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Tableware For Sale
A Fine Pair of 18th Century George III Silver Engraved Open Fret Wine Coasters
A Fine Pair of 18th Century George III Silver Engraved Open Fret Wine Coasters

A Fine Pair of 18th Century George III Silver Engraved Open Fret Wine Coasters

By John Hutson

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

A fine pair of 18th century George III silver engraved open fret wine coasters, dated 1786, London. By John Hutson. Each with a central engraved roundel incorporating a well depi...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner
Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner

Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service Dinner

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Spanish Baroque by Reed & Barton sterling silver Dinner Size Flatware set, 67 pieces. Large and heavy! This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 5/8", 12 Dinner Size Forks, 7 7/...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lily by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 73 pieces Floral
Lily by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 73 pieces Floral

Lily by Watson Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 73 pieces Floral

By Watson Silver

Located in Big Bend, WI

Scarce Lily by Watson, c1902, sterling silver Flatware set, 73 pieces. This set includes: 8 Regular Knives, 9" 8 Regular Forks, 7" 8 Salad Forks, 5 7/8" 8 Teaspoons, 5 3/4" 8 Place ...

Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Little Flower Tablecloth
Little Flower Tablecloth

Little Flower Tablecloth

By Louise Roe

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 tablecloth...

Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Cotton

Meissen Coffee & Dessert Set For 6 Persons, Decor Firebird, Germany, 20th C.
Meissen Coffee & Dessert Set For 6 Persons, Decor Firebird, Germany, 20th C.

Meissen Coffee & Dessert Set For 6 Persons, Decor Firebird, Germany, 20th C.

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Vienna, AT

Meissen service, consisting of 23 pieces: 1 coffee pot with lid, 1 milk jug, 1 sugar bowl, 6 cups, 6 saucers, 6 dessert plates and 2 serving platters. Form: New cutout Decor: No. ...

Category

1980s German Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Spanish Baroque Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 64 Pc Dinner
Spanish Baroque Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 64 Pc Dinner

Spanish Baroque Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 64 Pc Dinner

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

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

Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

'Aya' Minimalist and Modern Tray in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
'Aya' Minimalist and Modern Tray in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal

'Aya' Minimalist and Modern Tray in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal

By Knót Artesanal

Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

Aya is a simple and multi-functional piece that serves as a tray, a table centre-piece or a fruit bowl. The brass handle facilitates its transport and can be separated allowing the rest to be used solely as a tray. Minimalist and mid-century modern in its style Aya's clean lines and curves combined with the brass details give it a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. Handmade using Brazilian hardwood Cumaru along with brass details. Knót Artesanal...

Category

2010s Brazilian Minimalist Tableware

Materials

Brass

Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert
Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert

Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert

Located in Geneve, CH

Pietra Serena Flure Mortar and Pestle by Tino Seubert Dimensions: W 10 x D 12.6 x H 32 cm. Materials: Pietra serena sandstone carved in Italy. Also...

Category

2010s British Post-Modern Tableware

Materials

Sandstone

Mid-Century Candle Stick Holder
Mid-Century Candle Stick Holder

Mid-Century Candle Stick Holder

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

DANISH candlestick holder from mid-century era.

Category

20th Century Danish Modern Tableware

Materials

Wood

1924 René Lalique 14 Thionville Glasses Glass with Black Enamel
1924 René Lalique 14 Thionville Glasses Glass with Black Enamel

1924 René Lalique 14 Thionville Glasses Glass with Black Enamel

By René Lalique

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Set of 14 "Thionville" glasses made in clear glass with original heated black enamel by René Lalique in 1924. Signature under each glass. Perfect condition - superb enamel. Set of ...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Enamel

Coastal Ceramic Napkin Rings - Set of 6
Coastal Ceramic Napkin Rings - Set of 6

Coastal Ceramic Napkin Rings - Set of 6

Located in Bradenton, FL

A set of six coastal style napkin rings. Unglazed ceramic in a soft coral color are pressed with a rope twist around the center. Underneath are two feet. Dimensions per napkin ring.

Category

Late 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Paigah Hand Embroidered White Linen Table Cloth, Viya by Vikram Goyal
Paigah Hand Embroidered White Linen Table Cloth, Viya by Vikram Goyal

Paigah Hand Embroidered White Linen Table Cloth, Viya by Vikram Goyal

By Viya by Vikram Goyal

Located in Noida, DL

Paigah Hand Embroidered White Linen Table Cloth, Viya by Vikram Goyal Hand-embroidered on linen, a refined sophistication defines this collection of white-on-white textiles, where t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Cotton, Linen

Early 20th Century 12-Service Stainless Metal Flatware 176 Pieces Set, France
Early 20th Century 12-Service Stainless Metal Flatware 176 Pieces Set, France

Early 20th Century 12-Service Stainless Metal Flatware 176 Pieces Set, France

Located in North Miami, FL

Early 20th century Art Nouveau 12-service stainless metal flatware 176 pieces set made in France imported to Argentina by Walser, Wald y Cia. By: Walser, Wald y Cia. (importer) Mate...

Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal, Silver, Nickel

Art Deco Puiforcat French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 125 Pc
Art Deco Puiforcat French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 125 Pc

Art Deco Puiforcat French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 125 Pc

By Puiforcat

Located in Big Bend, WI

Outstanding Art Deco Puiforcat 950 sterling silver flatware set, 125 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner knives, 10" (not puiforcat, ebony handle with silver caps with cornucopia d...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Regency James Mount Champagne Bucket
Vintage Regency James Mount Champagne Bucket

Vintage Regency James Mount Champagne Bucket

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A fantastic rare MCM Regency champagne bucket. Made by the highly coveted James Mint. Beautiful patinated finish with beautiful carved detail. Matching piec...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 3 Mid-Century Wooden Fish Bottle Openers, 1960s
Set of 3 Mid-Century Wooden Fish Bottle Openers, 1960s

Set of 3 Mid-Century Wooden Fish Bottle Openers, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Wooden Fish Bottle Openers, 1960s, Set of 3, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Metal, Wood Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Cent...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal

Antique Copper Jelly Mould. English 19th Century
Antique Copper Jelly Mould. English 19th Century

Antique Copper Jelly Mould. English 19th Century

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

Lovely small copper jelly mould Original patina Unusual shape Marked number " 558 " Good condition Fee Uk shipping

Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Rosewood & Brass Flatware 5 Serving Pieces Tongs Pie Bonbon Spoon Cheese Knife
Rosewood & Brass Flatware 5 Serving Pieces Tongs Pie Bonbon Spoon Cheese Knife

Rosewood & Brass Flatware 5 Serving Pieces Tongs Pie Bonbon Spoon Cheese Knife

Located in Clifton Forge, VA

Here is a fantastic set of 5 serving pieces made of brass with rosewood handles. The tongs have one side that is a fork and one that is a spoon and they come apart so they can be use...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Pear Salt and Pepper Shakers
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Pear Salt and Pepper Shakers

Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Pear Salt and Pepper Shakers

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Enhance your table setting with this Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Pear Salt and Pepper Shaker set. Beautifully crafted and hand-glazed, these shakers add a touch of rustic elegance an...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Early Georgian Silver Two-Handled Cup 1722 18th Century Britannia Std
Antique Early Georgian Silver Two-Handled Cup 1722 18th Century Britannia Std

Antique Early Georgian Silver Two-Handled Cup 1722 18th Century Britannia Std

Located in London, GB

A lovely Antique George I solid Silver Cup with two elegant scroll handles. This classic Georgian two-handled Cup stands on a low spread foot and has a band around the centre. It is ...

Category

Early 18th Century English George I Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dutch silver ice cream spoons by Van Kempen & Zonen, ca. 1910
Dutch silver ice cream spoons by Van Kempen & Zonen, ca. 1910

Dutch silver ice cream spoons by Van Kempen & Zonen, ca. 1910

By Van Kempen

Located in Delft, NL

Dutch silver ice cream spoons by Van Kempen & Zonen, ca. 1910 A set of twelve silver ice cream spoons with a partially twisted handle and a knucklebone at the end. All silver spoons...

Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Box of 6 Le Cirque N.Y. Branded Custom Villeroy & Boch 6 1/4" Plates
Box of 6 Le Cirque N.Y. Branded Custom Villeroy & Boch 6 1/4" Plates

Box of 6 Le Cirque N.Y. Branded Custom Villeroy & Boch 6 1/4" Plates

By Villeroy & Boch

Located in Bridgeport, CT

From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...

Category

20th Century German Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 7 Vintage Stainless Steel Coasters - 6 Glass, 1 Bottle Coaster, 1980s
Set of 7 Vintage Stainless Steel Coasters - 6 Glass, 1 Bottle Coaster, 1980s

Set of 7 Vintage Stainless Steel Coasters - 6 Glass, 1 Bottle Coaster, 1980s

Located in Montecalvoli, IT

7 vintage stainless steel coasters - 6 glass, 1 bottle coaster - Italy 1980s - timeless design, decorated edge - table decoration, gift Timeless elegance with these 7 vintage stainl...

Category

20th Century Italian Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pendant of Fruit by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 89 Pieces
Pendant of Fruit by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 89 Pieces

Pendant of Fruit by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 89 Pieces

By Lunt Silver

Located in Big Bend, WI

Rare Pendant of Fruit by Lunt, c1939, sterling silver Flatware set with gorgeous high-relief hanging fruit design, 89 pieces. This set includes: 8 Knives, 9" 8 Forks, 7 1/4" 8 S...

Category

1930s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Danish Silver Sugar Bowls, Late 18th Century
Pair of Danish Silver Sugar Bowls, Late 18th Century

Pair of Danish Silver Sugar Bowls, Late 18th Century

Located in Copenhagen, K

Pair of Danish silver sugar bowls, late 18th century. Maker Nicolai Brandt (NB), Horsens, 1787-1813.

Category

18th Century and Earlier Danish Louis XVI Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Hand embroidered linen napkins from the SoShiro Ainu collection
Hand embroidered linen napkins from the SoShiro Ainu collection

Hand embroidered linen napkins from the SoShiro Ainu collection

By SoShiro

Located in London, GB

This set of two hand-embroidered linen napkins from SoShiro’s Ainu collection, a collaboration between award-winning artist Toru Kaizawa and Shiro Muchiri, is made with the softest linen and features playful pockets for a creative place setting of cutlery. These highly ornate and decorative napkins enrich any table setting. The Blakiston’s fish owl...

Category

2010s Japanese International Style Tableware

Materials

Linen, Natural Fiber

Milano Aka Baguette by Ricci 800 Silver Flatware Set Service 152 Pieces
Milano Aka Baguette by Ricci 800 Silver Flatware Set Service 152 Pieces

Milano Aka Baguette by Ricci 800 Silver Flatware Set Service 152 Pieces

By Ricci Argentieri

Located in Big Bend, WI

12 dinner knives 9 3/4", 24 dinner forks 8 1/4", 12 regular knives 8 3/8", 36 regular forks 7", 12 salad/fish forks 7", 12 place soup spoons 7", 12 demitasse spoons, 4 1/8" (one i...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver

Georg Jensen Blossom Chocolate Pot in Hammered Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Blossom Chocolate Pot in Hammered Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Blossom Chocolate Pot in Hammered Sterling Silver

Located in København, Copenhagen

Georg Jensen Blossom chocolate pot in hammered sterling silver with a handle of ivory. Model 2A. Dated 1915-1930. Measures: 17 x 15 cm (incl. Handle). In excellent condition. Min...

Category

1910s Danish Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Modern Tokkuri in Green Guatemala Marble Creator Michele Chiossi Stock
New Modern Tokkuri in Green Guatemala Marble Creator Michele Chiossi Stock

New Modern Tokkuri in Green Guatemala Marble Creator Michele Chiossi Stock

By Michele Chiossi

Located in Milan, IT

Tokkuri in Green Guatemala Marble. Size: 6.5 x 13 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Kadomatsu Tokkuri, Jap Vegetation collection by Michele Chiossi, Sculptor born in Tuscany. ...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Large 19th C. Russian Dore Bronze Mounted Aventurine Hand Carved Centerpiece
Large 19th C. Russian Dore Bronze Mounted Aventurine Hand Carved Centerpiece

Large 19th C. Russian Dore Bronze Mounted Aventurine Hand Carved Centerpiece

Located in New York, NY

A Large 19th century Russian Louis XVI Style dore bronze mounted aventurine Hand-Carved Centerpiece. The mottled green appearance of the aventurine is truly beautiful. The rectangula...

Category

1880s Russian Louis XVI Antique Tableware

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Danish Modern Steak Knife set by Chef Le Blanc for Selandia NIB
Danish Modern Steak Knife set by Chef Le Blanc for Selandia NIB

Danish Modern Steak Knife set by Chef Le Blanc for Selandia NIB

By Dansk

Located in San Diego, CA

A set of 6 teak and stainless steak knives, designed in the 1970s by Chef JP LeBlanc for Selandia. They were never used. Comes with the box and original plastic sleeves. Beautiful Sc...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unique Glass by Atelier George
Unique Glass by Atelier George

Unique Glass by Atelier George

By Atelier George

Located in Geneve, CH

Unique glass by Atelier George One of a Kind Dimensions: Ø 75 x H 12.5 cm Materials: Handblown glass Variation of colours available. The Moire collection is the result of a work ...

Category

2010s French Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Lancel Paris set of 4 chrome / silver plated trivets
Lancel Paris set of 4 chrome / silver plated trivets

Lancel Paris set of 4 chrome / silver plated trivets

By Lancel Paris

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Very elegant design in this set of 4 trivets, Designed by Lancel Paris, France and originally made in Italy .

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Chrome

6x art deco copper cermaic Coaster Vienna Around 1920s ( one cracked ) 1920s
6x art deco copper cermaic Coaster Vienna Around 1920s ( one cracked ) 1920s

6x art deco copper cermaic Coaster Vienna Around 1920s ( one cracked ) 1920s

Located in Wien, AT

6x art deco copper cermaic Coaster Vienna Around 1920s ( one cracked ) 1920s Original condition 1 cracked ( see picture 2 ) but the copper holds together so that it can not fall apart.

Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Copper

Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou
Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou

Twosidestory Bowl by Lisette Rützou

Located in Geneve, CH

Twosidestory bowl by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: D 20 cm Materials: Onyx Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspired by the beauty of materia...

Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Tableware

Materials

Onyx

Jean Marais ceramic dinner service for 12 persons From Vallauris.
Jean Marais ceramic dinner service for 12 persons From Vallauris.

Jean Marais ceramic dinner service for 12 persons From Vallauris.

By Jean Marais

Located in Brussels, BE

Rare Vallauris ceramic dinner service for 12 by Jean Marais, signed, 89 pieces: 12 soup plates (19 x 6 cm) 12 medium plates (21.5 cm) 12 dinner plates (24 cm) 12 bowls (12.5 x 8 cm) ...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

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

Kähler, Denmark. Set of six small plates. Folk style. 1930s/40s
Kähler, Denmark. Set of six small plates. Folk style. 1930s/40s

Kähler, Denmark. Set of six small plates. Folk style. 1930s/40s

Located in København, Copenhagen

Kähler, Denmark Set of six small plates, glazed ceramics hand-decorated with polychrome blue leaf garlands and red fruit motifs on a light ground. Manufacturer: Kähler, Denmark Mate...

Category

1930s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Candlestick Holder
Ceramic Candlestick Holder

Ceramic Candlestick Holder

By Asmaa Aman-Tran

Located in Attleboro, MA

A truly unique candlestick holder that add a touch of eclecticism and mysticism to your space, reflecting the strong connections that light builds in our inner selves and the bond th...

Category

2010s American Organic Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Coalport Plates, Serving Pieces, Exceptional Floral Painted, Feldspar Porcelain
Coalport Plates, Serving Pieces, Exceptional Floral Painted, Feldspar Porcelain

Coalport Plates, Serving Pieces, Exceptional Floral Painted, Feldspar Porcelain

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Coalport Periwinkle Ground Feldspar part service, 19th Century, all with differing and exceptional hand painted flowers, having a red printed mark to the reverse, comprising eleven p...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

14 pc. Art Deco Heisey Stanhope Dessert Set Designed by Walter Von Nessen 1930's
14 pc. Art Deco Heisey Stanhope Dessert Set Designed by Walter Von Nessen 1930's

14 pc. Art Deco Heisey Stanhope Dessert Set Designed by Walter Von Nessen 1930's

By Walter Von Nessen, Heisey Glass Company

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional Art Deco, Machine Age, Hollywood Regency style dessert set designed by Walter Von Nessen, for Heisey, as part of the hard to find Stanhope series. The seat is in excellen...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Silver Wheat by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 Pieces
Silver Wheat by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 Pieces

Silver Wheat by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 Pieces

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

SILVER WHEAT BY REED & BARTON sterling silver Flatware set - 40 Pieces. This set includes: 8 KNIVES, 8 7/8" 8 FORKS, 7 3/8" 8 SALAD FORKS, 6 5/8" 8 TEASPOONS, 6 1/8" 8 CREAM SOUP SP...

Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century Edwardian Solid Silver & Glass Hip Flask, Sheffield, c.1910
20th Century Edwardian Solid Silver & Glass Hip Flask, Sheffield, c.1910

20th Century Edwardian Solid Silver & Glass Hip Flask, Sheffield, c.1910

By Henry Wigfull

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early-20th century Edwardian solid silver and glass mounted hip flask, with silver hinged screw top and removable cup. Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), Sheffield, ye...

Category

20th Century British Edwardian Tableware

Materials

Silver

Cutlery set, Denmark
Cutlery set, Denmark

Cutlery set, Denmark

Located in Palermo, PA

Vintage silver service consisting of six pieces, designed and produced by Copenhagen silversmith Evald Nielsen, a contemporary of Georg Jensen and known for his personal interpretati...

Category

1920s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Drink Mat Track, Coaster, Solid Cast Brass and Aluminium C048 Posavaso Huella
Drink Mat Track, Coaster, Solid Cast Brass and Aluminium C048 Posavaso Huella

Drink Mat Track, Coaster, Solid Cast Brass and Aluminium C048 Posavaso Huella

By David Marshall

Located in Benahavis, AN

The decorative Coaster was created by David Marshall, it is made of sand cast aluminum and sand cast brass. We can engrave this piece with your Initials or Logo, makes a beautiful We...

Category

2010s Spanish Brutalist Tableware

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

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.