The Ultimate Dinnerware...

In view of my obvious aversion to rhinestone trimmed dinnerware, I've been asked by a reader what I consider to be really superb china. That's so easy to answer it's practically a no-brainer. Without a moment's hesitation, I'd tell you to check out Royal Copenhagen's magnificent Flora Danica pattern. Not only is it exquisitely hand-molded and hand-painted, it's also the most expensive china in the world and consequently very rare. The King of Denmark still owns the original set and Queen Elizabeth II still has the service that was a wedding gift to Alexandra, the Danish princess who married King Edward VII.

The very first set of Flora Danica was commissioned in 1790 by Crown Prince Frederick on behalf of his father King Christian VII of Denmark. It was intended as a gift for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, whose love of porcelain was exceeded only by her passion for jewels and handsome young men. Alas, Catherine died before the dinner service was completed so it remained in the possession of the Danish royal family. The fabulous china was used for the very first time on January 29, 1803 at a grand fete in honor of the King's birthday and reputedly was so much admired by the guests that it achieved a small measure of fame. Still, it was not until 1863, sixty years later that a new service was created for the Princess Alexandra's wedding gift.

Today, a five-piece place setting with a perforated border will set you back $8,075 or $6, 975 for a serrated edge. The price of serving pieces is mind-boggling. A five-quart soup tureen runs to $24,725 with an extra $5,900 for the plate that goes under it while the charming covered custard cup and saucer shown above rings in at $3,500. One of the prettiest pieces, an ice-cream dome and basin is a whopping $36,550 while a gravy boat and stand goes for $7,075. A teapot, creamer and small covered sugar bowl will cost about $15K but you could invite Oprah to tea and she'd fell right at home since, as a modern TV queen, she also owns a set of Flora Danica.

Not that you asked, but the silver flatware I'd choose to accompany my china would probably be an antique set of Tiffany's Chrysanthemum pattern. It is, I think, one of the most beautiful silver patterns ever created and a fairly complete service for twelve should run you about $30,000 or so, a fraction of the cost of your china. Now, all you need to decide is whether you'd prefer to set a really spectacular table or buy yourself a Rolls-Royce.