So the title must have really thrown you for a loop, right? No, I'm not getting married (one day!). However, over the last 2 or so years, SO many of you have requested that I share what I would register for if I was engaged. It's such a fun topic- creating tablescapes and stocking a kitchen are some of my favorite topics!
To be honest, I've held off on writing this for so long because it's kind of odd to write about this because I'm not getting married, but it's also fun to think about!
I always joke that when I do end up creating a wedding registry that I won't need to register for anything because I already have everything.
But since I do already have everything, I thought I would share what I think the necessities really are. This list doesn't have to be for your wedding registry! This is a great list if you were like me: living on your own without roommates and wanted to invest in things you know you'll use for years to come!
Kitchen
Pots and Pans// Well this is a big DUH! But what I mean is that I think investing in really high-quality pots and pans are so worth it.
All-Clad is my go-to brand that is reasonably priced and works incredibly. Their nonstick surfaces are so good. I'd suggest registering for a set so you have everything. I got a big set and am so glad that I did because I really do use everything.
Knives// This was one of those things that I had been holding off on. I had average knives and they were fine but I kept having to replace them. I finally caved when there was a
Wustoff set on sale and oh my goodness, nice knives are a game changer! Seriously- I didn't realize how much I actually needed them. They cut everything so much better. It's just easier and they're pretty, too!
Steak Knives// My mom got me
these knives and not only do they work wonderfully but they are so beautiful. Laguiole also makes cheese knives, spreaders, etc. I actually ended up finding some of the other Laguiole items at Homegoods, so keep an eye out!
Fine China// I am pretty traditional so I am very into china, crystal, and silver. I got Wedgwood china when I moved into my apartment. It's more on the casual side, though, so it's very easily used every day. I got a set of 12 of everything: dinner plates, bread and butter plates, cups and saucers, etc. I see no reason as to why you should only use your china on special occasions. I say use it daily! It's beautiful and there is no sense having it just sit in a cabinet collecting dust! If you don't think you would use it, though, then there is no reason in registering for it! Brands to look for: Wedgwood, Herend, Lenox, Villeroy and Bach, etc. I think the one misconception about fine china is that it looks fancy. You can get fancy china, sure, but they also have casual patterns, too. I actually got
Villeroy and Bach plain white lunch plates. They are beautiful bone china, but they are unassuming and great for everyday use! I typically eat lunch off of these plates and even eat dinner off of them since they are small and help with portion control.
Everday Plates// Besides china, I think you should also have a few sets of casual plates. I got the
Aerin scalloped plates. They are neutral and simple so they work with a multitude of tablescapes. I'd suggest going with something simple and neutral so you can utilize them in every setting! Also- try to pick a price range that is on the less pricey side. Plates that you are going to use every single day are much more likely to break, so get a set that won't break the bank when replacing a plate here and there!
Anthropologie is a great place for 'everyday plates'! I also love
Spode!
Crystal// I love crystal. I really like the brand
Schott Zwiesel for everyday use. I have
these glasses and they are great for everything from sparkling water or even red wine! They are what I drink my water out of every day at home. I also have
basic Riedel stemmed wine glasses for both white and red wine. I have Waterford cut crystal goblets that can hold both red or white wine. I have champagne flutes in both simple Riedel and Waterford cut crystal. I use all of these glasses often. I mostly use the Riedel casually, but use the Waterford for when I am having many guests over. If you don't think you'll use all of your glasses or don't have the space to store them, they make
these amazing storage cases where you can hide them away safely and pull them out when you need to! Something I don't have that I think I would register for are water goblets. Even if you don't want to register for china, it's always nice to have a surplus of glasses. Think of all the times you have 10+ people over!
Glasses// Besides crystal, you'll probably want to have some more casual glasses. I have a bunch of
high ball glasses which are great because they serve so many different purposes. You can serve cocktails, water, etc. in these glasses! You'll also probably want a set of rocks glasses for cocktails or juice... I have
Waterford crystal for these, but also have
more casual ones like this! Depending on what you or your guests drink, you might also want specialty glasses such as beer, martini, or margarita glasses! I love martinis, so I have
these martini glasses. You might also want casual wine/champagne flutes that you can toss in the dishwasher,
like these!
Silverware// I have old school silverware, and that is what I use daily. My mom, on the other hand, uses regular utensils for everyday use. I actually don't have non-silver utensils, so I'd register for that (
love these)! I just personally love the elegance and how ornate silver is!
Espresso maker// Another absolute necessity for me! I have
the Nespresso and love it. I love the idea of a fancier espresso machine, but since it's time-consuming, I'm not so sure how much use I'd get out of a fancier one.
Bowls// For
soups, salads,
mixing, serving, etc. There are so many bowls, it's honestly a little ridiculous. I also have a crystal bowl similar to
this one, that I use for serving fruit but it's also great just as a decoration! And lastly, I love a rimmed bowl that's great for things like pasta. I have
these Spode bowls that I use all the time!
Serving platters// I have so many of these. They have so many uses. Whether you are using it for a meat and cheese board, serving a roast chicken, or just hanging one on your wall! I got a stunning
Herend serving platter at their warehouse sale and it might be my most favorite of them all!
You might also want:
- Storage Canisters (I get mine at Homegoods)
- Measuring items (cups, spoons, etc.)
- Mixer... My sister and mom both have
Kitchenaid mixers and love them! I can't imagine myself ever using a mixer, though! I don't think I have ever baked anything in my entire life except for break and bake cookies and boxed brownies, ha!
- Basics: colander, cutting boards, etc.
- Decor: Vases, napkin rings, Candlesticks, Picture frames, cashmere throws
- Barware: cocktail shaker, copper mugs, pitchers, muddler, ice bucket, coasters, etc.
- Bakeware: again, no recommendations on this one, this is out of my league.
Bedroom
Sheets// I like to have 4 sets of sheets on hand at all times. All of my sheets are white. Depending on how many bedrooms you have, etc. you might want more or less. Right now I have one bed and I still have 4 sets. It's nice because I don't have to wash a set immediately and also great for emergencies... for example, Henry threw up in my bed a few weeks ago (poor guy) and I was so glad to have fresh sheets ready to change immediately! I like a high thread count, but the higher thread count, the more wrinkles, so I like to choose something in the middle- the ones I linked are 464!
Pillows// Pillows are expensive and I think they make a huge difference in the way you sleep. I recently updated my pillows and it's life changing!
Misc.
Steamer// Best. Steamer. Ever. I have tried so many different ones and this one is truly the best. It's small and compact so you can travel with it but also is powerful enough to replace the need for a larger floor steamer!
Iron// I have and love this iron but mostly use my steamer. This iron is great for when you need to iron something like a dress shirt that needs to look really crisp. I also think an iron works better than a steamer on bed linens!
Vacuum// I have
this one and for the price, it works wonderfully. My mom has this
Dyson vacuum and says it is the best vacuum ever. I am waiting for my current vacuum to die and when it does, I'll switch to Dyson!
Towels// Really nice towels are such a great feeling. Find a brand you love and stick to it so your entire collection coordinates well together. I only use white towels because they're easy to just bleach if they get dirty. It's a great time to pitch some of your older, well-worn towels and go for something fresh and new... maybe some with your new married monogram!
Best Advice
My biggest tip is to register for what you'll truly use. For example, I think fine china is important, but my sister is more casual and probably wouldn't register for that! There are so many articles with advice on what to register for. I see so many lists with random things like a waffle iron, fondue set, candles, etc. I personally would not register for things like that because I know they don't fit within my lifestyle. Think about what you actually need and also what you have the storage space for.
You also want to think about the future. Maybe you live in a small apartment right now and the thought of having 12 of everything is ridiculous. But if you think you'll be living in a home and will eventually want to entertain, then you'll be glad you got a full set!
It's also important to keep your registry simple. Have things at all different price points, but don't overload it. If you register for a smaller list, you're more likely to get exactly what you want. I also never understand registering for things like
this silicone jar opener- basically things under $5. Things like that might be fun to give to your spouse in their Christmas stocking for your first married holiday together, but it just doesn't make sense to register for stuff like that! I once saw a couple register for a $5 toilet bowl scrub brush... buy that yourself!
If you are going to register at a place like Amazon, you should also register somewhere else that has an actual store that you can walk into. For example, my grammie wouldn't know how to shop on Amazon, so being able to walk into a store such as
Williams-Sonoma (can you tell I am WS obsessed?!) would be easier for her!
Things I Would Register For:
These are random things that are on my current wish list so if I were getting married these would be the things I'd register for!
If you have made it this far, bravo and thanks for sticking with me! If you are or have been a bride, what were things that you wish you would have registered for or things you did register for and didn't actually need? Let us know in the comments so all the brides that read here can gain insight!