swedish Stainless Steel Brass & Wood Flatware

Stylish Rare Set of Vintage Swedish Stainless Steel Brass & Wood Flatware

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Total of barely used 100 pieces of rare Swedish mixed material flatware, having a stylish combination of stainless steel, brass and wood. 20 dinner forks 7.5 h 20 salad forks 6.5 h 2...

Category

1970s Swedish Organic Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s
Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s

Beautiful vintage modernist flatware from Austria, model 2070, designed by Helmut Alder in 1959 and produced by Neuzeughammer Ambosswerk in the 1960s. The manufacturer also produced ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s
Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s

Helmut Alder Amboss Austria 2070 Flatware Cutlery for Six Persons, 1960s

Beautiful vintage modernist flatware from Austria, model 2070, designed by Helmut Alder in 1959 and produced by Neuzeughammer Ambosswerk in the 1960s. The manufacturer also produced ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Christiansborg by Grann & Laglye Denmark Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12
Christiansborg by Grann & Laglye Denmark Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12

Christiansborg by Grann & Laglye Denmark Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12

By Grann & Laglye

Located in Big Bend, WI

Grann & Laglye was founded by two silversmiths, Johannes Lauritz Grann and Johannes Laglye and manufactured silver up until it was sold to Toxsvaerd in 1955. Grann and Lagyle were ve...

Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Foxhall by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces
Foxhall by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces

Foxhall by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces

By Watson Silver

Located in Big Bend, WI

Foxhall by Watson sterling silver Flatware set, 24 pieces. Great starter set! This set includes: Six knives, 9", six forks, 7 1/8", six salad forks, 6 1/4", six teaspoons, 5 7/8". Includes Bonus brand new Towle wooden flatware...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Flatware with Ladle
19th Century French L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Flatware with Ladle

19th Century French L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Flatware with Ladle

By Christofle

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Turn of the Century L'Alfénide Christofle/Charles Halphen Silver plate flatware Serveware Set of Three Spoons and Four Fork, and 1 Ladel. Alfénide, utilized by Manufacture de L'Alfé...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Renaissance by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 59 pieces
Renaissance by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 59 pieces

Renaissance by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 59 pieces

By Christofle

Located in Big Bend, WI

Christofle French silver flatware has been crafted by master artisans since 1830. The revolutionary style and character of Christofle dinnerware comes from collaborations with ground...

Category

1990s French Renaissance Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pompadour by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 142 pcs + chest
Pompadour by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 142 pcs + chest

Pompadour by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service Set 142 pcs + chest

By Christofle

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. Mo...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Onedia Mid-Century South Seas Silverplate Flatware Set for Community
Onedia Mid-Century South Seas Silverplate Flatware Set for Community

Onedia Mid-Century South Seas Silverplate Flatware Set for Community

By Community

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A 58 piece set of silverplated sculptural south seas pattern styled flatware with 8 serving pieces, with five pieces for each place setting salad, dinner fork, tea, soup spoon and knife. There are eight severing pieces butter, cake knife, slotted, large severing and condiment spoon...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Ancestry by Weidlich Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 72 Pieces
Ancestry by Weidlich Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 72 Pieces

Ancestry by Weidlich Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 72 Pieces

By Weidlich Bros. Mfg. Co.

Located in Big Bend, WI

Ancestry by Weidlich sterling silver flatware set, 72 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9" 12 forks, 7 1/8" 12 salad forks, 6 1/8" 12 teaspoons, 5 3/4" 12 flat handle butter spr...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Albi by Christofle Vermeil France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 54 pieces
Albi by Christofle Vermeil France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 54 pieces

Albi by Christofle Vermeil France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 54 pieces

By Christofle

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

Milburn Rose by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service
Milburn Rose by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service

Milburn Rose by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service

By Westmorland

Located in Big Bend, WI

12 knives 9", 12 forks 7 1/4", 12 salad forks 6 3/8", 12 teaspoons 6", 12 demitasse spoons 4", two serving spoons 8 1/4", one cold meat fork 8", one sugar spoon 5 3/4",  one berr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Copley by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 89 Pieces
Copley by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 89 Pieces

Copley by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 89 Pieces

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Stunning Copley by Reed & Barton sterling silver Flatware set - 89 Pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 8 3/4" 12 Forks, 7 1/4" 12 Salad Forks, 6 1/4" 12 Teaspoons, 5 3/4" 12 Place ...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery / Flatware - Albert Pattern
Antique English Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery / Flatware - Albert Pattern

Antique English Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery / Flatware - Albert Pattern

By George Adams

Located in London, London

A single maker, mixed years set of antique, Victorian, sterling silver Albert pattern flatware, made in London by George Adams between 1846 and 1871. Sold with modern Albert pattern sterling silver knives...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Ten by Charles Boyton II
Victorian Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Ten by Charles Boyton II

Victorian Sterling Silver Flatware Set for Ten by Charles Boyton II

By Charles Boyton II

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An execptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English straight sterling silver King's pattern flatware service for ten persons; an addition to our canteen of cutlery collection The pieces of this fine, antique Victorian straight* sterling silver cutlery service for ten persons have been crafted in King's pattern. The anterior surface of each piece incorporates the engraved initials 'HCD'. The reverse of each spoon and fork features a union shell and diamond heel in addition to convex shell ornamentation to the terminal. This Kings pattern cutlery service consists of 40 pieces: 10 Table forks 10 Dessert forks 10 Dessert spoons 10 Teaspoons The components of this antique service have been crafted by the collectable, renowned silversmith Charles Boyton II in 1868; the components will have been crafted in the same year but due to the hallmarking system the items are struck with the date letters m and n. This flatware service can be purchased with King's pattern knives if desired; for further information please contact Andrew Campbell directly. This impressive Kings pattern cutlery is supplied in felt cutlery rolls; which not only protect the items in storage but significantly reduces tarnishing. * "Straight" means all the pieces are made by the same maker in the same year. Condition This antique cutlery...

Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modern Georgian by Allan Adler Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner
Modern Georgian by Allan Adler Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner

Modern Georgian by Allan Adler Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner

By Allan Adler

Located in Big Bend, WI

Allan W. Adler (May 8, 1916 - December 3, 2002) His clean, unadorned and well-crafted style was strongly influenced by the traditional work of early American silversmiths and the contemporary work then being done in the Northern European countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. It was a unique and one-of-a-kind style of silversmithing. Adler was an American silversmith, known as "silversmith to the stars". Beginning his career as an apprentice in 1938, Adler designed silverware and hollowware in shapes inspired by the Modernist art movement of the early 1900s. Adler learned the craft of silversmithing from noted 5th generation silversmith Porter Blanchard, one of the founders of the Arts and Crafts movement in California. His name became associated with Hollywood glamour in the early 1940s, and he was commissioned to design mini-Oscars for Academy Award winners, crowns for Miss Universe and Miss USA...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rosewood & Brass Small Desert H'Ordreves Forks Flatware Set of 5
Rosewood & Brass Small Desert H'Ordreves Forks Flatware Set of 5

Rosewood & Brass Small Desert H'Ordreves Forks Flatware Set of 5

Located in Clifton Forge, VA

This is a very sweet set of small (5 inch) forks made of brass with rosewood handles that will be perfect for delicate deserts or h'orderves and will make a special addition to your ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Pieces
Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Pieces

Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner Pieces

By Durgin Silver Company

Located in Big Bend, WI

Watteau by Durgin Sterling Silver Dinner Size Flatware set - 74 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, blunt silverplated blades, 9 5/8" 12 Dinner Forks, 7 5/8" 12 Salad F...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Renaissance by Plasait Orfevres Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner 72pc
Renaissance by Plasait Orfevres Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner 72pc

Renaissance by Plasait Orfevres Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner 72pc

Located in Big Bend, WI

Dinner Size Renaissance by Plasait Orfevres (French) sterling silver flatware set, 72 pieces. This set features daffodils, plumes, and mythological griffins on a textured background ...

Category

19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver
Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver

Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver

By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Cutlery Flatware set Art Deco "Rohan" (it is Normandie Pattern but in sterling silver) made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver by Jean E. Puiforcat. All sterling silver pieces are ...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Boin Taburet - Sterling Table Service, 322pc Flatware Set + 15pc Platter Set !
Boin Taburet - Sterling Table Service, 322pc Flatware Set + 15pc Platter Set !

Boin Taburet - Sterling Table Service, 322pc Flatware Set + 15pc Platter Set !

By Boin-Taburet

Located in Wilmington, DE

Direct from St. Tropez:  Direct from a private mansion in St. Tropez, a stunning 19th century 950 sterling silver and vermeil table service by premier French silversmith "Boin Taburet", consisting of a 322-piece flatware set plus a 15 piece Serving platter set in their classic shell pattern, absolutely magnificent, circa late 1890s. The 19th century represented a golden age for French decorative arts, particularly in the realm of silversmithing, where technical precision and artistic innovation converged to produce some of the most exquisite tableware in European history. Among the luminaries of this era, the Parisian firm Boin-Taburet emerged as a preeminent force, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, royal patronage, and the enduring beauty of its silver creations. Specializing in sterling silver and vermeil flatware, as well as ornate serving pieces such as Louis XVI-style platters, Boin-Taburet’s work epitomized the elegance and sophistication of French luxury during a period marked by opulent dining culture and aristocratic refinement. The Early Years:  The origins of Boin-Taburet can be traced to the early 19th century, a time when Paris reasserted itself as the epicenter of fine silver production following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The firm’s exact founding date remains uncertain due to incomplete archival records, but it is widely accepted that it rose to prominence during the Bourbon Restoration (1814–1830) and the subsequent July Monarchy (1830–1848). These periods witnessed a resurgence of aristocratic wealth and a renewed demand for luxury goods, creating fertile ground for master silversmiths to thrive.  Boin-Taburet distinguished itself early on by adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship while embracing stylistic influences from both the Empire and Restoration periods. The firm’s name likely derives from its founders, though historical documentation regarding its earliest proprietors is sparse. What is clear, however, is that by the mid-19th century, Boin-Taburet had secured a place among the elite Parisian silversmiths, alongside illustrious contemporaries such as Odiot, Christofle, and Puiforcat. The firm’s workshops, likely located in the historic silversmithing district of the Marais, employed highly skilled artisans who specialized in forging, chasing, and gilding silver, ensuring that each piece met exacting standards.  The 19th century was a transformative period for French silver, as the burgeoning bourgeoisie and the returning aristocracy sought tableware that reflected their social standing. Boin-Taburet responded to this demand by producing works that blended functionality with artistic grandeur. The firm’s designs frequently drew inspiration from the Louis XVI style, a neoclassical aesthetic characterized by symmetry, floral motifs, and restrained elegance. This stylistic choice not only aligned with the prevailing tastes of the time but also ensured that Boin-Taburet’s creations would remain timeless, transcending the fleeting trends that influenced other manufacturers.  Focus on Quality:  The foundation of Boin-Taburet’s enduring reputation lay in its unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many manufacturers who began to adopt industrial techniques in the latter half of the 19th century, Boin-Taburet remained steadfast in its dedication to traditional handcrafting methods. Each piece was meticulously shaped, engraved, and finished by master silversmiths who had undergone years, if not decades, of apprenticeship to perfect their skills. This painstaking approach ensured that every item bore the hallmarks of exceptional artistry - precise detailing, balanced proportions, and a flawless surface finish.  A defining feature of Boin-Taburet’s work was its use of 950 sterling silver, a higher silver content than the standard 925 (Britannia silver) commonly used by other firms. This elevated purity not only enhanced the metal’s luster but also improved its resistance to tarnishing, making Boin-Taburet’s pieces particularly desirable for discerning clients. The firm’s Louis XVI-style serving platters, for example, were crafted from this superior alloy, resulting in pieces that were both visually striking and remarkably durable. These platters often featured elaborate chased borders adorned with acanthus leaves, floral swags, and scalloped edges, demonstrating the silversmiths’ ability to manipulate silver into intricate, three-dimensional forms.  In addition to sterling silver, Boin-Taburet excelled in the production of vermeil - a technique that involved the application of a thick layer of gold over sterling silver through either fire-gilding or electrolysis. Vermeil flatware sets...

Category

Late 19th Century Louis XVI Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver
Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver

Jean E Puiforcat Cutlery Flatware Set Art Deco Normandie Royan Sterling Silver

By Jean Puiforcat, Puiforcat

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Cutlery Flatware set Art Deco "Rohan" (it is Normandie Pattern but in sterling silver) made in 950/1000th solid sterling silver by Jean E. Puiforcat. All sterling silver pieces are ...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Donatello by Stancampiano Italy Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner
Donatello by Stancampiano Italy Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner

Donatello by Stancampiano Italy Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner

By Stancampiano

Located in Big Bend, WI

Scarce "Donatello" by Stancampiano Italian sterling silver flatware set, 112 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner knives, 9" 12 dinner forks, 7 5/8" 12 dessert forks, 6 5/8" 12 sala...

Category

20th Century 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.