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Tableware For Sale
Musicians Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Contemporary dinner plate 'Musicians' designed by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans, a magical trip in an ottoman world made of exotic animals and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 81 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
The accent is on form and symmetry in Royal Danish, which takes its influence from the traditional artistry of Scandinavia. Bold openwork reflects this modern interpretation, even on...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lily by Gorham (Whiting) Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 60 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful Dinner Size Lily by Gorham sterling silver flatware set - 60 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives w/Old French stainless blades, 9 1/2" 12 Dinner Size Forks, 7...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Just Andersen, Denmark. Set of seven pewter bottle coasters, 1930s/40s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Just Andersen, Denmark Set of seven pewter bottle coasters, engraved with animal motifs – including lion, snake, and birds. Classic round form with slightly raised rim. Manufacturer...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Set of Six Vintage French Dieulefit Provencal Yellowware Glazed Dessert Plates
Located in Birmingham, AL
A charming set of six vintage dessert plates from Dieulefit, a small pottery-rich village nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Dating to the 1950s, each plate is finished in a warm ochre yellow glaze with a lightly scalloped edge and a characteristic burnt brown rim—a hallmark of traditional Dieulefit pottery...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Pottery

Elegant 19th Century Etched Crystal And Dore Mounted Bowl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A flared rectangular bowl with etched crystal medallions decorated with roses and flowers on the long sides, and roses and bows on the ends. With elaborate elegant dore mounts with l...
Category

19th Century Regency Antique Tableware

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Limoges, France. Coffee cup, sugar bowl, and creamer in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Limoges, France. Coffee cup, sugar bowl, and creamer in porcelain decorated with 22-karat gold leaf and beautiful royal blue glaze. Scène galante. Approximately 1970. Provenance: Fr...
Category

1970s French Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Midcentury Salt and Pepper Shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in Teak
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage midcentury salt and pepper shakers by Ehrenreich of Denmark in teak. It was the late 1950s, and in Ehrenreich’s small workshop, there was no shortage of imagination. No two things were ever alike. Small silver fish were inlaid in hand-turned bowls...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Teak

Royal Worcester ‘Charlotte’ 70-Piece Porcelain Dinner Service, England, Dated 19
Located in Worcester, GB
Royal Worcester ‘Charlotte’ 70-Piece Porcelain Dinner Service, England, Dated 1981 A fine and extensive 70-piece porcelain dinner service by Royal Worcester, England, in the elegant ...
Category

Late 20th Century British Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Collection of 4 Ceramic Fruits by Eisen Arts
By Eisen Arts
Located in Hanover, MA
Charming and realistic ceramic fruits (green apple, Anjou pear and 2 Bosc pears) each signed. B. Eisen of Eisen Arts. Each fruit is in two halves and can be opened up.

...
Category

1950s American Vintage Tableware

Arles White Leather & Rattan Thermal Carafe
Located in Milan, IT
A well-received housewarming gift, this splendid thermal carafe boasts a timeless and versatile charm that will effortlessly complete any kitchenware collection. Almost entirely cove...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Leather

Asprey, London - Vintage Sterling Silver Chopsticks & Stand - 1989
Located in Bath, GB
A rare pair of modernist sterling silver chopsticks together with their stand all in the original presentation box. A spectacular gift espe...
Category

1980s British Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Renaissance by Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set 156 Pcs Herbst Estate
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb Renaissance by Tiffany & Co sterling silver Flatware set - 156 pieces. This multi-motif pattern was designed by Paulding Farmhan and was introduced in the year 1905. This set came from the Herbst Estate...
Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 14 Antique Grape & Vine Gilded Wine Goblets, 19th Century, circa 1880s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant set of antique crystal wine glasses beautifully blown with an optic cut and trumpet form fluted bases. Hand enameled with purple ...
Category

1880s Czech Antique Tableware

Materials

Crystal, Gold, Enamel

Acanthus by Mappin & Webb Silverplated Flatware Set Service Dinner 328 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mappin & Webb is a true British treasure with over 241 years of tradition and historical significance in the world of silver and jewelry. Renowned for combining timeless craftsmanshi...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service by Royal Copenhagen, 119 Pieces
Located in New Orleans, LA
Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service for 12 Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory Crafted by the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, this 119-piece dinner service features one...
Category

20th Century Danish Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Wedgwood by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 24 Service 258 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
The beauty of classic tradition is captured in International's Grecian motif Wedgwood pattern. The delicate scrolled relief border gracefully encloses a detailed Grecian urn with int...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rose Point by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 78 Pcs Dinner Size
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rose Point by Wallace sterling silver dinner size flatware set, 78 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinner size knives, 9 7/8" 12 dinner size forks, 7 5/8" 12 salad forks, 6 3/8" 12 te...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modern Artisanal Tisa Indigo Geometric Print Cotton Table Napkin ( Set of 4 )
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Tisa table napkin is a unique artisanal napkin. Created artistically and ethically by artisans in India using clamp dye technique, using only pure natural dyes. It is a pure statement piece that adds modern and timeless quality as a table ware accessory Classic & timeless in design, Tisa napkin in indigo is a sustainable luxury statement. Created all by hand these napkins are made in small careful batches, each piece being unique as it is completely handcrafted. Natural elements local to the artisan clusters are used to custom create dyes for this production. Each order...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Cotton

Classic Rose by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 77 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful CLASSIC ROSE BY REED & BARTON sterling silver Flatware set - 77 Pieces. This set includes: 12 KNIVES, 9 1/8" 12 FORKS, 7 1/2" 12 SALAD FORKS, 6 5/8" 12 TEASPOONS, 6" 12 PL...
Category

1950s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Just Andersen, Denmark, Vintage Polished Pewter 1940s Hot Toddy Cup #1289
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen, Denmark, vintage polished pewter 1940s hot toddy cup #1289 Simple and effective Danish design, circa 1940s Stamped and numbered 1289 Measu...
Category

1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Rare Space Age Picnic Set ‘Pic Boll’ by Carlo Viglino for Guzzini, 1960s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Beautiful space age picnic set ‘Pic Boll’ designed by Carlo Viglino in 1968 and produced by Guzzini, Italy in the 60s and 70s. This lovely 6 person picnic features a plastic sphere ...
Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Tableware

Materials

Plastic

Elegant Porcelain Coffee Cup by Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria Gold Plated
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
elegant porcelain coffee cup by Hutschenreuther Selb Bavaria gold plated.
Category

1940s German Baroque Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

French 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 175 Pieces in Large Fitted Chest
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding monumental French 950 silver dinner size high quality Louis XV style Flatware set - 175 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, pointed, 9 7/8" 12 Large Dinner Size Forks, 8 1/4" 12 Luncheon Knives, pointed, 8 1/4" 12 Luncheon Forks, 7" 12 Teaspoons, 5" 11 Place Soup Spoons, 7 1/8" 12 Demitasse Spoons, 4 3/8" 12 Fish Forks, 3-tine, 7 1/8" 11 Fish Knives, flat handle all-sterling, 8 1/4" 11 Dinner Spoons, 8 1/4" 11 Pastry Forks, 3-tine, 5 5/8" 11 Ice Cream Spoons, gold-washed, 5 1/4" 12 Oyster Forks, 5 1/8" 1 Large Vegetable Spoon, 10" 1 Berry Spoon, 8 1/4" 1 Fish Serving Fork, 3-tine, 9 1/2" 1 Fish Servers, flat handle all-sterling, 10 3/4" 1 Oyster Ladle, 9 1/2" 1 Gravy Ladle, 6 7/8" 1 Large Cold Meat Fork, 10" 1 Flat Handle Master Butter, 6 5/8" 1 Hollow Handle Master Butter, all-sterling, 8" 1 Salad Set, gold-washed, all-sterling, 9 1/2" 1 Pie Server, flat handle all-sterling, 10 1/2" 1 Soup Ladle, 12" 1 Roast Carving Set, 2-pc, 12 1/2" 1 Lamb Shank holder w/stainless implement, 8 1/2" 1 Sugar Tong, 5 1/4" 1 Cheese Knife w/stainless blade, 8" 1 Sugar Sifter Ladle, gold-washed, 6 1/2" 1 Tea Caddy Spoon, 5 5/8" 1 Sardine Fork, 5 3/4" 1 Petit Four Server...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Art Deco Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rubans by Christofle Silverplate Flatware Service Set 48 pcs France Dinner Size
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. Cre...
Category

Early 20th Century French Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Strasbourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 48 Service 304 Pcs Huge
Located in Big Bend, WI
Strasbourg by Gorham sterling silver flatware set of 304 pieces. This large set includes: 48 knives, 8 7/8", 48 forks, 7 1/8", 48 salad forks, 6 3/8", 48 teaspoons, 5 7/8", 48 c...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wedgwood by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 40 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Beautiful, heirloom quality Wedgwood by International sterling silver flatware set - 40 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 8 3/4". Eight forks, 7 1/4". Eight salad forks, 6 1/...
Category

1920s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 21 Hand Painted Jockey Place Card Holders from "21" Club
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wonderful set of 21 hand painted cast iron jockey place card holders from the Iconic "21" Club of NYC. Multicolored assortment. An exceptionally rare intact set. A true collector's gem.
Category

20th Century American Tableware

Materials

Iron

French 18th-19th Century Small Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful small marble mortar France, circa 1750-1850 Weathered.
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Tableware

Materials

Marble

Fairfax by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set 24 Service 133 Pieces Place Size
Located in Big Bend, WI
Embodying the spirit of casual luxury, Fairfax has a sterling design that never goes out of style. As timely today as when it was first introduced in 1910, this design is influenced ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Queen Elizabeth i by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 32 Pcs New
Located in Big Bend, WI
The golden age of royal splendor and prosperity during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I inspired this pattern, introduced in 1970. With a stem of perfectly proportioned curving arcs an...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Debussy by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 66 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Debussy by Towle sterling silver Flatware set, 66 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9" 12 forks, 7 1/2" 12 salad forks, 6 1/2" 12 teaspoons, 6" 1...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fontana by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 8 Set 40 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fontana by Towle sterling silver flatware set - 40 pieces. This set includes: Eight knives, 9" Eight forks, 7 1/4" Eight salad forks, 6 1/2" Eight te...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver and mother of pearl dessert set for 12 people made in 1928
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1928 by Charles William Fletcher, this charming, George V period, Sterling Silver & Mother of Pearl Dessert Set,...
Category

1920s English Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Tiffany Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Bonbon Scoop
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Classical sterling silver bonbon scoop. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Round and shallow bowl and shaped handle. Open and engraved leafing scrollwork; scrolled...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Japanese Imari Porcelain Charger from the Meiji Period
Located in Kastrup, DK
A large Japanese porcelain imari charger dating from the Meiji era. Hand painted design in polychrome colors, six alternating panels surrounding the central floral medallion. Reverse...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Other Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Sardine Serving Dish - Hand Painted Glass and Silver Plated
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique dish for serving sardines. Made of silver-plated metal and glass. The glass has a bright blue color and is beautifully painted with sea / fish motifs. Probable or...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

George & Martha by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 42 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
8 Knives 8 3/4", 8 Forks 7", 8 Salad Forks 6", 8 Teaspoons 6", 8 Cream Soup Spoons 6", 1 Sugar Spoon 5 7/8", 1 Flat Handle Master Butter Knife 7" Includes bonus brand new st...
Category

1940s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Virginian by Oneida Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 92 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Exquisite "Virginian" by Oneida sterling silver flatware set, 92 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9" 12 forks, 7 1/8" 12 salad forks, 6 1/4" 12 teaspoons, 6" 12 flat handle but...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

70 Piece Cutlery Set Made of 24 Carat Gilded Stainless Steel in Cassette by SBS
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This wonderfully eclectic cutlery set in a luxurious case serves 12 persons. The design is a gem on every dining table. The sleek straight lines of the stainless steel form a great contrast with the gilded decorations on the blades. SBS cutlery with the addition “Made in Solingen” is worldwide synonymous with cutlery and knives of the highest level. Since the 16th century, the most talented knife and cutlery manufacturers have been based in Solingen with craftsmanship from experienced masters. One of these companies is SBS which is best known for its gilded cutlery...
Category

1970s German Hollywood Regency Vintage Tableware

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Prelude by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 114 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Prelude by International sterling silver flatware set, 114 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9 1/4", 12 forks, 7 1/4", 12 salad forks, 6 1/2", 12 teaspoons, 6", 12 cream so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Aria by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service 12 Set 100 pcs in box
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. Exc...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 64 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Intricately carved floral motifs carefully arranged along the handle and by the neck of this fanciful pattern are balanced by a slender central panel edged with delicate borders. Introduced in 1899, the graceful clusters of buttercups adorning each piece are reminiscent of hand-sewn Venetian lace and bring to mind the romance of nuptials. This sentimental pattern is equally at home in casual and formal settings, and will enhance everyday dining as well as add a festive touch to special occasions. Buttercup by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

San Lorenzo, Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Flatware Set 340 Pcs in Fitted Chest
Located in Big Bend, WI
San Lorenzo was introduced by Tiffany & Co. in the year 1916. Named for Florence's Church of San Lorenzo, its shield and paneling are typical of Renaissance Revival design. This noble pattern goes well with Victorian, Edwardian or neoclassical styles. Outstanding San Lorenzo by Tiffany & Co. sterling silver flatware set in vintage fitted Tiffany chest...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Prelude by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner Service 145 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Huge and impressive prelude by International Sterling Silver flatware set - 145 pieces. This set includes: 12 dinne...
Category

1930s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 40 pieces creating service for 8. This service was manufactured in three different countries, Germany, Kore...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Porcelain Dinner Plate - Butterfly, Insect Collection
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Step into the charm of an English garden with our porcelain plates, adorned with delicate hand-appliqué design of a butterfly. Perfect as enchanting tableware to elevate your dining ...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Burgundy by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 129 Pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Inspired by the French Renaissance, the Burgundy sterling silver flatware pattern from Reed & Barton is decorated with motifs of scro...
Category

1940s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

The Black Collection Porcelain Dinner Plate - Mix Set of 4
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a striking touch of exotic sophistication to your table setting with the Black Collection Porcelain Plate Set. This captivating set features four beautifully designed porcelain p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 8 Carlo Moretti Modern Heavy Blown Glass Drinking Glasses Glassware Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 8 Carlo Moretti modern heavy blown glass drinking glasses, glassware made in Italy. Each glass is marked underneath with Italy. A-89...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Blown Glass

King Richard by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service Dinner 179 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Named for King Richard I of England. Described as truly a royal pattern with regal dignity drawn from the romantic background of the pomp and pageantry of Richard the Lion-hearted an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal Flatware, Extensive 91 Piece Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, Austria, circa 1963. This is a large set containing 91 pieces total. They are constructed of dishwas...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 12 Antique Austrian Gilt & Jeweled Bronze Dinner Place Card Holders
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 place card holders. With gilt bronze filigree faces that are each set with round glass cabochons and that are each supported by a semi-circular foot. The glass cabochons span the color spectrum from opaque pink and turquoise to clear, red, green, and blue. Simply a wonderful set of place card holders that would be a wonderful complement to Moser glassware...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Bohemian Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Chrysanthemum by Durgin Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 300 Pieces Massive
Located in Big Bend, WI
One of Durgin's most popular and beautiful patterns is "Chrysanthemum". The design is of leaves and chrysanthemum buds and blooms on the front. The back displays two chrysanthemums in bloom among leaves and buds. The chrysanthemum flowers flow down beautifully onto the tines, bowls and serving areas of many of the pieces. Chrysanthemum by Durgin...
Category

1890s American Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lady Hilton by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 90 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Lady Hilton by Westmorland sterling silver flatware set - 90 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, modern, 9" 12 forks, 7 1/4" 12 salad forks...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Imperial Chrysanthemum Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 168 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous Dinner and Luncheon Size Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set, 168 pieces. This set includes: 8 Dinner Size Knives with blunt silverplated blades, ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 2 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a highly decorative vintage dessert flatware set. Made in Italy between the 1960s and 1970s, the set includes 12 dessert forks and 2 serving utensil...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Exquisite Early Victorian Silver Plate Flatware Set for Dessert, Fruit and Nuts
Located in New York, NY
Elaborate silver and mother-of-pearl, silver plate flatware set. Original box with shield crest and fittings and was originally commissioned...
Category

1850s English Early Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

4 Oaxacan Black Clay 25cm Dinner Plates Handmade Tableware Barro Oaxaca
Located in London, GB
Oaxacan black claycm plates handmade tableware burnished barro negro Oaxaca. Set of 4 pieces The soft and rich colour makes this side plate a stylish partner to bread, butter or ...
Category

2010s American Colonial Tableware

Materials

Clay

Sultan's Journey Valide Porcelain Plate by Patch NYC for Les-Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The Sultan's Journey is an inspiring collection created by Patch NYC for Les-Ottomans that recreates, through characters, the magic world of the Sultans and Ottoman Empire. This Val...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

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.