Edwardian period (1901-1910) came after a long Victorian era. The items that usually were spectacularly opulent, became much more elegant and refined. Good design became fashionable and in homewares the focus shifted from decoration to usability. Most Edwardian items have a distinctive refined look.

Facts of Lavish What's a tantalus? It's a lockable storage device for several decanters — was used to keep drinks visible on display but safe out of the reach of servants and children. That's tantalizing!