Tableware includes glassware, plates and other useful items for practical and decorative purposes. The quality, nature, variety and quantity of items vary according to culture, religion, number of people, food and occasions. For example, food culture and cuisine in the Middle East, India or Polynesia sometimes limit tableware serving dishes, using bread or leaves as a single dish. Special occasions are usually reflected in higher quality cutlery.

In foreign countries, another term used to refer to “tableware” is “ceramics”, which refers to companies such as Sèvres in France, Meissen in Germany, Royal Copenhagen in Denmark, Royal Dulton in the UK, or Bilke Pottery in Northern Ireland. Made of porcelain and bone products. Table settings are tableware and glassware for formal and informal dining in dining establishments.

Table setting refers to arranging tableware, including the personal location setting of each restaurant on the table, and decorating the table itself in a manner suitable for the occasion. Tableware and table decorations are usually more refined for special occasions. Unusual dining venues require tableware to be remodeled.