What to register for in the kitchen starts with first thinking about what kind of cooks you and your future spouse really are. I know we would all like to think we will one day find the time and talent to be described as Martha Stewart-esque, but only Martha is Martha. Be as realistic as possible about how you personally cook and how you use your kitchen.
How do you know which to register for? Be realistic about how you cook now says Jen, a marketing professional who works in New York City, "If you're not a huge cook prior to getting married, you're not going to become Mario Batali afterwards. I'm sorry I registered for gigantic 10-qt pasta pots and industrial-sized skillets that take up half my cabinets."
"I registered for wooden salad bowls, separate from the glass everyday bowls we ordered. Wooden or cork items must be hand-washed. So yes, we haven't used them once."Once again, in order to maximize your registry, register for basics you know you'll use as much as possible. Think about the kitchen tools you use every day, or close to every day, and register for upgrades or duplicates of those items.
The best way to start is to cover the basics. If you find out after you need a more specialized item (for instance, a wok), you can add that later.
Here is a basic checklist:
Appliances
1. Coffee maker. Even if you don't drink coffee, you need one in case you ever have a guest over.
2. Kitchen Aid mixer. So useful, even if you don't bake.
3. Food processor. You may be able to skip this if you have a really powerful blender.
4. Toaster oven. I like the full oven over the simple toaster because you can heat up a variety of dishes without have to turn on the full oven.
5. Microwave. I'm generally not a fan of microwaves but they are still very useful.
You can also read my article: How to Organize Kitchen AppliancesEveryday Dining Ware
These would include the plates and glasses you use everyday to eat and drink.
1. Everyday plates.
These are the plates you use day-in and day-out. Make sure to measure your cabinets' depth so these fit easily int heir storage space. Also make sure they will fit in the dishwasher. (I know this sounds rudimentary, but lots of people have discovered their plates don't fit and they're a huge pain to transport back to the store to exchange).
2. Everyday glasses.
The ones you'll use daily, again, make sure they are dishwasher safe or get ready to clean and rinse often. I would also include wineglasses in this category. It's best to get a very common set so if they break you can easily find matching glasses.
3. Mugs
For coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Again, even if you don't drink coffee, you may one day have guests who do.
4. Utensils.
Get a nice set you can easily add to if you lose some.
Kitchen Tools
Kitchen tools are the utensils and contraptions you use everyday.
1. Knives
Get a good chef's knife to chop, a small paring knife, and then a set of steak knives to dine with.
2. Spatulas / Slotted spoons / Tongs
Keep these right next tot he oven so you can easily reach them when sauteing vegetables, flipping pancakes, or grabbing grilled sandwiches from under the burner
3. Pitchers / Carafes
Use these for iced tea, mixed drinks, or water.
4. Bake ware
Baking sheets, cookie cutters, molds--think about upgrading to high-quality bake ware while you register.
5. Pots and Pans
A stock pot, a saute pan, and a stock pot are all you need to get started.
6. Cutting board / Colander
A good board for chopping and a colander to strain pasta and wash fruit.
Tip: Here's a helpful checklist from our wedding guide: Kitchen Checklist
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.
