18th Century Table Settings

Table was Prepard for Dessert which was a Beautiful Park, round the Edge was a Plantation of Flowering Shrubs, and in the middle a Fine piece of water with Dolphins Spouting Learn how Delft potters adapted to the changing dining traditions and tastes of the nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie in the 17th and 18th centuries. Discover the types of tablewares, decorative objects, and trompe l'oeil ceramics they produced for tea, wine, and dinner parties.

Since it could be eaten anywhere and was not considered a meal, there was no table setting associated with it. Even dessert was considered distinct from the formality of dinner, although it was served immediately afterwards and at the same table. Learn how the Georgian era brought extravagance and opulence to the dining table, with tureens, centrepieces, and elaborate dishes.

Discover the social order, the courses, and the etiquette of dining like a Georgian duchess. Here is a typical dining table set for dinner. Speaking of dining tables, the Hammond-Harwood House was one of the first houses in Annapolis to have a dining table.

Setting a dining table involves five steps: positioning chairs, arranging a centerpiece, laying out cutlery, and placing napkins. British etiquette typically places napkins in the center, while American settings have them on the left, with individual servings more common in the UK. Over the past two weeks, weve dressed a lady and a gentleman in 18th century clothing, so it seems only fair that we give these fashionable people a destination.

In this case, they are attending a formal dinner. Table manners were different in the 18th century. On a typical day at George Washingtons Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, visitors experiencing the house tour are ushered into the main hall upon which a dining table is set out before them with 18th-century reproductions of plates, glassware, wine bottles, and serving dishes.

Take a look at our selection of 18th Century tea, coffee, spices & mixes, all of which have unique descriptions outlining their history. We recommend sipping these slowly, perhaps while appreciating your freedom to do so. Learn how table settings and dining etiquette have evolved over time, from ancient times to the present day.

Explore the differences and similarities in table settings and dining etiquette across cultures and periods, including the 18th century.