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Tableware For Sale
Perla: Brass Napkin Ring with Delicate Pearls
Located in Porto, PT
Introducing Perla, an exquisite napkin ring that brings a touch of nature's elegance to your tableware collection. Inspired by the delicate beauty of dewdrops, Perla is a stunning pi...
Category

2010s Portuguese Organic Modern Tableware

Materials

Brass

Valencia by International Sterling Silver Flatware Service for 12
Located in Big Bend, WI
Valencia by International sterling silver flatware set of 71 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 9". 12 forks, 7 1/2". 12 salad forks, 6 7/8". 12 teaspoons, 6 3/8". 12 place soup ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sunset by Allan Adler Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 pieces Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Alan 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 con...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Cooking Spatula by Hokuto Sekine, Japan 2021
Located in Berlin, DE
Hand-Crafted Cooking Spatula in Japanese mountain cherry by Hokuto Sekine, Japan - 2021. The set contains two different sized spatulas. The measureme...
Category

2010s Japanese Arts and Crafts Tableware

Materials

Cherry

Rock Handmade Ceramic Coffee Mugs - Set of 2 - Black & White Splatterware
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
Beautifully handmade ceramic mugs designed to enhance the lovely experience of drinking well-made coffee. Beautiful to look at and highly functional, each handmade pottery mug is in...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Clay

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

Silver Flutes by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 18 Service 122 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Monumental silver flutes by Towle sterling silver flatware set for 18, 122 pieces. Perfect for entertaining a large group! This set...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Elkington & Co. Sterling Silver Teapot
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver teapot made in the George I style; an addition to the silver teaware collection. This exceptional Elizabeth II English sterling silver teapot has a plain oval rounded form onto an oval domed spreading foot, in the Classic George I style. The surface of this vintage silver teapot...
Category

1960s English George I Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

New Volumes Terracotta Harvest Tableware by Megan Morton
Located in CREMORNE, AU
A modular design consisting of five individual pieces that can be combined to create a tabletop sprout planter or used alone or in different combinations as a cake stand, serving plates, a dinner set or colander. Collections for the home and office by Artedomus, New Volumes...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Terracotta

Georg Jensen Set of Twelve Sterling Silver Charger Plates 587A
Located in Hellerup, DK
A set of twelve early sterling silver Georg Jensen charger plates, design #587A by Johan Rohde (1930). This minimalist design marks Rohde’s transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, s...
Category

1930s Danish Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Suzani Printed Cotton Tablecloth
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of charm to your dining experience with our unique printed Suzani cotton tablecloth. Measuring 250x150cm, this tablecloth features intricate, vibrant patterns that celebr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Cotton

King Richard by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 98 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Impressive King Richard by Towle sterling silver flatware set - 98 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7 3/8" 12 salad forks, 6 5/8" 12 teaspoons, 6" 12 cream sou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

BOTERO Large Thermal Carafe - Cappuccino Beije
Located in Torino, IT
The high-end thermal carafe is the result of a perfect balance of polished steel and leather, making it an impeccable choice for those seeking the ultimate in elegance. In addition, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel

Nedda El-Asmar for Gense, Appetize Lunch Service in Stainless Steel
Located in København, Copenhagen
Nedda El-Asmar for Gense. Appetize lunch service in stainless steel for twelve people. 21st Century. Knife length: 20 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. Nedda El-Asmar studie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lightscape by Ruth Gurvich in Nymphenburg porcelain - Set of 4 coffee bowls
Located in München, Bavaria
We are offering a set of 4 porcelain coffee beaker in Nymphenburg porcelain designed by Ruth Gurvich. The porcelain has the texture of a rough watercolor paper and is exquisite. They...
Category

2010s German Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Lenox Olympia Platinum 12 Place Settings, Serving Pieces and Fostoria Goblets
Located in Littleton, CO
The essence of elegant simplicity, this is a truly beautiful set of Lenox Olympia X-303P Platinum Rim bone china. Single estate, 1962. Exquisite condition. Signed. 7 Fostoria platinum rim water goblets also included. Purchased in 1962 to accompany the china set. 12 Dinner Plates, 10.5" 12 Salad Plates, 7-7/8" 12 Coffee Cups, 4" D x 2" H 12 Coffee Saucers, 6" D 8 Bread Plates, 6-3.8" 4 Coupe Cereal Bowls, 5.75" D Gondola Bowl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Platinum

Ornamental by Lameice Dreamlike Wine Glass
Located in Jerusalem, IL
This piece is designed by Lameice Abu Aker a Palestinian designer based in Jerusalem. Mouth-blown, lampworked, and shaped, in Jaba' a small village in the Palestinian Territories. p...
Category

2010s Palestinian Modern Tableware

Materials

Blown Glass

BOTERO Medium Thermal Carafe - Cappuccino Beije
Located in Torino, IT
The high-end thermal carafe is the result of a perfect balance of polished steel and leather, making it an impeccable choice for those seeking the ultimate in elegance. In addition, ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel

Rare Pug French Bulldog Dog Figural Salt Pepper Shaker Antique German 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare pug or french bulldog Figurine bought in Germany. It is made of china porcelain and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your collection. It is in nice condition ...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain, Cork

set of six Metal Animal Motif Knife Rests France 20th Century Art Deco
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of six beautiful figural flatware knife rests in the form of Animals and people, circa 1920s, France. Nice addition to every table or just for your collection. Tarnished and be...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Metal

English Creamware Pottery Dessert Service by Hicks Meigh & Co.
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Creamware Dessert Service, Hicks, Meigh & Co., Twenty One Pieces, Circa 1822-35 The circular plates and dishes are undecorated in the center and have two bands of design at ...
Category

Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Tableware

Materials

Ceramic, Creamware, Pottery

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

Black Marble Cake Stand
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Put your delectable desserts on a pedestal with this gorgeous marble cake stand from Kiwano. Hand crafted by Turkish artisans, this stylish display w...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Marble

Windham by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 71 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Designed with an eye for balance and proportion, each piece of Tiffany & Co. flatware is a masterpiece of form and function. Windham was first introduced by Tiffany in 1923. It was n...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Max Meder, Hand Carved Wooden Squirrel Brush & Pan, France, 1950s
By Max Meder
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large mid-century wooden squirrel brush & pan by Max MEDER (Paris), France, 1950s. Squirrel eating a nut. Noble woods. Measures: Squirrel - Height: 6.7" (17cm), Width : 7.9"(20cm), D...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Wood

Conchiglia aka Shell by Schiavon Italy 800 Silver Flatware Set Service 62 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Conchiglia pattern evokes Italy's outstanding marine traditions. Dedicated to committed sea lovers, it's exquisite sophisticated style will appeal to those who demand only the fi...
Category

20th Century Italian Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Gilt Beaker by Paul Storr
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique English sterling silver gilt beaker made by Paul Storr; an addition to our continental silverware collection. ...
Category

1830s British Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Esteri Tomula, Spice Pot 'Pepper', Arabia
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description: We have on offer this pepper spice pot. At first glance, I was fascinated by the cuteness of these spice pots of this serie, but when I looked closely the desig...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Flying Bird Pattern Pair of Sauce Boats England Circa 1840
Located in Katonah, NY
This lovely pair of antique sauce boats is decorated in the vibrant Flying Bird pattern. Each piece features a colorful, long-tailed bird flying above a lush chinoiserie garden fille...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinoiserie Antique Tableware

Materials

Ironstone

Rose by Stieff Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 24 Pieces Repousse
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rose by Stieff repoussed sterling silver flatware set of 24 pieces. Great starter set! This set includes: Six knives, 8 7/8", six forks, 6 7/8", six ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Charles Voltz Vallauris Pottery SET: Jug & Casserole typical low fired red glaze
By Charles Volton
Located in Landshut, BY
SET of 2 Charles Voltz (1923-1997) moved to Vallauris France in 1950, where he had a studio for many years. His ceramics was in the typical exuberant mid-century Vallauris style with colourful and often highly textured or patterned glazes. Vallauris is an area in the Cote d’Azur region of south eastern France and has a long history of Artistic and Ceramics traditions, but is was in the 1950s when Vallauris experienced a new golden age after Picasso went to live in and influence the Arts & Crafts of Vallauris in the late 1940s (and where he stayed until 1955) Picasso, along with Roger Capron were significant contributors to the profile of Ceramics in Vallauris, together other names such as Roger Collet, Gilbert Portanier, Jean Derval and Charles Voltz. Design Period 1965 to 1975 Production Period late 1960s Country of Manufacture France H / height: 11cm both ~ Gew. / weight: 2950grs both DM / diameter casserole : 13 cm ~ DM / diameter jug: 8 cm MARKED: C. Voltz Vallauris...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Clay

Vintage 1980s Guzzini Cutlery Holder by Furio Minuti Made in Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly cool and post-modern cutlery holder by Guzzini. This piece evokes design elements that are current and present. Created in plastic, this piece includes 4 compartments wi...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Plastic

Florentine by Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 160 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
In 1847, Tiffany & Co. introduced its first sterling silver flatware pattern. The world quickly took notice. Since then their extensive collection of exclusive designs has come to sp...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

1960 Nencioni Moleri Space Age design Zani Steel Flatware _ 75 pieces
By Nencioni & Moleri, Zani
Located in Brescia, IT
Cutlery Set Design Carla Nencioni, Armando Moleri Prod. Zani _ Design Line 1960s 12 Person Service + 3 Serving Flatware 75 Steel Pieces Complete with Original Box Excellent condit...
Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Tableware

Materials

Steel

Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen Teak Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Danish modern teak bowls designed by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen, Denmark. Turned from a single piece of teak wood into an organic modern shape. Polished and clean, with origin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Teak

Richard Ginori Brown & Gold Trimmed Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 99 Pieces
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richard Ginori extensive dinnerware service Contessa brown / gilt pattern dinnerware service . Pattern having a brown and double gilt gold trim decorated design on white porcelain. Service comprising twelve dinner plates, diameter 10 1/4 inches. twelve soup / pasta plates , twelve salad plate, thirty one small plates; fifteen coffee / tea cups, twelve small plates , two large oval serving chargers , two Round Covered tureen with two handled All in great condition, with only the faintest service wear, showing some negligible oxidation to the gold trim. comprising in the service: 12 dinner plates 12 salad plates 31 small ice cream plates...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Gold

Grande Renaissance Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 83p Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Scarce dinner size Grande Renaissance by Reed and Barton sterling silver flatware set - 83 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 9 3/...
Category

1960s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

FUSO Hand Blown Short Glass by Ries
Located in Buenos Aires, CABA
Crystal, as glass, has a very interesting characteristic in which its composition and behavior can be catalogued as both solid and liquid. It is called "vitreous state". We often relate glass recipients to pure geometries, which fall in the category of what in math is called "solids of revolution". We believe this morphologies generally lack of self identity as they tend to make the contained liquid look very rigid. This collection of hand blown glassware...
Category

2010s South American Tableware

Materials

Blown Glass

Lily by Whiting Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 96 Pieces Dinner Old
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous vintage Dinner & Regular Size Lily by Whiting, patented in 1902, sterling silver flatware set - 96 pieces. This is one of the finest floral Victorian patterns ever made. Thi...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hornsea Tapestry coffee set, Coffee pot, cups and saucers, 2 jugs, 15 pc, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Sarah Vardy (British) ‘Tapestry’ coffee set Designed 1973, produced by Hornsea, UK Set comprises coffee pot with lid, six cups and saucers, milk jug, cream jug Ceramic Overall, ver...
Category

1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 2 Ceramic Ikat Dessert Plates - Style #104
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Elevate your dessert presentation with this Set of 2 Ceramic Ikat Dessert Plates, made in Italy. Made from 100% ceramic and featuring a distinctive ikat-inspired design, these plates...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Wine Cutlery Flatware Caddy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue, wine holder or flatware or kitchen utensil caddy with pineapple handle. This caddy features 4 compartments for a wide range of contents.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Gustavian Tableware

Materials

Wood, Paint

Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Cutlery Flatware Tray with Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue butlers flatware or kitchen tray with handle. This tray features 2 compartments for a wide range of contents.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Tableware

Materials

Wood, Paint

El Grandee by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 61 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
El Grandee by Towle sterling silver flatware set with many serving pieces, 61 pieces total. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8" 12 forks, 7 1/2" 12 salad ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Malvern by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 45 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Heirloom quality Malvern by Lunt sterling silver flatware set - 45 pieces. This set includes: 8 knives, 9 1/8" 8 forks, 7 3/8" 8 salad forks, 6 3/4" 8 teaspoons, 6" 8 place soup spo...
Category

1970s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Arcantia Vendome by Christofle France Silverplated Flatware Service Set 42 pc Dn
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. Din...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Sterling Flatware Service for 18/5 piece Setting
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This complete set of sterling silver flatware is a Classic beauty. Tailored with very Fine detail, this set will never go out of style...
Category

1920s American Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid Century 20 Piece Dinnerware Set of California Ivy Poppy Trail by Metlox
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A 20-piece ceramic dinnerware set by Metlox. This twenty-piece set includes seven dinner plates, eight small plates, two serving bowls, and three tea cups. Each piece is glazed in a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Comprehensive Wmf Stockholm Silver Plated Flatware, Kurt Mayer, Germany, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A meticulously curated set of silver-plated cutlery, the "4100 Stockholm Laurel" series, was designed in 1955 by Kurt Mayer for WMF Germany, Württembergische Metallwaren Fabrik. This...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hand cut Crystal Saltshaker set Ambrosià (salt-pepper shakers: clear & golden)
Located in Glendale, CA
The Ambrosià Crystal Salt & Pepper Shakers are exquisite examples of hand-cut crystal craftsmanship, blending European artistry with timeless 20th century design. Crafted from high-q...
Category

2010s Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

Italian Porcelain Tableware, Velati and Silvestrini, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Italian porcelain tableware is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s. Beautiful Italian porcelain tableware designed by Velati and Silvestrini. Limited Edition "Ros...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

12 Haviland Vieux Paris Green, Cups, Saucers. and Dessert Plates, Limoges Paris
Located in Stockholm, SE
Haviland Vieux Paris by Georges Rouard Haviland Vieux Paris, designed by the distinguished Georges Rouard, embodies the timeless elegance of Fren...
Category

Early 2000s French Romantic Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Sheffield English Stag Antler Handled, Sterling Capped Carving Set, 3 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A three piece carving set with Stag Antler handles and Sterling Silver ferrules and end caps, Sheffield, England, circa mid 20th Century. Impressively sized, the set consists of a long carving knife, fork, and sharpening steel...
Category

Mid-20th Century English International Style Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel

Wedgwood, Rare Antique Transferware & Flow Blue Luncheon Set, U.K., C.1900
Located in Chatham, ON
Wedgwood - exceptional and rare antique brick red transferware and flow blue luncheon set for six - hand painted gilded borders and details - consisti...
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Fish Serving Set in Ceramic, 1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
Ceramic Fish Serving Set, Langenthal, 1960s Ceramic fish serving set made in Langenthal during the 1960s. The set includes a serving platter, a sauce boat with its matching spoon, an...
Category

1960s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Victorian Queen Anne Style Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver three-piece tea set in the Queen Anne style; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine antique Victorian sterling silver three-piece tea service consists of a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug / creamer. Each piece has a plain circular compressed form onto a plain circular collet foot. The lower portion of each item is embellished with embossed fluted decoration in the Queen Anne style. The surface of the upper portion of each piece is plain with an impressive applied gadroon decorated border to the waisted flared rim. The teapot is fitted with a flush hinged domed hallmarked cover, which also features fluted decoration; the flush hinge indicates the Fine quality of this service. The cover is surmounted by the original carved circular fluted painted wood and sterling silver finial, securing to the interior with a wing nut. This fine antique teapot is fitted with a swan necked spout ornamented with an impressive embossed singular leaf design to the underside. The teapot retains the original C-shape carved painted wood handle with a plain scrolling thumbpiece. The cream jug and sugar bowl have plain ribbed angular sterling silver handles. This impressive Queen Anne tea set was crafted by the London silversmiths Walter Walker...
Category

1890s English Queen Anne Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Delaunay Vase CS9 - Sculptural bold design by Noom in Brass and Steel
Located in Paris, FR
Delaunay vase, one of the vases from the "Suprematic" collection. The collection inspired by the geometric works of the great Suprematist Kazimir Malevich. Suprematism is a modernis...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Minimalist Tableware

Materials

Steel, Brass

Louis XVI by Cardeilhac France 950 Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 122 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Founded 1804. Maison Cardeilhac was founded by Antoine-Vital Cardeilhac in 1804 in Paris and specialized in fine silver cutlery and table ware. During the 19th century the firm wa...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco Orange Bakelite and Stainless Steel Knives in Box, 24 pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant French Art Deco Bakelite and stainless steel knife set is still in its original box. The two ensembles consist of 12 pieces each, specifically designed for meat and frui...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

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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