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Holiday entertaining is the perfect excuse to up your serveware game. Coveting that cute pumpkin soup bowl or a set of matte gold serving utensils? Now's the time to invest in those pieces that will create the perfect holiday table setup. Whether you're the host or a guest brainstorming the perfect party host gift, you can choose from countless beautiful pieces to serve a stunning feast. From the understated to the statement-making, our picks for the best serveware for holiday dinner parties will elevate any setup.

Nothing beats a Dutch oven for soup, stews, and braises – except a Dutch oven that can double as a serving dish. Staub's Enameled Cast Iron Stackable 3-Piece Cookware Set includes a classic five-quart Dutch oven, a multi-purpose fry pan (use it as a pie dish), and a lid that fits both. Available in two rich colors, grenadine or sapphire, this cookware calls for a spot on the table.

Staub's enameled cast iron coating has a slight texture from quartz crystal, which enhances browning. This heat-conductive material warms slowly, stays warm longer, and distributes heat evenly. You can even cook with it on induction stoves. Not to mention, you'll use it for everyday dinners.

Price at the time of publish: $450

Also available at Le Creuset and Williams Sonoma.

With several beautiful colors to choose from, this classic covered casserole dish can easily go from oven to table. Le Creuset's stoneware baking dishes are as wonderful as its cast iron, as both materials maintain an even cooking temperature. The dense stoneware is resistant to cracking and rippling over the years, and its non-stick glaze is easy to cook with and even easier to clean. It's safe to use in the freezer, microwave, oven, broiler, and – miracle of all miracles – the dishwasher.

Price at the time of publish: $108

This simple, understated white matte platter will highlight your hard work when you serve a family-sized roasted turkey, spiral-cut ham, or crown rib roast. It's lightweight, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe, making it great for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Price at the time of publish: $35

Also available at Williams Sonoma.

Shaped like a pumpkin and topped off with a stem-shaped brass handle, this cocotte will stand out on the stove or as soon as it's out of the oven. Staub's enameled cast iron is durable and versatile for cooking, making this piece a smarter seasonal investment than another decorative pumpkin.

Price at the time of publish: $230

The Bill.F Wooden Salad Bowl is carved from acacia, which stands up well to regular washing, and comes with matching serving utensils. Filled with a colorful salad, it would make a lovely addition to any holiday table.

Price at the time of publish: $50

Cheese boards are a host's best friend for holiday entertaining. Black Marquina marble from Spain's Basque region gives this cheese board and cheese knife a more seasonal and more elegant look than the standard white marble slab. Available in 12 or 16 inches, this cheese board can do double duty as an appetizer platter.

Price at the time of publish: $100

A bird that's been brined, basted, and roasted deserves its own carving tools. The knife's stainless steel blade keeps a sharp edge, and its olivewood handle feels light and comfortable in the hand. This carving knife and fork set comes with a storage case and just enough pomp and circumstance.

Price at the time of publish: $340

Your tarnished and mismatched serving utensils are due for an upgrade. Entertain in style with this Italian-made set, which includes a utensil for nearly every dish: one large ladle, one gravy ladle, one cake server, a set of two simple servers, and a set of two salad servers. Choose from four finishes – each is dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup.

Price at the time of publish: $439

Pros: Made of durable and stain-resistant ceramic.

Cons: The handle can get warm if the gravy boat is reheated in an oven.

Used twice a year or so, the gravy boat is both familiar and easily forgotten about. More of a value buy than an investment, but beautiful nonetheless, this white ceramic gravy boat has an interesting shape and comes with a saucer for drips and splatters. It's also microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Price at the time of publish: $25

Trade browned and scorched pies dishes for these white glazed ceramic pie dishes, each of which features a decorative rim that will set it apart on the table: beaded, fluted, or scalloped. You can even break up the set to give the pie dishes as gifts. Pie included, of course.

Price at the time of publish: $70

While this stand strikes the proper balance of frilly and functional, you may just wish you could make a cake every day to display it. Made of lime glass, it comes in translucent white, Hawaiian blue, and lilac.

Price at the time of publish: $18-$28

The table is set, the candles are lit, and the warm rolls are on the table. Keeping a butter bell on the counter tempers it, so it's ready to spread – one less step to think about for a dinner party. The bell shape is dipped in water, which forms an airtight seal that can keep it fresh for up to a month. (Change the water every few days for best results.)

Price at the time of publish: $19

Aerating wine adds oxygen which helps wine release aromas and softens tannins. Thoughtfully designed, this hand-blown glass wine decanter provides extra aeration when pouring from its wide mouth and can hold one standard bottle. It also prevents drips with a slanted pour spout. Pair it with large- to medium-bodied reds like Cabernet, Merlot, or the occasional Pinot Noir.

Price at the time of publish: $63

From Friendsgiving to the big holiday meal, everything tastes better when served on or with a thoughtfully chosen bit of serveware. Pieces like the Le Creuset Stoneware Covered Dish consistently set the stage and can be used for dinner parties as well as every day. For a perfect gift for yourself or that special host or hostess in your life, we recommend the Le Château Red Wine Decanter, which is a great choice for hosts who may not treat themselves.

When buying serveware, consider how often you will use it and for what occasions. Good pieces like an enamel-covered cast iron set can be an excellent investment. Others, like an acacia salad bowl or a new set of salad tongs, are pieces you don't mind replacing yearly. Many people have bits and pieces passed down from family or thrifted from yard sales, like porcelain gravy boats that can be jazzed up with a few modern, playful pieces for any holiday meal. The right porcelain or bone china set can come in just as handy as a stoneware set ready for everyday use.

When hosting, some people prefer large platters carefully laid out and staged on a side table like a buffet. Others may choose smaller platters and bowls that can quickly be passed to hungry guests. Either way is a great choice just pick the serving style and go from there. Remember that hot dishes should always have a trivet or heat-proof pad between them and the table to avoid damage and discoloration.

In general, serveware and utensils like knives will hold up best when hand-washed in warm, soapy water, allowing them to dry thoroughly before storing. Platters and bowls made of wood require occasional oiling to maintain their color, and the beginning or end of the holiday season is a good time to tend to this task. When it's time to store your serveware, note that while marble and ceramic pieces may feel durable, the materials can chip. Try to stack lighter pieces on top of heavier ones, and place a pad or towel in between pieces to prevent knicks or other damage.

A: Yes and no, according to chef and restaurateur Nicolas Min Jørgensen of TRI and Agger Darling in Denmark, who stocked his restaurant with serveware he designed in collaboration with local ceramicists. "It doesn't have to be the same series, but the theme should match. I like simple light colors but also mix them with dark woods and stones for a modern nature look," he says.

A: Your dinnerware and serveware don't need to come from the same brand or have similar styles. Various textures and materials will work well together when sticking to a color palette. Also, keep an eye out for special statement pieces. "I personally love rustic, handmade, cool color, and the Nordic feel, but I also stock some old copperware and vintage plates when I'm in the mood for classic French bistro food," says Jørgensen.

Alissa Fitzgerald is a chef, recipe developer, and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the food industry. For this piece, she interviewed Nicolas Min Jørgensen, owner, TRI and Agger Darling, to find out what the pros look for in serveware. She then used their insights, market research, and her own expertise to curate this list.

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