Once the thrill of being engaged has registered,
soon comes the all-important question: "Where are you registered?"
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Penzo hand made and hand painted butterfly platter, $65 at Barron's in Longview.
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Raynaub Limoges Cristobal salad plate, $66 and Raynaub Lomoges Cristobal dinner plate, $110 at Louis Morgan in Longview.
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Haviland Tambour dinner plate, $92 at Louis Morgan in Longview.
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Rensnne ivory salt and pepper shakers, $28.99; gravy bowl, $24.95; chip and dip platter, $39.95; round baker, $68.95; oval baker, $68.95; soup tureen, $74.95 available at Cook's Nook in Longview.
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Traditionally, china and serveware are the most extravagant items on a wedding registry; however, there are hundreds of patterns and styles available out there, and choosing china to last a lifetime can lead to a mind-boggling meltdown. Whether you're shopping for a sleek, modern style or a more simple pattern, some helpful hints from Charm (and a little research of your own) can help you make the decisions with ease and grace. Here, we'll dish on the lingo, the styles and why this tradition is a must for any happy couple.
"I've visited with girls who, in the beginning of their engagement, made their minds up not to register for china. They just didn't see the point in registering for something so formal when their lifestyle was so casual," said Kathi Holbert, of Longview's Louis Morgan. "I tell these young ladies that today you may have a casual life, but things change. Realize that life will change as time passes, and you need to think beyond right now."
Formal vs casual
So, going beyond "right now," let's talk china. The term is all-inclusive, used to describe dinnerware, serveware and dishes. It's available in either formal or casual styles. Formal china is more of a higher quality. It's more expensive, which usually consists of bone china or porcelain. Then there's casual, everyday china, which is earthenware or stoneware, and it's less expensive and a lower quality.
Pattern portfolio
The hardest part for most couples is choosing the pattern on their plates. There are four basic types: floral, which is spritzed with a flowery design; geometric, with bold, geometric lines; banded, which includes a colored rim around the edge and is not dishwasher safe; and Oriental china, which has an Asian flair to it.
Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit. Once upon a time, mixing patterns was frowned upon, but today it's encouraged for a more fun, funky place setting.
"Mixing and matching is easiest to do when you stay within a certain brand," Kathi said. "I usually steer people away from any 'trendy' patterns, simply because what's trendy now may not be trendy 30 years from today. You want to love it forever."
If you're confused about which style tickles your fancy, consider which ones will not only fit your current home decor, but also will shine in your dream house. Choose a pattern that inspires you now, but you'd like to live with forever.
Place settings
Once you have the pattern down, you need to select the number of place settings you'll need. Experts recommend registering for eight to 12 place settings. While you can't imagine ever throwing a formal dinner party for 12 guests, never say never. Besides, you're getting all of this for free!
There are two types of settings. There's the four-piece place setting, which is more casual china, and that includes dinner plate, salad plate, the soup and cereal bowl, and a mug. Then there's the formal china, which has a five-piece setting, with a dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate and a cup and tea saucer.
Here to serve
Now's a good time to register for all the other fun kitchen items you may need or want! Analyze your skills in the kitchen, and register for pieces that work best with the meals you'll be preparing. Ceramic mixing bowls, casserole dishes, a large wooden salad bowl and platters of all sizes are great additions. Keep in mind that the dishes you'll need for serving chips and dips will differ from the pieces you'll need for serving sashimi, so plan for variety.
