For most of us, the dinner table is a utilitarian affair, replete with standard dishes and eating utensils. Occasionally, however, we each have occasion to step up the usual dining ware and set an exquisite dinner table for friends and family. Whether we like to believe it or not, when guests come to our home, we are judged based on our innate ability to throw a dinner party, welcome company and set an elegant and comfortable table.

It goes without saying that you could spend a fortune on dishes, flatware, silver and linens for your special occasion table. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, you could infuse the table with a sense of your good taste and personality, arranging a table that is as interesting as it is eclectic; a table that that your guests won’t soon forget.

To start, focus on simple, but elegant ceramic dinnerware. One example of this is Italian pottery, timeless yet exquisite Italian dinnerware that speaks to class and sophistication yet will not break the bank. Italian potter covers an array of high quality collection pieces that range from pitchers and candlestick holders to platters and Italian coffee mugs.