Small touches of luxury can add elegance to the simplest breakfast. A ciabatta roll with butter and jam, a plate of fruit, but what a cheerful array it becomes with a bright table cloth or placemat (in this case a napkin serving as a place mat) and decorative plate.

This is the Royal Copenhagen bread and butter plate in the blue fluted mega (#2) pattern, the modern riff on their original pattern from 1775 (a close up of their much-loved Blue Fluted Plain design). Individual touches like a personal butter tray and spreader add a cozy sophistication to the otherwise minimal setting. This butter tray is from Pillivuyt, another venerable porcelain brand and one whose timeless French cafe-style designs can integrate seamlessly with many other lines. Both have that blend of high quality, durability, and elegant design (dishwasher and microwave safe, too) that make for a faultless table.

I cannot get over the charm of these Sabre butter spreaders. The handle comes in a seemingly endless array of colors and patterns but I especially like this subdued black wood grain handle. The silhouette of the little stainless steel blade is, as anyone can see, totally adorable.

Not wanting to distract from the appeal of the blue/yellow contrast I kept the napkin and all other elements white. I like this idea of making the focal point of the setting a peripheral piece (in this case the bread plate).

- Meghan