1. China
China seems really old-fashioned to some, and others still consider it a must-have. "I wish I had skipped registering for fancy china. I love my fancy china, but it's like fancy jewelry," says my friend Meghan, an attorney in New Jersey. "It's only used on special occasions and takes up too much space in my house for an item that is used once a year." If you choose to register for this expensive gift, make sure to think about where and how you'll store your china set.
- Are you going to inherit or be gifted a silver or china sets? Keep that in mind and think about registering for a silverware box or chest.
- Maybe instead of buying a china cabinet, register for a small curio so you can display a few pieces without overcrowding the room.
- Maybe you just want a few particular pieces of china but not the whole set. No problem. Instead of registering for an entire set, think about mixing and matching certain pieces.
2. Silverware
If you're registering for formal silverware, again, make sure you have a silverware box on your list.
3. Linens
Register for basic tablecloths, runners, and place mats. Then as you move through the seasons you can pick up some kitch-ier or more themed-pieces.
4. Serving pieces
Gravy boats, sugar and cream sets, large platters - anything you may need to entertain.
Here's a helpful checklist from our wedding guide: Dining Room
Wedding Registry Organization 101
Absolutely everything you need to know to organize a wedding registry, including tips, lists of what to registry for, and helpful hints on how to set up or combine a household.
