How To...

How To... Plan And Prepare To Register

Things You Should Know BEFORE You Register

A Wedding Registry is a wonderful thing! However, there’s a lot to think about. Here are some thoughts and tips you may want to consider, along with general information to help make this a fun, easy and enjoyable experience!

POINTS TO PONDER: What to consider before going in.
1.   When deciding where to register you’ll want to give your guests a couple of options. Register at stores that have both online and physical locations – people have different shopping preferences!
2.   Give your guests a price range. A great department store may work for some, but places like Target offer an amazing array of items at reasonable prices for everyone.
3.   Make sure you list more gifts than guests – about twice as many gifts as you have guests. There is no such thing as putting too many items on your list! You are doing your guests a favor by providing an overabundance of options.
4.   Decide on the theme, color and style your home will reflect before you choose your registry items. As you walk through the store or choose on-line, things will more easily fall into place if you have an idea of what type of décor you are creating.
5.   You don’t have to pick out everything the first time through. You can create a ‘rough draft’ and see what appeals to you the second, third or forth time around. You’re woman, and therefore, entitled to change your mind a time or two!
6.   Look closely at the details of how things are made. You’ll want to choose the best quality you can. These items will last a lifetime.
7.   You can buy the splurge items for yourself later, but you probably won’t. Have some fun! You’ll be glad you listed that home chocolate fountain when you get ready to host your first party!
8.   Timeless designs are always in. One beautiful crystal bowl can be many things. A salad dish, holiday centerpiece filled with ornaments or a lovely art object.
9.   More expensive gifts can be a great group offering or parent’s gift.
10. You’ll become most attached to the gifts you use over and over again.
11.   Not everything has to have rhyme or reason. If there was ever a time to be impulsive on some things, this is it!

DINNERWARE DETAILS
12.   Before selecting your tableware, consider the following points. The answers will give you insight to your dining and entertaining style, as well as aesthetic preferences, and will help you select the tableware with which you will be most happy.

• How do you like to entertain? Buffet? Sit-down casual meals? Formal? Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres?

• Do you want tableware for everyday use, as well as for entertaining? Many couples select one pattern for everyday use and another for entertaining. Or, you may opt for classic white, suitable for every occasion, which provides a nice base for layering seasonal tableware.

• Which colors and shapes appeal to you?

• What kind of care is required? Most of today’s dinnerware, flatware and glassware are dishwasher safe, but for some styles, such as hand-painted earthenware, hand washing is recommended.

13.   Imagine you are hosting your family for Thanksgiving. Add two place settings to be safe. That’s how many you’ll need.
14.   Consider signing up for timeless white bone china. Different accents will change the look every time you use them.
15.   The same holds true for white ware serving pieces. Timeless, versatile and gorgeous.
16.   Oven to table casseroles will save you time.
17.   As you purchase your place settings, put them together in the store to make sure you like the way they come together. Take a look at the great designer tables in stores such as Pier One and Crate & Barrel. They are happy to share ideas!
18.   Appreciate that there are several types of dinnerware and know the differences. Most registries suggest you sign up for two sets. A set of china for more formal occasions and something more casual, such as stoneware or earthenware, for everyday.
19.   Bone china is the top of the line. Very elegant, thin dinnerware with an incredible strength and almost luminescent glow. It is of such a fine and translucent quality that light can actually pass right through it. Not to worry, day in and day out, bone china is the most durable, chip resistant material there is.
20.   Porcelain is sophisticated china for a little less expense. Made from three essential ingredients, fine white clay known as kaolin, quartz and feldspar, porcelain is very chip resistant and very durable.
21.   Stoneware, made from coarser clays than porcelain, is extremely durable, high-fired, non-porous dinnerware, which can go straight from the fridge, to the oven or microwave, then to the table and into the dishwasher. Reactive glazes give stoneware it’s smooth, kiln feel and clean modern look.
22.   Earthenware is usually a little less expensive than stoneware. This casual dinnerware is made of natural or terracotta clay and fired at lower temperatures than porcelain or stoneware. Earthenware is often hand painted in brilliant colors and designs. With all the great trends and colors, you may want to get more than one set and dress your table to reflect your mood!
23.   Most registries suggest 8-12 place settings each of your china and every day patterns. You will find purchasing these items in sets will be more cost effective.
24.   Usually china and every day patterns are available in 4-piece and 5-piece place settings. A 5-piece place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer. While a 4-piece place setting substitutes a mug for a cup and saucer.
25.   Most registry retailers offer extras of the most frequently used pieces, known as open stock. This will include each of the individual pieces in a place setting, as well as the coordinating serving bowl, platter, sugar bowl, creamer and teapot.

FLATWARE FACTS
26.   Flatware comes in all shapes, sizes and prices! You’ll want to choose a good quality 18/10 stainless steel, a combination of steel, chromium and nickel, for shine. This is the best stainless steel on the market and is dishwasher safe.
27.   Pick up the knife and fork and pretend to cut with them. How do they feel? Consider the size and contour of the spoon.
28.   If it needs polishing, you’ll never use it!
29.   Register for extra serving spoons. No one ever seems to have enough.
30.   Start with as many place settings of flatware, as you have in dinnerware. The usual recommendation is 8-12, with an additional eight forks and spoons to get you through coffee and dessert.
31.   A 5-piece place setting includes salad fork, dinner fork, knife, soup spoon and teaspoon.
32.   Individual place settings are usually available in open stock, as well as serving pieces, such as pastry servers, serving spoons, pierced spoons, meat forks and steak knives.

GLASSWARE GROUNDWORK
33.   There are many things to consider when choosing your glassware. Think about the number of people you typically entertain, what you like to drink, and the design and style (casual or formal) you prefer. You want to choose things you will use and not let sit idle in your cabinet.
34.   Most glassware falls into one of two basic categories: stemware and barware. Stemware includes any glass on a stem and is generally used for water and wine, while barware includes any glass with a solid, flat base. The exception is the martini glass, which is also considered barware.
35.   Shapes of glassware should be based on your lifestyle and the way you entertain. There are so many options, all serving a specific purpose: Rounded red wine glasses that breathe, fluted champagne for the bubbly, martini, white wine, goblet, cordial and shot glass. Most registries suggest you select two or three types of glasses, so give some thought to what you’ll need ahead of time.
36.   A complete stemware suite consists of glasses for water and wine, including goblets, red wine glasses, white wine glasses and flutes.
37.   A barware collection includes highball and double old-fashioned glasses, which are suitable for everyday beverages, as well as mixed drinks. A complete set includes glasses for beer, martinis and other cocktails and liqueurs.
38.   Decanting an $8 bottle of wine makes it taste better!
39.   Stock up on durable everyday glassware, appropriate for all occasions - juice, soda, water or wine.
40.   By being creative you will see some all-purpose glassware can be used for more than one function. Goblets or red wine glasses make a fruit salad festive. Brandy or margarita glasses work beautifully for sorbet. And martini glasses are great for serving cocktail nuts or candy.
41.   Twelve ounce is a great all-purpose size.
42.   Accidents happen. Sign up for a few extra on each glass size.
43.   Think of all the parties you’ll throw. You may want to register for a full bar.
44.   How many? Rule of thumb for red and white wine and water goblets: sign up for as many as you have dinnerware place settings and then add four extra to cover accidents. For everyday drinking glasses, get as many as your dishwasher can handle and then six more so you’ll always have clean glasses. Specialty bar glasses should number six to eight each.

APPLIANCE ABC’S
45.   Choosing the appropriate appliances to suit your particular lifestyle will simplify your food preparation and save you time in the kitchen.
46.   Before making your appliance selections, identify your eating habits and preferences:

• Do you drink coffee and make toast every morning?

• Do you enjoy espresso?

• Are you a bread baker?

• How many electric appliances can you store on your kitchen counters? Frequently used items such as a coffee maker, toaster, food processor and blender are generally stored on the counter.

• Does the design appeal to you?

• What is your color preference? Many appliances now come in a wide array of bright, decorative colors.

BAKE WARE BASICS
47.   Toss your old baking pans. This is a time for new beginnings and we all need a fresh start on our bake ware!
48.   When selecting bake ware you’ll want to choose pieces that conduct heat fast and efficiently with out warping, so foods cook evenly and brown nicely. Consider these points:

• What do you bake now?

• What would you like to bake?

• Does the design appeal to you?

• How much maintenance is required?

• How much do you bake at a time?

• Do you prefer non-stick or traditional? You may want a combination.

49.   There are two main types of bake ware: Steel and Aluminized Steel.

• Steel is used in classic French bake ware, absorbs heat evenly and darkens with use, improving baking performance due to better heat absorption. Shiny tin adds an element of protection, reflecting some of the heat away from the surface of tarts, cakes and breads, to produce lightly browned baked goods. Hand washing is recommended.

• Aluminized Steel is the choice of professional bakers and offers a combination of steel and aluminum, which ensures even heat distribution. It’s durable, resists warping and will never corrode. This bake ware is available in traditional and nonstick finishes. Pans are dishwasher safe. Hand washing is recommended.

COOKWARE CONSCIOUSNESS
50.   Cookware technology has become so advanced, it’s often overwhelming to choose. Specialty shops such as Crate and Barrel are able to match you up with the cookware that’s right for how you cook.
51.   As you make your cookware selections, consider the following to help choose pieces that will please you for years to come:

• How often do you cook at home? Do you need just the essentials or the full suite?

• Is performance or convenience more important to you?

• Do you frequently entertain? Cookware capacity could be a consideration.

• Is the cookware oven safe? Broiler safe?

• Does it have stay-cool handles?

• How comfortable is the handhold? The weight?

• Is it non-stick or traditional? You may want a combination.

• Does the design appeal to you?

• What type of maintenance is required?

52.   Williams Sonoma offers a great registry booklet, which includes a complete cookware comparison and lots of great advice.

CUTLERY CLARIFICATION
53.   When choosing cutlery, consider this: the first set of knives you choose should be your last. You’ll want to select high quality with a lifetime guarantee.
54.   How to decide the best knife for you? It’s the one that feels as if it was made for your hand. Cutlery feels different to different hand sizes. As you hold the knife, place your three fingers around the handle, with your thumb and forefinger at the base of the blade. Consider its weight, balance and grip. It should feel comfortable and easy to use.
55.   To decide which knives you need, you might want to start with a set, which includes the basic knives at substantial savings. Most sets also include a hardwood knife block to store and protect, sharpening steel and, often times, kitchen shears.

LINEN LEGENDS
56.   Create your dream bed by layering crisp sheets, a luxurious comforter and as many pillows as you like. Those designer beds you see at Linens and Things or Bed, Bath and Beyond can be your reality!
57.   To make your bedroom feel like a retreat, select bedding which is traditional in a calming, soothing, modern palette.
58.   You’ll want two sets of sheets for each room.
59.   Indulge in extra plush, extra soft towels. Two sets per bath.
60.   Remember to choose for the guest rooms - bed and bath.

Keep your gift receipts and packing slips together for easy exchanges. In addition, some stores, such as Kohl’s, offer substantial discounts on items remaining in your registry after your wedding!

We hope these tips will be helpful in creating the perfect registry for you! See our article entitled “How to… Get What You Really Want: The ‘Must Have’ Wedding Registry Checklist” for a list of suggested registry items. So, with all this in mind – have fun!