So you’ve got the perfect dress, wrestled your favorite girls into the same color, and are successfully keeping your mother-in-law at bay. Next daunting task? The Registry. Most brides shudder at the thought of dragging their favorite guy down aisle after aisle (before the actual aisle that is). However, with a little organization, one of the more challenging parts of pre-wedding-planning can actually be fun. Just don’t make the groom-to-be hold your purse while you peruse china together. Asking for trouble. Trust me.

Kitchen

Since Thanksgiving this year is sure to be at your house, impress everyone with your perfectly pulled together meal. When you reach for the stainless steel cherry pitter to make your father-in-law’s favorite pie?… you’ll thank me . You’re on your own with the turkey…

BASICS:

• Stock Pot(s)
• Frying Pan(s)
• Roasting Pan (with rack)
• Grill/Griddle
• Cookie Sheet(s)
• Muffin Pan(s)
• Cake Pan(s)
• Pie Pan(s)
• Baking Pans
• Bread Pans
• Double Boiler
• Wok
• Casserole Dish Set
• Tea Kettle
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Bowls
• Dishtowels
• Oven Mitts
• Canister Set Paring Knife
• Chefs Knife
• Bread Knife
• Carving Knife
• Cleaver
• Stand Mixer
• Hand Mixer
• Waffle Iron
• Bread Maker
• Toaster or Toaster Oven
• Food Processor
• Blender
• Juicer
• Coffee Maker

OBSCURE BUT GENIUS TO HAVE AROUND:

• Cherry Pitter
• Lemon Zester
• Dutch Oven
• Springform Pan(s)
• Pizza Stone
• Rice Cooker

Dining Room

Popular thinking suggests anywhere from 6-12 place settings. Popular thinking also assumes that you (or your guy) are bound to break something… and when you shatter that wine glass, you’ll laugh it off knowing there is an extra one (or 4) in the closet. Order a few extra to stay on the safe side.

FORMAL:

• China Place Settings (dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread and butter plate, teacup and saucer)
• Chargers
• Accent Plates
• Pasta/Soup Bowls
• Creamer
• Sugar Bowl
• Gravy Boat
• Butter Dish
• Salt and Pepper
• Serving Bowls
• Serving Platters
• Covered Casserole(s)
• Water Goblets
• Red Wine Glasses
• White Wine Glasses
• Champagne Flutes
• Iced Beverage Glasses
• Martini Glasses
• Silver Place Settings (dinner fork, salad fork, tablespoon, teaspoon, knife)
• Meat Server
• Slotted and Solid Serving Spoons
• Soup Spoons
• Soup Ladle
• Sugar Spoon
• Butter Knife
• Placemats
• Napkins
• Napkin Rings
• Tablecloth

EVERYDAY:

• Casual China Place Settings (dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, soup/cereal bowl, mug)
• Creamer
• Sugar Bowl
• Butter Dish
• Gravy Boat
• Salt and Pepper
• Serving Bowls
• Covered Casserole(s)
• Platters
• Stainless Place Settings (includes dinner fork, salad fork, tablespoon, teaspoon, knife)
• Serving Set
• Red Wine Glasses
• White Wine Glasses
• Champagne Flutes
• Tall Beverage Glasses
• Placemats
• Napkins

STOCKING THE BAR:

• Double Old Fashioned Glasses
• Martini Glasses
• High Ball Glasses
• Double Old Fashioned Glasses
• Brandy Glasses
• Pilsner Glasses
• Olive Picks
• Swizzle Sticks
• Shaker

Living

Things can get a little vague here, chances are you’ll see the perfect ceramic painted bulldog bookends (with rhinestone eyes) while weekend-ing in some obscure small town. Some basics to consider in the meantime: