Every time we entertain we're reminded how much we love a good trivet. Whether a simple felt circle or something fancier, trivets can often be the perfect blend of form and function - because who says a trivet can't be pretty while protecting your table from a hot dish?

From the ultra modern to classic cast iron, we think all of these have a place on the table. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments section . . .

Best Trivets:

• Leaf Trivet - notNeutral
  
• Tabletalk Trivet - MOMA
  
• Augh! extensible trivet - Alessi
  
• Racha Trivet - Anthropologie
  
• HEAT Trivet - IKEA
  
• Propeller trivet - Scandinavian Design Center
  
• Haute Surface:Houndstooth - Branch Home
  
• Table slice - Branch Home
  
• Le Creuset Deluxe Round Trivet - Amazon
  
• Perle Hot Plate/Mat - Curran
  

(Edited from a post originally published 11.26.07)