At the dawn of what most historians agree is the modern world, the years between 1815 and 1830, the most lavish dinner in the best homes in England consisted of only two courses-paltry by our standards. Of course, each course commonly consisted of twenty-five different dishes spread all over the table! The first course consisted of soups, platters laden with meats of all kind, whole fish, pies, and vegetables. The second course was "lighter"-venison, ham. roast goose, puddings and sweets. The Diners "skirmished" among the serving pieces, taking a bit of everything.



Just imagine the serving pieces necessitated to host such a spread-not to mention the table settings! The amount of storage space alone would require a butler's pantry the size of a modern garage! Few private hostesses could manage such a huge variety of food today, and just as well-imagine the outcry from nutritionists at such massive amounts of rich food!

Not needing soup tureens and meat platters by the dozen these days, the modern hostess can afford to be choosier about the dinnerware she buys. New brides and exacting hostesses have long considered Gearys to provide the finest table settings available, hand chosen from around the globe. Browsing amongst brand names that have graced the tables of popes and noblement is a fascinating experience.

There are designs to suit any style, from the most traditional to the most ultra-modern. Set your table in the elegant style of those 19th century epicurean giants or serve your meals on something a little more up to date. From incredibly exquisite hand painted plates featuring fruits, flora and fauna to the simplest white dinnerware, you can find dinnerware to set the finest of tables.

Excellent dinnerware elevates a simple meal into an event to be savored. Refined table settings create a mood of distinction and make any occasion more significant. With the best China and porcelain, there is no such thing as an "everyday" meal!