Tips For Registering
I got these tips in an e-mail and thought they might be helpful.
INGREDIENT 1: DINNERWARE
If most of the dishes you own originally belonged to your college cafeteria, now's the time for a new set. Don't be scared off by the notion of 'china' -- it's really just a fancy term for dishes. There are four basic patterns: Floral, Geometric, Banded, and Plain (solid colors and all white). Traditionally, couples register for two sets of china, one formal and one casual. But if you don't want to, there's no real need to buy two sets. Most china is making its way to everyday use. Register for 8 to 12 place settings (this many place settings is a good idea particularly if you have a big party and/or something breaks). You may also want to register for additional items not included in the place setting, such as pasta bowls or mugs, and serving pieces such as a platter, vegetable bowl, or soup tureen.
INGREDIENT 2: FLATWARE
Wondering where the salad fork goes? On your registry, of course! Choose sterling settings for formal occasions, stainless steel for everyday. Register for as many place settings of flatware as you do for china. Five-piece flatware settings include a dinner fork, knife, salad fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon. Hostess sets, made up of serving utensils, generally have either four or five pieces that include a large serving spoon, pierced serving spoon, sugar spoon, butter knife, and cold meat fork. In addition, you might want to register for a ladle, cake server, large serving fork and spoon, and other items to complete your collection.
INGREDIENT 3: GLASSWARE
It's time to ditch those logo pint glasses you swiped from your favorite watering hole for more sophisticated barware. These days, casual is the trend in glassware; people are moving away from traditional crystal in favor of textured or colored designs. Register for at least one glass for each table setting -- and perhaps a few extra, in case anything breaks. If you decide to go with crystal, be sure to consider for red and white wineglasses, water goblets, champagne flutes, and double old-fashioned glasses.
INGREDIENT 4: BED & BATH
Sure your sweetie's fun to cuddle with, but is your honey always April fresh and fluffy? This is your chance to make that dreamy bed you've always wanted. Stock up on snuggly sheets, plush pillows, towels, and other bed and bath basics -- register for sheets (3-4 sets), pillowcases (3-4 per pillow), a duvet or down comforter, mattress pads, blankets, bath towels (4-6), bath sheets (2-4), washcloths (4), and guest towels (2 sets).
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Okay, now that the essentials are taken care of what else do you need? Cutlery? Cookware? Appliances? Be sure to register for a chef's knife, among other missing items in your kitchen. Include skillets, saucepans, and casserole dishes, or register for a boxed set of pots and pans. And last but not least, a blender, coffee maker, coffee grinder, food processor, and a hand mixer are all popular items.
Please consider these tips as guidelines only -- you really can register for anything you want including tools, cameras, computer equipment and electronics, camping and outdoor gear, large appliances, sports or fitness gear, and pretty much whatever else you can think of. Remember to have fun -- and let your imagination run wild!
INGREDIENT 1: DINNERWARE
If most of the dishes you own originally belonged to your college cafeteria, now's the time for a new set. Don't be scared off by the notion of 'china' -- it's really just a fancy term for dishes. There are four basic patterns: Floral, Geometric, Banded, and Plain (solid colors and all white). Traditionally, couples register for two sets of china, one formal and one casual. But if you don't want to, there's no real need to buy two sets. Most china is making its way to everyday use. Register for 8 to 12 place settings (this many place settings is a good idea particularly if you have a big party and/or something breaks). You may also want to register for additional items not included in the place setting, such as pasta bowls or mugs, and serving pieces such as a platter, vegetable bowl, or soup tureen.
INGREDIENT 2: FLATWARE
Wondering where the salad fork goes? On your registry, of course! Choose sterling settings for formal occasions, stainless steel for everyday. Register for as many place settings of flatware as you do for china. Five-piece flatware settings include a dinner fork, knife, salad fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon. Hostess sets, made up of serving utensils, generally have either four or five pieces that include a large serving spoon, pierced serving spoon, sugar spoon, butter knife, and cold meat fork. In addition, you might want to register for a ladle, cake server, large serving fork and spoon, and other items to complete your collection.
INGREDIENT 3: GLASSWARE
It's time to ditch those logo pint glasses you swiped from your favorite watering hole for more sophisticated barware. These days, casual is the trend in glassware; people are moving away from traditional crystal in favor of textured or colored designs. Register for at least one glass for each table setting -- and perhaps a few extra, in case anything breaks. If you decide to go with crystal, be sure to consider for red and white wineglasses, water goblets, champagne flutes, and double old-fashioned glasses.
INGREDIENT 4: BED & BATH
Sure your sweetie's fun to cuddle with, but is your honey always April fresh and fluffy? This is your chance to make that dreamy bed you've always wanted. Stock up on snuggly sheets, plush pillows, towels, and other bed and bath basics -- register for sheets (3-4 sets), pillowcases (3-4 per pillow), a duvet or down comforter, mattress pads, blankets, bath towels (4-6), bath sheets (2-4), washcloths (4), and guest towels (2 sets).
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Okay, now that the essentials are taken care of what else do you need? Cutlery? Cookware? Appliances? Be sure to register for a chef's knife, among other missing items in your kitchen. Include skillets, saucepans, and casserole dishes, or register for a boxed set of pots and pans. And last but not least, a blender, coffee maker, coffee grinder, food processor, and a hand mixer are all popular items.
Please consider these tips as guidelines only -- you really can register for anything you want including tools, cameras, computer equipment and electronics, camping and outdoor gear, large appliances, sports or fitness gear, and pretty much whatever else you can think of. Remember to have fun -- and let your imagination run wild!
