Midas Sets the Table

Traditional
In classic patterns, modest bands of gold rim the edges of plates and glassware, and symmetrical floral designs are set off by a white background.

If you are going to invest in china service, "nothing equals the lush warmth of a table set with gold adorned china," says Meryl Gold of Michael C. Fina Co. Pick what you love, she advises, then be sure to use it often, for more than just fancy occasions. "Even pizza tastes better when you eat it off a gold plate."

Pictured above:

5. Brass dome, Burke's Antiques
6. Vera Lace Gold salad plate, Vera Wang at Wedgwood
7. Rivoli decanter, Baccarat
8. Golden Inspirations salad plate, Sears
9. Victoria Strawberry Gold bread-and-butter plate, Minton
10. and 21. Laetitia salad fork and spoon by Odiot, Bergdorf Goodman
11. and 20. Elysée dinner fork and knife by Puiforcat, Bergdorf Goodman
12. Splendor di Tavola buffet plate, Villeroy & Boch
13. Westchester dinner plate, Lenox
14. Geranium dish, William Yeoward Crystal
15. Place-card holder, Smythson of Bond Street
16. Vetro Gold tumbler, Arte Italica
17. Lady Hamilton champagne flute, Moser
18. Gold Optic wineglass by Nason & Moretti, Bergdorf Goodman
19. Saltcellar by Buccellati, Michael C. Fina
20. Cup and saucer, Bernardaud
21. and 26. Antique Baroque forks and cake server, Wallace Silversmiths
22. Gosford dinner plate, William Yeoward Crystal
23. and 27. Arabian Nights dinner plate and cake plate, both Meissen (Michael C. Fina)
24. Tablecloth and napkin, E. Braun & Co.