During the holidays, most people take great pains to dress the dinner table with evergreens, candles and other decorations. Money is spent buying just the perfect tablecloth. And then they set down their (gulp) yellow plates with the purple grapes on them?

If you entertain at all during the holiday season, it is well worth it to invest in a decent Christmas dinnerware set. There are many traditional patterns out there from manufacturers like Lenox and Pfaltzgraff that are very popular. However, if you dare to be different you can find other beautiful dinnerware that will take you right through the holiday entertaining season.

For those just starting out without the budget for a set that serves just one holiday, there are some options out there, from fancy to casual, that will bring in the colors of Christmas but are basic enough to be used all year long.

When you are buying a Christmas dinnerware set, be sure that there are serving accessories available for it. You should also check into the warranty and return policies. And be sure that they will be making that same pattern for several years so that you can add pieces to it over time.

This beautiful Christmas pattern by Lenox includes ribbons, evergreens and winter birds and was designed by artist, Catherina McClung. Since it does not have any Christmas-specific elements, it is perfect for use all winter long. The dishes are made from fine ivory china and are accented with 24-karat gold.The set includes 4 each dinner plates, salad plates and mugs, and is dishwasher safe. Many matching serving accessories are available in this pattern as well.

Lenox also provides a lifetime warranty on its products. If you are unsatisfied with any piece, Lenox will replace it or refund you in full. They also have a Lifetime Breakage Replacement Program that gives you a 50% discount on replacing any pieces that break.

This holly pattern has been Lenox's best-selling holiday dinnerware pattern since 1974. The pattern itself consists of green holly sprinkled with red berries which make this set also perfect for use throughout the winter season. In true Lenox tradition, all dishes are crafted from the finest ivory china and are rimmed in 24-karat gold. This set comes with 4 each dinner plates, salad plates and mugs and is dishwasher safe.

Lenox also provides a lifetime warranty on its products. If you are unsatisfied with any piece, Lenox will replace it or refund you in full. They also have a Lifetime Breakage Replacement Program that gives you a 50% discount on replacing any pieces that break.

This Mikasa 40-piece service for 8 dinnerware set is a very elegant, yet low-key, dinnerware set. Unlike many other Christmas sets, they've avoided the stereotypical Christmas trees and doves which make this set perfect for year-round entertaining.

The set comes with 8 dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, tea cups and saucers, and there are a host of serving accessories in the same pattern. The dishes are made of fine china, though under normal household use, they are perfectly safe to be put in the dishwasher.

The Winterberry design is one of Pfaltzgraff's most popular holiday choices. This 32-piece set includes 8 dinner plates, salad plates, soup/cereal bowls and coffee mugs. It is made of durable stoneware, so the set is microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. As with all of Pfaltzgraff's patterns, there are many serving accessories available as well.

If you cannot afford the entire set right away, you can buy individual pieces. The Winterberry pattern has been available for many years, so you should not worry about trying to match pieces at a later date.

This dinnerware set from Johnson Brothers is perfect for those who crave an elegant yet traditional dinnerware set. The set comes with 4 dinner plates, salad plates and mugs, and has many serving accessories available. Because the set is made from fine earthenware crafted in the English tradition, the set is microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.

This stunning pattern was brought to market in 2006 and features a Christmas tree with deep pinks and rose colors on an ivory background with an elaborate floral design around the rims. The Old British Castles pattern is one of the Johnson Brothers' best-known patterns, and it will certainly enhance any Victorian tablescape.

The Sakura Snowmen Portrait Christmas dinnerware set is the perfect choice for families with young children at the holidays. The whimsical snowman on the green-checkered background is whimsical and casual, and the price for the set won't have you in tears if one (or two) things are broken.

The set is made from hand-painted earthenware, and Sakura says that 'most' pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe. The complete set comes with 4 dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs, and there are many serving accessories available as well.

Although not a traditional Christmas pattern, this hostess set is the perfect choice for young couples. With 12 colors available, you can mix and match sets for everyday use or to coordinate with any holiday's colors. (Colors available: white, black, plum, kiwi, blueberry, green apple, cherry, chocolate, buttercup, orange peel, royal, lemon peel.)

Each 3-piece set includes a 72-ounce serving bowl, 12 3/4 inch fruit/pasta bowl and a 10 inch square platter. A traditional dinnerware, as well as serving accessories, are also available. All dishes are made in Germany of high-fired ceramic earthenware which makes them dishwasher safe.