Hello everyone! We just got our invite to the New York tabletop show in April and I can’t wait to check back in with you all to share what’s new and show you some of our faves from the show. In the meantime, though, it got me thinking about registering for dinnerware. In fact, tabletop is the topic our clients ask about most. Particularly, ‘should I register for everyday dinnerware, ‘fine china’, or both?’

In my case, we initially included a set of bone china in our registry, but eventually removed it all because, giving in to our practical side, we decided that our apartment just isn’t suited to hosting large formal dinners or safely storing all that china. {This is a decision I only regretted when I came across an Hermes service - pictured below - at a Michael C. Fina event last year. Totally lust-worthy!}

At the same time, when imagining our registry, many of us envision a full set of heirloom-quality china, silver, and crystal. We say, My registry is my last chance to get formal dinnerware. Eventually, I will be hosting holiday dinners. I want to hand it down to my children.
So, what to do? The heart says, ‘I want china and don’t mind if I only use it occasionally,’ and the head says, ‘Be practical, register for the things you need right now.’
Just like the rest of your registry, I suggest taking time to think about what you want and need. Then, have a look at various styles and figure out what fits your life best. If you have your heart set on including a set of fine china on your registry, find a pattern that you truly love, and go for it.

However, if, like me, you decide china doesn’t fit your lifestyle or you never considered including it in your registry in the first place, there are many, many brands produce dinnerware that’s not only of the highest quality and beautifully decorated, but also durable enough for everyday use (read: microwave and dishwasher safe) and reasonably priced. And even plain white dinnerware can be jazzed up, with a couple of nice serving pieces, stemware, and a little creativity.
Finally, remember that your registry is not your last chance to get fine china. As one of our partners, Julie Gaines, owner Fishs Eddy says, ‘We don’t keep the clothes we had when we got married for the rest of our lives, why shouldn’t our dinnerware change, grow, and evolve over time, too?’
So I’m just going to have to wait for a particularly generous anniversary or birthday present to get that Hermes!
We’d love to know, what type of dinnerware best suits your lifestyle?
All photos courtesy of NewlyWish.
well- before I read this post I would say I fall on the "no china" side of this debate. But, after seeing all these spectacular patterns, I might change my mind!!!
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ReplyDeleteSince you'd probably be able to afford buying the more everyday items yourselves, I think registering for a set of fine china is a way to (hopefully) get a treasure you can use when you DO entertain!
ReplyDeletewhat a great and helpful post!
ReplyDeleteSomething to note... the registry doesn't have to be your LAST chance to get china. I've collected my entire set (Wedgwood Signet Platinum) piecemeal from eBay, and have paid surprisingly little for it. Especially for patterns that are not too trendy, there's a pretty amazing selection of brand new and very gently used china available there and on other auction sites.
ReplyDeleteWhen we registered, I was dead set against registering for china (and we didn't need everyday dishes since we were a little farther along in terms of what we already have), but after we got married I changed my mind and decided I wanted it anyway, and got the collection myself. :-)
I've just registered for my china and its wonderful to see all these different patterns!
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