Since it's been over a year since my bridal showers (and wedding events), I thought I'd also include some of my most used registry items as well.
All You Need To Know…
+ Be prepared: Think about the types of items you need/want to registry before and make a list, if possible. {dishes, flatware, serveware, glasses, decorative items, appliances, etc.}
+ Set up your registry online first: This will save you time in the store to make your experience quicker, plus if there are any items you know you want then you can just add them online from the start.
+ Start early: Things get hectic as the wedding planning process moves along. Registering is one thing you can do early and check off the list. We did ours just after Christmas when things were quiet and there wasn't much else to do/plan to get it out of the way and not have to be rushed doing it.
+ Use multiple stores: Don't be afraid to register at multiple stores. Even more than two. You might like some casual dinnerware at one store, fine china at another, kitchen items somewhere, home decor somewhere else. It's your registry, you make the decisions.
+ Add extra: It helps guests out when there's plenty to choose from. Plus, most stores offer some kind of discount if you purchase items off your own registry for about six months after the big day.
+ Price points and variety of items: It's nice to give guests a variety of price points as well as a variety of items in that price point to pick from. Some items your dreaming for and some items that are simple and low in cost.
+ It's okay to change your mind: Sales associates make registry returns very simple whether you change your mind, it's a decent amount of time later or you get doubles.
Favorite Items…
Truthfully, I love just about everything we put on our registry and we use almost all of it (since we put a lot of thought into what to register for). Without a doubt my favorite items and most used items are all of my serveware - white, patterned, matching our dishes, glass, melamine - we have a variety of it all for whatever the occasion is and if I shared it all, this post would never end. Below are my *other* most used items from our registry (I have other favorites - I mean who doesn't love using their waffle maker or nice picture frames) but these are what's out in the house, being used the most (off the top of my mind).
*we had crockpot(s) before registering, if not - that would probably be the only photo below.
+ Hand Mixer: It's quick and easy to take out and mix batter and stores compactly in the cabinets.
+ Drying Racks: These drying racks from Crate & Barrel are amazing. I shared a while back how I air dry most of our clothes so these racks (I have two) are always set up in the laundry room.
+ Mixing Bowls: I have two sets of mixing bowls - just in case lots of baking are going on. I love how this set has lids and sometimes use them for things like pasta salad, etc. in addition to baking.
+ Fiestaware: So many people recommended fiesta ware to us and I couldn't love it more. We went with the paprika color but there are plenty more options. In addition to the place settings there are unlimited matching serveware items which I am so happy with since I love matching.
+ Casserole Dishes: Crate & Barrel has two sizes in these glass casserole dishes and I have/love them both. The best part is that they come with lids so if you have leftovers you can just pop the lid on and slide the whole thing into the fridge for later.
+ Everyday Glasses: We have a set from Macy's that was inexpensive, the perfect size and comes with eight tall as well as eight low in the set - perfection.
+ Tortilla Warmer: Let's face it, it's mexican night on the regular in this house.
+ Tour Wine Glasses: Another Crate & Barrel favorite, it was love at first sight when I saw these glasses. The style is unique and the hold plenty. Safe to say these get used a lot. We've also added theist $2 stemless glasses and like them just as much. It's hard to walk into C&B and leave empty handed.
+ Rabbit Wine Opener: This was recommended to me and it works like perfection. I'm terrible at opening wine - terrible. However, I've never had a problem with this.
And now I'm craving a bunch of new gadgets for my kitchen…
Next time, a checklist of all the items you need plus my favorite Mr. & Mrs. items to registry for (my monogram obsession kicked in while registering and I'm pretty sure I found all of them)
Happy TGIT!
