November 2, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Looking for a truly unique item to add to your registry? Then look no further than Jessica Rust's customized dinnerware (rustdesigns.com).
Rust decorates her personalized china with delicate hand-drawn sketches of birch trees, cherry blossoms and vintage cars. To make each setting personal, Rust adds personal details like your initials, wedding date and location to any of her plates and mugs. Who wouldn't love matching mugs with your names scribbled next to the “Just Married” sign on the back of a vintage Volkswagen Bug? Just as cute: the Family Tree Collection, which features your initials etched on a tree. Couples can even send Rust a photo of their home and she'll replicate the image on a completely custom set of serving plates and dinnerware.
And because Rust wants you to treasure this china for years and years to come, all of her pieces dishwasher and microwave safe so you can use them every day without the design fading or wearing off!
Browse all Rust's adorable collections—she also has perfect pieces for baby showers, anniversaries and birthdays—and set up a registry at rustdesigns.com.
—Darcy Newell
May 6, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Whether you're in the market for the essentials, are looking to upgrade or just want all the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets, look no further than the brand new Bella Professional line. With commercial grade parts, LED lights and a modern design, these die-cast appliances are must-haves for couples.
The products range from the can't-live-without to, well, non-essential extras. One of my favorites is the toaster, which is available in a two slice ($70) and a four slice ($100) design. With a cord keeper and a removable bun warmer (great for summer burgers), it's everything you could want in a toaster.
Can’t live without your cappuccino? Register for the milk frother ($50). It has an automatic shut-off and a self-heating function.
The Bella Professional line will be available later this month. Register for any of their products at Macy’s, Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. Visit bellaprofessional.com for more information.
—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor
February 19, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Bride Wars gave us a look at just how bad choosing the same wedding date as your friend could be, so one only has to imagine the sheer horror of registering for the same china as your gal pal. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen? Have Sydney Albertini (albertinistudios.net) create custom goods for your new home.
Albertini Studio is a one-artist shop that produces some of the most gorgeous plates, bowls and serving pieces you'll ever see. Part of that is because Sydney, the artist, sees lifestyle as art and part of that is because everything is handmade and the ceramics are hand-painted. Best of all, though, Sydney will never create the same set of dishes for two clients. That means the pieces you and your husband-to-be choose to start your new life together with really are only yours.
So go ahead and plan your first newlywed dinner party in peace. You'll never have to worry about hearing, "I have these, too!"
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
February 5, 2009 at 12:30 PM
So many couples forgo a registry entirely because they think they have everything they need. But part of the fun of registering for gifts is being able to ask for you items you don't necessarily need, but that you really want.
Such is the case with the gorgeous, handblown glass pieces at Esque Studio (esque-studio.com). The Portland-based design company specializes in unique, artistic items that are perfect for everyday use or just to dress up your digs. What makes the firm really special, though, is that their studio is wind-powered, so in addition to being attention-getting, the glassware is also eco-friendly.
So, of course you don't need another toaster or espresso machine, but don't you sort want one of these beautiful vases?
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
December 10, 2008 at 12:30 PM
One of the most common registry-related questions we get asked is what to register for if you already have everything you need. We've suggested everything from registering for a honeymoon to upgrading your housewares, but another great idea is to go green!
Chances are your cabinets aren't eco-friendly as they could be, so why not considering replacing your old plates and cups with new, greener items? If you're on-board, then head over to Heath Ceramics (heathceramics.com). The Sausalito, C.A.-based company has some of the most gorgeous tabletop merch out there (just check out that tablescape!) and it's all created with as little environmental impact as possible. All of their clay products only go through the kiln once, which is fired at a lower temperature than most. And the amazing part is, they're just as durable as goods that go through the kiln twice at higher temps.
So no more worrying over what to put on your registry. The solution is simple—go eco-chic!
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
November 18, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Hurry up! No, seriously, hurry. I'll keep this post short so you can click over to the Ortolan Organics site (ortolanorganic.com) and fall in love with their gorgeous wares like I did.
Founded by two sisters, Ortolan is all about pure, natural and organic living. Their goods—which include napkins, blankets and hand towels—are all made from organic cotton and feature the most modern patterns.
The hand-dyed blanket shown here is one of my favorite pieces in the collection (and one of the few that's still available to purchase). The plaid is so of-the-moment, but because it's black and white, it's still super chic and classic.
So, why are you still reading this? Go check out the site and add something amazing to your registry!
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
June 25, 2008 at 2:17 PM
So you don't need a toaster? Or a blender? Or even an espresso machine? Then consider ditching the traditional wedding registry for something a little more modern. No, we're not suggesting you start asking your guests for cash, we're talking about MyRegistry.com, this amazing site that lets you register for anything.
You're probably thinking we're exaggerating a bit on the anything part, but it's true. From a boogie board to a trip to Bora Bora, nothing is off limits -- if you can find it, you can register for it.
One of the major highlights of this site is that you're not confined to one store (or, you don't have to manage registries at a bunch of different stores). Add a set of luggage from Macy's, a painting from Z Gallerie, and paint for your new bedroom from The Home Depot, no problem. It's one simple registry of stuff you really need (okay, or want).
Sold? Head over to MyRegistry.com to get more information and start your own.
And be sure to check out this registry tool -- it lets you search other couples' registries for inspiration of what to include on your own.
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
Photo by Luciana Pampalone