Dishes is the dish obsessive’s dream come true—a definitive guide to the colorful, wonderful dinner plate, with hundreds of patterns organized thematically and annotated with historical details and charming anecdotes that span centuries and continents. The book is chock-full of everything a dish lover could hope for, including more than 600 of history’s most stunning plates; profiles of iconic manufacturers like Wedgwood, Spode, and Homer Laughlin; patterns by world-famous artists and designers, from Frank Lloyd Wright to Vera Wang; and so much more. This chunky, intensely satisfying little package makes the perfect gift for antiques collectors, decorators, brides-to-be, hostesses, and anyone else who finds tableware addictingly irresistible.

Shax Riegler is the executive editor of House Beautiful. He’s previously worked at House & Garden, Martha Stewart Living,Travel + Leisure, and Vogue. He is completing a PhD from the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture.