The name Wedgwood is synonymous with highly coveted English ornamental ceramics. But while many of the company's lines, such as the fanciful cameo-motif Jasperware, are quite formal, the Wedgwood name can also be found on versatile dishes that are as appropriate at the breakfast table as they are at the finest holiday feast. Some of these lines are still made today, including Queen's Ware, White Bone China, and -- Martha's favorite -- the distinctive olive-colored glazed earthenware called Drabware.

Most colored dishware starts out as white earthenware or porcelain and is then tinted with glaze, but Drabware is made with dark clay, resulting in its deep, rich color. The soothing hue coordinates well with most other tableware, including printed tablecloths, colored glasses, and virtually all styles of flatware; slightly less versatile but equally beautiful are some rarer pieces that feature a duck-egg blue interior and a gleaming band of gold.

First produced in 1811, Drabware has become a popular collector's item in recent years. You can start building your collection of Drabware by visiting antiques shows and collectibles fairs.

Do You Know?
Despite its name, Drabware is actually a soothing neutral hue. Its tone varies from light coffee to drak olive.