The Great Tabletop Debate: "China or No China?" | Wedding Registry

A warm welcome back to Amanda Allen, founder of NewlyWish and Merci New York's Resident Gifting Expert and guest blogger...

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?’
This is a question I struggled with when creating my registry and which, when added to all of the other details we need to think about when planning a wedding, can seem a bit overwhelming.

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!}
Types of China: Bone China - 1. Balcon Du Guadalquivir by Hermes ; 2. Porcelain- Taika Dinnerware Collection by Iittala; 3. Earthenware- Umbria Ornato by Vietri from La Terrine; 4. Stoneware- Noritake Colorwave Blue

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.
1. Irezumi Dinner Plate by Ink Dish; 2. Portland Dessert Plate by thomaspaul; 3. Seconds Dinner Plates by Jason Miller; 4. Brooklyn Dinner Plate by Fishs Eddy; 5. Anthemion Blue Dinner Plate by Wedgwood; 6. Ribbon Plates by notNeutral; 7. Mormor Blue Plates by Normann Copenhagen; 8. Elizabeth Dinner Plate by Robert Haviland from Michael C. Fina 9. Vintage China from Fishs Eddy

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.