You have a very daunting, and fun, task ahead of you. I've had Corelle since before my children were born, which was in the early '70s. I still have many of the dishes. My current Corelle is something called Summer Blush, but it has been discontinued. It has pretty pastel pansies as the border on the plates.
Our "good" china consists of three different patterns, of which I've collected for nearly 30 years.
One set is something called Blue Willow and is the oldest continuously produced china pattern in the world. You can read here about the
history and romantic legend of it. It's a lovely pattern and I've managed to collect a service for 18 over the years and have pieces from many different countries. Some of my pieces are 100-years-old and I have no hesitation to use them. I accompany it with glassware in cobalt blue.
Another set is a pattern made by an American maker named Homer Laughlin and is called
Virginia Rose. The variation of the pattern I collect is called
Fluffy Rose. It's a lovely floral design and each piece is edged in platinum. Unfortunately the pattern was discontinued in 1934 but I've managed to accumulate enough pieces to complete a service for 12. Here's a nice
photo of the design. I use clear, pale green and pale pink glassware to compliment it.
I've attached a photo of one of my Thanksgiving tables set with the Virginia Rose dishes.
A third, and final, set I have is something called LuRay Pastels and was made by another American manufacturer,
Taylor, Smith & Taylor. I have equal pieces of the four colors, enough to serve 12, which means 3 of each of the four colors for all pieces. I've seen but never owned any of the grey pieces. It's wonderfully pleasant and cheerful. Look at
this for some neat photos and more explanation.
Since you like pottery-like wares and also enjoy vivid colors, you might investigate
Fiestaware. It was first sold to the public in 1936 and is still made today, although some of the colors have been discontinued and others have been created. Here's
more more about Fiestaware.
If you are near a large china/pottery/dinnerware/cookware outlet, you will probably find Fiestaware there. You've also mentioned Mikasa and Noritake. Many reputable outlets sell those brands, too.
LeCreuset, with all its many colors, would look great with Fiestaware.
I'm a china and glassware nut and spent many years of my business life selling and appraising antique china, glassware and silver. Unfortunately, I wanted every piece I came into contact with.
One thing I've never accumulated any holiday china. Not sure why, especially since I truly love the holidays. Hmmmm! Maybe....No, no, no. I have to be good.
I'd love to go shopping with you and enjoy your adventure.