Haviland Limoges, a maker of fine porcelain is the winner for a Readers' Choice for best dishware.

The Haviland Limoges story began in 1842 when David Haviland, enthralled with the fine china coming from Limoges, France moved across the Atlantic to begin his own factory. Haviland was an importer working in New York. A customer brought in a broken tea cup looking for a match. Haviland's search for a match eventually led him to Limoges. The pure white kaolin clay found in the region produced a uniquely delicate eggshell porcelain. Not content to import the designs of others he set up his own operation. Unlike other dishware factories in the area Haviland China did not send its products to Paris for decoration. Instead Haviland set up a studio in his factory in order to create patterns that would appeal to American shoppers.

Along his sons Charles-Edward and Théodore, David Haviland grew the company and Haviland Limoges provided the state dining service for several American presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Rutherford B. Hayes and Theodore Roosevelt. The work of Impressionist artists also influenced Haviland's floral designs which went on to become wildly popular in the United States.

Today the company also sells silver, crystal and giftware but remains famous for its dishes. It is estimated that there are as many as 60,000 Haviland china patterns. Haviland Limoges produces some older designs as well as coming out with new collections to appeal to both modern clients and traditionalists. For over a century Haviland china has remained a standard for elegant tables.

For some reason, specialty Thanksgiving platters and serveware tend to be rather cheesy, with little pictures of pilgrims or cornucopias adorning them in the worst examples and an overly rustic look on the slightly more stylish side of things. Thankfully, there are at least a few good-looking serving implements out there, like these Chromed Turkey Lifters, which are simple, functional and attractive. They are made out of chrome-plated zinc and measure 4"x9.5". They will give you the support needed to lift even heavy turkey from the roasting plan to a serving platter, then can also be used to serve the individual slices to guests. Price: $18.

Perhaps I shouldn't go so far as to say that coordinating dinnerware is overrated, but these Geo Espresso Cups are definitely more visually appealing than the average matched set. The four white porcelain cup and saucer pairs all feature a different geometric design that has been adapted in to cup form. While you can use them to serve espresso, they would also make great individual servings of creme brulees or tiny pot de creme at a holiday dinner party. Price: £55.

Black and white may be the hot colors in dinnerware, but few things are bolder than a flaming red dragon, which the Ming Dragon Dinnerware from designer Johann Joachim Kaendler proudly displays. The fine porcelain is hand painted, with gold edging on the plates. Because the dragon is traditionally portrayed either in the clouds or amidst waves, the dishes have a slightly scalloped outer edge and, in a slightly unusual touch, the coordinating teacup shows the same wave-like patter along its rim. Price, per 5-pc. setting: $958.

The pattern for the Woodgrain Breakfast Set was originally created in the late 18th century, an expertly-painted wood pattern set on fine porcelain, and though this is a modern reproduction, it is the first to be seen in a very long time. On top of the wood pattern, there is an image of a painting, similar to one that an 18th century engraver would have tacked to his workbench for reference as he reproduced it on copper. The plates are all rimmed with 24K gold. Each set comes with a cup, saucer and breakfast plate. Price: $3,200.

When it comes to high end dining, most consider the food, rather than the tableware. At Berkeley's Chez Panisse, chef/owner Alice Waters worked with Heath Ceramics to design custom place settings. Her reasoning was that since her food was locally sourced, her tableware should be, too. While you can buy the full range of Thomas Keller's tableware, Heath Ceramics has only released a 4-piece set, along with some serving dishes, for home use from their Chez Panisse Collection. The set is available in a neutral almond/ginger color. Price: $146.