I'm not sure which clever ceramics factory invented holiday china, but whoever did was a genius. At no other time of year are we more inclined to deck our holiday tables with all manner of things that reference the season. Though holiday china is an easy and festive way to approach the seasons table settings, there are certainly other options.

A few of our favorite designers have created table settings that celebrate the season -- without making us feel that we need to register for china all over again. We have tips for setting a beautiful holiday table, whether your decorating style is all-out drama or a more subtle approach.