wedding registry: fine china

Good Morning!  Thank you all for the fabulous response to last week's Wedding Registry Question.  I'm having fun with it and I hope you all are enjoying it as well.

Today we focus on fine china.  I know lots of brides struggle over whether or not to register for something that is: a) so expensive, and b) not used that often.  I'll put your worries to rest right now and say...register for fine china.

Raynaud, "Allee Royale"

While you may not think you will use it (and you may not right away), one day you will host your boss for dinner, throw a surprise birthday party, or host Thanksgiving dinner, and I promise you will want fine china.  This is the one time in your life when lots of people who love you want to purchase beautiful things for your future.  Register for fine china (and silver, and crystal) and let them help you build a collection.  You are much more likely to purchase one or two more salad plates in ten years (when you decide you want to use your china) than you are to buy an entire set because you didn't register for it in the first place.

Royal Crown Derby, "Old Imari"

Now that we have that settled, here are a few things to think about when you are choosing your china:

1. How much will you need?  Typically, people register for 12 place settings.  While this is a good rule of thumb, you may consider getting extra plates (or entire place settings) if you have a large extended family, or if most of the gatherings you attend now (ie: Thanksgiving dinner) have significantly more than 12 people.   Keep in mind- it never hurts to have extra plates in case one breaks.

Philippe Deshoulieres, "Orsay"

2. What other pieces do I need? A typical place setting contains a dinner plate, salad plate, bread and butter plate, and a cup and saucer.  All of these pieces are sold separately giving you the flexibility to chose things that reflect your personal taste.  For instance, if you don't typically drink tea or coffee after dinner, you might chose to get more salad plates in lieu of cups and saucers.  Finally, don't forget about serving pieces!  At a minimum, you will need a large platter, a medium platter, and two vegetable serving dishes.  Keep in mind that just like having extra dinner plates, having extra serving pieces is never a bad idea.

Herend, "Rothschild Bird"

3. How do I chose my pattern?  Unlike last week's post about everyday china, for fine china you should consider a pattern that you will love forever.  Some brides know their pattern from the time they can walk, some chose their mother's pattern so they can combine sets when entertaining, and some have no idea.  No matter your situation, think about finding something classic (ask your mom or grandmother) and find a color scheme that you love.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Herend, "Chinese Bouquet"

Chinese Bouquet is a beautiful, classic option.  Herend makes tons of accompanying serving pieces and this pattern comes in blue, green, and rust.  Definitely one to consider!

Royal Crown Derby, "Derby Panel Green"

Derby Panel Green is our fine china.  I love green and gold and the accent salad plate sold me.  It also comes in a red color that would be fun for Christmas time.

Herend, "Princess Victoria" paired with Signature Monogram Charger

I love the idea of mixing different patterns to get something unique.  This is Herend's Princess Victoria paired with a custom, monogrammed charger.  This picture shows the two monogram options available, but the charger or plate would only feature one.

Herend, "Golden Edge" /Bernardaud, "Athena Platinum"/ Royal Crown Derby, "Carlton Gold"

Finally, neutrals are a good option.  They can mix well with other pieces you may acquire later and they are always classic.

I should also mention that I love the other patterns sprinkled throughout this post.  That Old Imari gets me every time!  What do you think?  Do you have any favorite patterns not shown here?

xo,