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 favorites to the list in the comments section . . .

• Domestic Affairs Round Trivet - Rose and Radish
• 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