Skip to main content

Tableware

to
658
7,246
1,290
111
6,027
4,703
1,458
4,364
3,999
4,915
1,064
8,647
7,898
8,541
Tableware For Sale
Repousse by Kirk Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 53 Pieces Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
This pattern was named after the art of repoussé (the process of embossing metal from the back by hammering), originally used in European silversmithing. The Repousse pattern, first ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Strasbourg by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 67 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Flowing scrollwork follows the gently curved handles of this magnificent pattern inspired by the rococo style of design favoring shell-like curves prevailing in 18th Century France. ...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ranunculus Acris Cocktail Glass
Located in Milan, IT
This glass belongs to a collection of 21 unique pieces, each inspired by a different botanical species and reimagined by Simone Crestani from archival Fratelli Toso drawings. Shaped ...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Glass

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

Marbre Dinner Plates, Brown, Marbled, Ceramics, Set of 4
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in Bulgaria, our Marbre collection brings a rustic elegance to any table setting, with its dreamy marbled pattern. Available in Blue, Green and Brown, the Marbre collecti...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

Joubert by Christofle France Sterling Silver Flatware Service Set 59 pieces
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. Jou...
Category

20th Century 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

Mid-Century Sterling Silver "Bell" Pattern Flatware Set for Six by Hans Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Created by renowned Danish silversmith Hans Hansen, the "Bell" pattern showcases a harmonious blend of form and function, with each piece striking the perfect balance between aesthet...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Pyrola Secunda Wine Glass
Located in Milan, IT
This glass belongs to a collection of 21 unique pieces, each inspired by a different botanical species and reimagined by Simone Crestani from archival Fratelli Toso drawings. Shaped ...
Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Glass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antique George IV (1827) Sterling Silver Gilt Grape Shears
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique George IV English sterling silver gilt grape shears - boxed; an addition to our silver flatware collection. This exceptional pair of antique cast sterling silver gilt grape shears has a hinged scissor action. The handles of these antique silver grape scissors are embellished with intertwining fruiting vine ornamentation, accented with grape clusters and foliage. The fingerpieces are ornamented with details reproducing the features of the natural vine. The circular hinged portion is surmounted with a lobed rosette design. The grape shears are fitted with plain and unembellished blades, with a rounded outer edge. These exceptional examples of 19th century silverware retain the original gilding. These impressive sterling silver grape shears are fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box, with a velvet and satin lined interior, securing with a push fit catch. The interior of the box bears the retailer's mark 'Reid Sons, Diamond Merchants, By Appointment to the Late Queen Victorian, Newcastle upon Tyne'. These exceptional antique George IV grape shears are the finest of their type you could hope to acquire. The initials within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardisation of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silversmiths include William Eaton, Esterbrook and Eley II. Condition These antique boxed grape scissors are a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The cast decoration is all very sharp and the gilding is in excellent condition; this indicates the pieces have seen little to no use. Full hallmarks struck across the interior of the blades are very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these exceptional antique grape scissors...
Category

1820s British George IV Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Don Wallance for Lauffer Design 2/ Service for 8 PLUS Serving Pieces
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Don Wallance for Lauffer design 2 stainless steel flatware set. Service for 8 Set includes dinner fork, salad fork, Dinner Knives, Soup Spoon and Teaspoon...
Category

1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Guards Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Contemporary dinner plate 'Guards' 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

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

Russian Gilt Silver and Cloisonné Spoon
Located in Norton, MA
FINE RUSSIAN ENAMELED SPOON Length 4.25 inches, 14.4 grams.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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

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

Tuscan, England, Coffee Service in Pink Porcelain with Gold Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Tuscan, England, coffee service in pink porcelain with gold decoration consisting of coffee pot, creamer and sugar bowl. Fine English Bone China. Approx. 1930/40s. In perfect cond...
Category

1930s British Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Victorian Pairpoint Figural Silverplate Turtle Napkin Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Rare Victorian Pairpoint Figural Silverplate Napkin Ring. Beautifully modeled turtle holding the napkin ring made by the Pairpoint Co. New Bedford,...
Category

1890s American Late Victorian Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Ornate William IV Sterling Silver Christening Mug by Edward Barnard made in 1836
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1836 by Edward Barnard Sons this elaborate William IV sterling silver christening mug has a flared rim and is decorated with applied cast and chased flo...
Category

1830s English William IV Antique 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

Richard Ginori Brown Gold Trimmed Dinnerware Service Of 93 Pieces
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Richard Ginori Brown and Gold Trimmed Dinnerware Service Of 93 Pieces. Richard Ginori Dining & Coffee Porcelain Set "Contessa" Pattern, Italy. Richard Ginori porcelain dinnerware ser...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Tableware

Materials

Gold

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

Hermes “Grand Attelage” 24-piece silver-plated tableware set
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Original in both form and grip, the Grand Attelage service is inspired by the saddle key, a piece used in multi-horse carriages. This silver-plated ser...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Columbia by 1847 Rogers Silverplate Flatware Set for 12 Service 104 pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
This exquisite and desirable pattern was designed for the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. The nations of the world joined with America to celebrate the 400th anniversar...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

1930s Fenton Georgian Ruby Agua Caliente Champagne or Dessert Goblets, S/9
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of nine Fenton Ruby red glass goblets, produced from 1931-1942. In the ‘Georgian Ruby’ pattern, sometimes called Aqua Caliente, these heavy ...
Category

1930s American Georgian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Blown Glass

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

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

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

Old Colonial by Towle Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 64 pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Lavishly decorated, Old Colonial's graceful curves descend along a beaded handle and meet a fluted bowl. Representing the height of the silversmiths craft, Old Colonial is a peerless...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Fornasetti “Greca” Cups and Saucers, Italy, ca. 1955
Located in Stockholm, SE
An early pair of porcelain cups with saucers, designed by Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988) in Milan, circa 1955. The model “Greca” is decorated with a black and gilt neoclassical key mot...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Brahms by Oneida Stainless Steel Flatware Set for 12 Service 68 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Brahms by Oneida estate Stainless Steel Flatware set, 68 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, 9 1/4" 12 Forks, 7 1/2" 12 Salad Forks, 7" 12 Teaspoons, 6" 12 Place Soup Spoon...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Massimo Vignelli for Heller Mid Century Modern Plates and Mugs for Six
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Iconic sixties design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli of stacking plates and mugs manufactured by Heller. This set consists of 6 dinner plates and 6 mugs in a sunshine yellow color. Al...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Plastic

Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 12 People By V.C. Dub for A. Einspinner, 1915
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant cutlery set made of solid silver for twelve people consisting of 173 Parts in original wooden box. Date of manufactory: circa 1915 Material: Massive silver '800', Stain...
Category

1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

Travertine Cake Stand
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Make every occasion extraordinary with the travertine CAKE Stand, a stunning centerpiece that combines elegance with functionality. The round tra...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Tableware

Materials

Travertine

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

Rose Point by Wallace Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 40 Pcs Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Rose point by Wallace sterling silver dinner size flatware set, 40 pieces. This set includes: 8 dinner size knives, 9 5/8" 8 dinner size forks, 7 1/2" 8 salad forks, 6 3/8" 8 teaspoons, 6" 8 cream soup spoons, 5 7/8" Includes bonus brand new storage chest - styles vary. Excellent condition, not monogrammed. This set will be professionally polished to pristine condition and sealed in individual plastic sleeves prior to shipping. Intricate piercings and brilliant craftsmanship define this Rose Point sterling silver flatware...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Classic Rose by Reed Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 54 pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Classic Rose by Reed & Barton sterling silver Flatware set, 54 pieces. This set includes: 12 Knives, 9 1/8" 12 Forks, 7 1/2" 12 Salad Forks, 6 5/8" 12 Teaspoons, 6" 1 Gravy Ladle, 7...
Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flowers
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a bold and artistic touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring an intricate flower design. Perfect for display on coffee tables, shelves, or as wall art, this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Tableware

Materials

Iron

Victorian Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Twelve Persons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver composite Fiddle pattern flatware service for twelve persons; an addition to our silver cutlery collection. The pieces of this exceptional, antique Victorian composite sterling silver canteen service for twelve persons have been crafted in the Fiddle pattern. The surface of each handle is plain and unembellished. The posterior surface of each silver spoon has a rounded heel to the bowl. This Victorian sterling silver flatware set consists of eighty-nine pieces: Basic Service: 12 Table knives 12 Table forks 12 Table spoons 12 Dessert knives 12 Dessert forks 12 Dessert spoons 12 Teaspoons Additional Service: Soup ladle Pair of sauce ladles Pair of gravy spoons This exceptional and composite Fiddle pattern silver...
Category

1870s English Victorian 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

Etruscan by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set For 8 Service 32 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Vintage Gorham sterling silver flatware set in the Etruscan pattern featuring an Art Deco style Greek Key design Although this pattern was released in 1913, one can see that it was a...
Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 11 Crystal Champagne Glasses - Lalique France - Model Barsac
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful set of 1 crystal champagne glasses, from the French brand Lalique. The name of the model is Barsac. The stem is beautifully satined with fine shaping. Wide protruding gob...
Category

1990s French Modern Tableware

Materials

Crystal

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

Copper Watering Can Around, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Copper watering can around 1950s Polished and stove enameled.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Copper

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

6 Bernardaud France Le Cirque N.Y. Custom Espresso Orange Monkey Cup Saucer
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 destinations in New York for glitterati and foodies alike. No matter the location, monkeys and circus themes remained a design staple of the iconic restaurant. Although the landmark restaurant's NYC doors are now closed, Black Rock Galleries is pleased to offer items from the famed restaurant. Set of 6 Le Cirque Custom Bernardaud Limoges espresso...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Hollywood Regency Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gucci Richard Ginori fuchsia porcelain coffee mug featuring the words "Urtica Ferox" - a reference to the invitation to the Cruise 2018 fashion sh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug
Gucci Urtica Ferox Mug
$294 Sale Price
30% Off

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.