When formal doesn't have to equal fussy, even the fanciest spread can become a means of self-expression. Rich gold is the unifying theme here. Whether dusted on a plate rim for a contemporary vibe, woven into a lacy border for a vintage effect, or encircling an oversize mushroom in a note of pure whimsy, it elegantly brings these wildly different table mates together for an affair to remember. "Flora Danica Fungi" soup plates, Royal Copenhagen. "Feux d'Or" presentation plate, Royal Limoges. "Alencon Gold" bread-and-butter plate, L'Objet.

Nothing says eclectic like a mix-and-match ensemble. Plus, an eclectic table can serve as formal or informal depending on the event. We've pulled together a few of our favorite eclectic pieces. Use this group as a jumping-off point for when you pull together your eclectic registry list.

"Red Aves" salad plate, Royal Crown Derby, from Neiman Marcus.

"I love this company," says our associate editor, Britni Wood. "They make some of the most beautiful cutlery and always have the loveliest colors. I'm particularly fond of the wooden handles on this set of knives." Laguiole en Aubrac 6-piece mixed wood steak knives set, williams-sonoma.com.

We love the cute fern print on these sheets, and they are so soft! They're great to mix-and-match with other patterns -- and perfect for the eclectic bride. Fern sheets and cases, johnrobshaw.com.

This bowl was inspired by 18th-century hairstyles and hand painted in Italy. It doesn't get much better than that! Marie Antoinetta bowl, gretelhome.com.

Cast a youthful spell on traditional floral patterns by mixing in black pieces. Black-and-white floral china, Royal Copenhagen; green china, Legle Limoges.

"Siena Red/Galli Rossi" place setting, Richard Ginori, from Michael C. Fina.

This handcrafted juicer has a charming vintage look and is perfect for making fresh juice at brunch! Bushel-of-Citrus juicer, anthropologie.com.

Pink china is both feminine and romantic, and even more interesting (and eclectic) when pulled together with several different patterns such as these. 

Although three seemingly disparate patterns share this breakfast table, common features -- the underlying celadon shade, delicate details, and gold embellishments -- make these pieces perfect dining companions. Gold-edge eggcup and butter dish, Legle Limoges. "Constance" bread-and-butter plate (below eggcup), sugar bowl, and coffeepot, Bernardaud. "Illusion" teacup, saucer, and dessert plate in endive, Haviland. "Derby Panel Green" bread-and-butter plate (with knife), dinner plate, and vegetable dish (with flowers), Royal Crown Derby. "Olivia" tumbler, Juliska. "Fairfax" silverware, Gorham.

If you're tonally challenged, stick to one palette -- but contrast decorative elements such as botanicals with geometrics. "Blue Fluted Mega" bread-and-butter plate, Royal Copenhagen; "Blue Lace" dinner plate, Mottahedeh.

"Chinese Bouquet Rust" footed bowl and oval dish, Herend from The Gift Gallery.

Black adds visual weight to china with ethereal, classical details. All by Wedgwood, except for top plate on stack by Marc Jacobs and gold striped dinner plate by the Martha Stewart Collection with Wedgwood.

"Chinese Bouquet Rust" square dish, Herend from The Gift Gallery.

"Sacred Bird & Butterfly" salad and dinner plates, Mottahedeh, from Michael C. Fina. "Rogue Fume" salad plate, Richard Ginori, from Michael C. Fina.

Though both of these pieces look traditional, their patterns originated 100 years apart. Top: "Red Aves" by Royal Crown Derby was introduced in the 1930s. Bottom: Spode's "Blue Italian" pattern has been in continuous production for more than 170 years.

"Red Dragon" teacup and saucer, Mottahedeh, from Michael C. Fina.

A rotating stand is the perfect tool for icing a cake. And it reminds us of old-school bakeries. Ateco cake stand, 12-inch, williams-sonoma.com.