wedding registry: julia knight

I'm so excited to be back with a new wedding registry post!  I'm sorry for the lack of posting in the world of registry items lately, but with so much transition I haven't had as much time to try out new lines and give you an opinion "from the trenches" so to speak.  Today I am thrilled to tell you about Julia Knight, one of my favorite lines for adding a little color to your home decor/entertaining arsenal.  

classic spreader knife

my classic spreader knives add the perfect amount of color to cheese plates

Some of you may know about Julia Knight products, or at the very least you may have seen them in some of your favorite stores.  I am here to tell you that if some of these gorgeous pieces aren't on your registry, they should be!  Saks (and select Bloomingdales) carries the line, and you can often find a few pieces in local jewelry stores.  (In Jacksonville, you can find Julia Knight at Underwoods, and in Chapel Hill, look for Julia Knight at Southern Season.)

lily bowl

cheese tray

In addition to very cool glass pieces, the collection has the most beautiful trays and serving pieces.   AND, be sure to check out the "home decor" section of the site for gorgeous vases and picture frames.

high ball glass

frame
LOVE this frame...what a great way to add a little sparkle to a room!

Don't forget to email me or leave a comment if you have a wedding registry question. 

I love hearing from you!

xo,

PS: I feel like I should mention that my wedding registry posts are not sponsored.  They are my reviews and opinions about the things I use and love that I want to share with all of you!

wedding registry: tableware quantities

Happy Wednesday!  The week is creeping by, but we are half-way there.  Just a few more days till the weekend lovelies.  What is it about summer weekends that make them even MORE appealing than a usual weekend?!

Today I want to share a quick reference guide for wedding registry "numbers."  I found that when I was registering for items, I had a good idea of what style I liked and what colors I preferred, but I had no idea about how much of everything I needed!  Obviously this reference guide should be adapted to fit your lifestyle (and your storage space), but here are some general thoughts:

xo,

PS: Thanks to Carrie for supplying me with so many wedding registry questions/topics.  If you have a question or a topic you would like to see covered feel free to send me an email or leave me a comment.

ALSO: click here to buy the butternut vanilla extract for yesterday's pound cake recipe.  Don't be alarmed by the orange color- it really does make all the difference.

wedding registry: summer entertaining

Good Morning!  Summer is around the corner, and every bride needs a few staples on her registry for entertaining outdoors on a warm night.  Here are a few of my favorite picks:  

Tear Off Napkins

 perfect for outdoor entertaining and much cuter than a paper towel.  Throw them in the wash when you are done and use them again and again!

tear off napkin

Catch-All Tray

There is nothing worse than trips in and out of the house when you are trying to relax with guests.  Make sure to include a large catch all tray to make carrying all of your entertaining essentials easier.  

catch-all tray

Mason Jar Mugs: 

Perfect for icy lemonade at your next garden party or luncheon.

mason jar mugs

Drink Dispensers

A fun way to let guests serve themselves. The only hard part is deciding what to serve...

glass drink dispenser stand

Chalkboard Drink Dispenser Labels

A cute way to make sure no one gets spiked lemonade instead of regular.  Throw them in a drawer with some chalk when you are done and re-use them again and again!

chalkboard drink dispenser label

Galvanized Steel Bucket

The best way to keep drinks cold!  Register for at least two - one for alcoholic beverages and one for waters, soda, etc. to make your entertaining a little easier.  

galvanized drink bucket

xo,

wedding registry: bath towels

Good Morning!  Today we move from the more glamorous wedding registry items (kitchen tool what?!) to something a little less flashy but equally as important- bath towels.

horchow hotel towels

While bath towels might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wedding registries, they are a very important part of your married home.  You (and your significant other) will use them everyday, guests in your home will use them, and it's good to have a little stockpile for those weeks when the laundry gets behind.

pottery barn 

I can safely say that we have had our share of bath towels in our five + years of marriage.  Though it took me a few years, I have finally found my absolute favorite...from Target no less.  The Fieldcrest Luxury line at Target is plush, dries quickly, and looks great in almost any style of bathroom.  I prefer the striped "accent" towel, but they also have solid options as well.

fieldcrest luxury

No matter which towels you choose, make sure to hang them in a place where they can dry completely after each use.  This will make them last longer and prevent them from getting a musty smell.  Also, it's a good idea to replace your bath towels every few years to make sure they are fresh and remain absorbent.  

xo,

wedding registry: essential baking tools

After a little break, today we are continuing on with more "kitchen essentials" for your wedding registry.  I titled this post "essential baking tools," but really you will likely use these items in your kitchen whether you bake or not.  I find that I use my mixing bowls to make salads or to toss veggies in olive oil before roasting, I use my oven mitts to remove ANYTHING from the oven, and I use my measuring cups for all types of cooking.  Really, you will want these tools in your kitchen if you like to bake, but you will also want them for daily meal preparation.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

1. Mixing Bowls: I love my set from Williams Sonoma.  I have a white set and I use them literally everyday.  I also have a set of nice glass bowls, but I predominately use these sturdy, plastic bowls.  A must have for any kitchen.

2. Collapsible Measuring Cups: These are one of my very favorite kitchen items.  My little sister gave these to me for one of my bridal showers when she was just 12- she had great taste even then.  They also make a smaller set for Tbs. and tsp. measurements.  These are perfect for a small kitchen where space is a premium.

3. Silpat Liners: Another must have in any kitchen.  Whether you are baking cookies or roasting veggies, or just heating up a sandwich in the oven- these keep your baking sheets in top condition.  Don't be fooled though- the square is the size for a standard cooking sheet and the one pictured here is for a jelly roll pan.

4. Rolling Pin: While this is a debatable essential, you will find that if you need one and you don't have one- there is no other kitchen tool that really does the job as effectively.  I have tried to use a water bottle or a big tervis tumbler, but take it from me, this doesn't work.  Moral of the story- add a rolling pin to your registry, when you need one, you will really need it!'

5. Baking Set: Even if you don't bake, I think it is still smart to have at least one cookie sheet, a muffin tin, and a cake pan (round or square.)  You never know when you will have a craving for a box of brownies and having the tools to whip up a batch will make life much easier.  I like the Williams Sonoma Gold Touch line- it's non-stick and bakes very evenly.

6. Oven Mitt: Invest in two!  I always wear them when I take things out of the oven and I love the mitt because it covers your whole hand and arm.  It is amazing how quickly you can burn your arm or hand on the door of the oven when you reach in to remove something with just the half mitts or a dish towel.  Grab a pair and keep them handy- I promise you will thank me.

Do you have any other baking tools that you think are essential?

xo,

wedding registry: when to register

Happy Wednesday!  The weekend is in sight friends...just hang tight!

Today I thought I would address a question that many of you have asked:

"When should I register?"  

My immediate reaction is to say register as soon as possible after your engagement.  (Note, this does not mean you should, under any circumstances, register BEFORE your engagement...even if you have seen the ring and know the question is coming in a matter of days- don't go there.)  My suggested timeline would be to get engaged, CELEBRATE, set a date, then register.

ring / champagne / calendar / gifts

As people hear about your engagement, they may want to purchase a small gift of congratulations.  While they may or may not look to a registry to purchase a gift like this, people always appreciate any guidance you can provide via a registry about your preferences.  Also, people will begin throwing showers and engagement parties.  Often guests will look for your registry in order to purchase gifts for these celebrations.

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If all else fails, you MUST be registered before your wedding invitations are mailed.  Once guests receive invitations, a number of them will want to send you a wedding gift in advance of the big day.  The formal wedding invitation is the trigger for many people to not only RSVP, but also to search for your registry....SO make sure it's there and up to date!

If you have a wedding registry question, feel free to email me, leave me a comment, or post your question on the "Ask a Wedding Registry Question" page at the top of the blog!

xo,

wedding registry: kitchen tools

Good Morning!  Today I want to talk about kitchen tools.  AND, not just any kitchen tools, but kitchen tools you will actually use.  I know it's easy to go into Williams Sonoma, Sur la Table, or any other kitchen shop and think that you absolutely won't be able to start your married life without that melon baller, pasta maker, or jam spoon.  Rest assured dear readers, I'm here to tell you that you can and will make it without them.

If you are like me, going into a kitchen store can be an overwhelming task.  When I was registering, I had never had my own kitchen, I could make approximately three things (scrambled eggs, cereal, and toast), and I relied heavily on my mom and mother-in-law to tell me what I would actually need.  So today, I want to pass that wisdom along to you.  Keep in mind, this is a list of the basics that I think every kitchen should have.  As you cook and find favorite recipes and meal preparations, you might want to invest in the sushi maker or pastry bag.  Starting off though, these are the essentials...

ladle / tongs / slotted spoon / flipping spatula / oversize spoon / mixing spatulas

A few quick notes:

1. While most stores sell a "set" that has all the kitchen tools you will need, I found it was much more fun and useful to customize a set myself.  We got the set Williams Sonoma advertises, but I have gradually taken things out and added things of my own over the years and now it houses the most used and functional tools in the kitchen.

2. I prefer non-slip tongs - they much easier to use and I am much less likely to drop the chicken, kale, or whatever else I am picking up than I would be with regular tongs.

3. The oversize spoon can be metal or wooden, or you could use both.  I switch between the two, but you could go either way.  One word of warning- a metal spoon gets HOT if you are using it to stir soup or something else on the stove.

4.  Mixing spatulas are definitely the workhorse of our kitchen.  Whether we are baking cookies, roasting sweet potatoes, cooking eggs, or almost any other recipe you can imagine, we are using these guys.  I have four of these and they are all well used and loved.  These are a MUST.

I will be back in the next few weeks with more items geared towards baking and other specialized cooking to round out the list.  In the meantime, do you have any other kitchen tools to add to the list?

xo,

wedding registry: emile henry

Hello!  Sorry for the late post today.  I got my first taste of what the real world will be like after graduation when I had to be at a breakfast meeting in Raleigh at 8am.  I am going to miss my student schedule where my first class doesn't start until after 9am...

Continuing on my theme of wedding registry favorites, today I am excited to share Emile Henry bakeware.

emile henry

We added this to our registry on a whim and I am SO thankful that we did!  I use it almost everyday and it is so easy for cooking, baking and it is even cute enough to use on the table for serving. The color selection is great and the line has multiple shapes and sizes of bakeware to fit any need.  I especially love their bread pan- it is deep enough to make a large loaf of bread and the bread always bakes evenly.

emile henry

We registered for our Emile Henry at Williams Sonoma, but I imagine it is available at multiple kitchen stores.  Any other great registry items to share?

xo,

wedding registry: cutting boards

Good Morning.  For the next few weeks, I thought I would share some of my kitchen favorites during the wedding registry series.  While there are TONS of fun kitchen items to put on a wedding registry, items in the wedding registry favorites are tried and true and will remain in my kitchen for years to come.

To kick off the "favorites" series, I give you Williams Sonoma Flexi Cutting Boards.  There is seldom a meal I make that does not require a cutting board, and these are the best.  They come as a package of four, meaning you won't need to stop during a meal to wash your cutting board.  As an added bonus, they are made of flexible plastic and they can be thrown in the dishwasher to ensure a true clean.  (Not something I ever feel certain of with some of my wooden options.)  Last but not least, they have a sticky grip on one side so they won't slip while you are slicing and dicing.

image

Brides, add these to your registry today.  They are an excellent price point and they are something you will use constantly.  What are some of your kitchen favorites?

xo,

wedding registry: beatriz ball

Good Morning!  I am excited to introduce you to a relatively new "player" on the wedding registry scene- Beatriz Ball!  For years, brides have registered for Arthur Court or Mariposa aluminum products for casual serving pieces.  While these collections are wonderful, Beatriz Ball has entered the market with a bang.

Beatriz Ball pieces are the perfect trifecta- you can heat, cool, and serve in them!  They are beautiful, hand crafted pieces that will not tarnish or lose their shine.  (My only advice is DO NOT put them in the dishwasher- I learned this the hard way.)  I use my aluminum pieces for serving AND for decorating purposes.  They really are beautiful, and they look fabulous on a shelf, as a "tray" for keys in an entry table, or almost anywhere else you want to add a little shine.

Check out their full collection online, but in the meantime, here are a few of my favorites:

garden verde leaf curved handle

organic pearl ava 

orleans fleur de lis 

pedestal vento alex bowl

croc frame

Brides- be sure to include some of this multi-tasking collection on your registries today!  Wedding Guests, snap up this item for your next wedding season...it will not disappoint!

xo,

wedding registry: price ranges

Hello!  It's finally Wednesday which means we are half-way to the weekend.  My last spring break starts this weekend so I am super excited...

For today's wedding registry post, I want to discuss a more sensitive topic...price.  While my previous posts have encouraged you to find a fine china that you love and think outside the box in terms of registry items, not much has been said about the costs of these items.  While you should definitely register for fine china, silver, crystal, or anything else that you love and will cherish, it is also important to register for items that are just as special but may be purchased at a lower price point.

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The idea in creating a registry is to create a balanced registry.  This means having your fine china listed along with a can opener, spatula, and bath towels.  This is especially important if you anticipate guests attending pre-wedding showers or other events where they may purchase you multiple gifts.  This concept applies equally if you are getting married at a young age when your friends may have less disposable income than they might have once they are a few more years into a career.

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I think a good rule of thumb is to have your registry items clumped into thirds.  One third should be $40 or less, 1/3 between $40 and $100, and 1/3 in the $100 and up range. This will give your guests lots of options in a variety of price points.  Also, it is important to monitor your registry often.  If you find that all of the gifts in one range have been purchased, it might not be a bad idea to add additional items in that price range.

towels / baking dish / china

The most important thing to remember, however, is to be gracious and thankful for any gift you receive.  Thank you notes are a MUST, and I suggest starting them as gifts begin to arrive.

xo,

wedding registry: non-traditional items

Happy Wednesday!  Thank you all for the love you have shown this series!  I have actually had more than one reader ask me to do a post on "non-traditional" gift registries, so here goes...

Non-traditional gift registries have become increasingly popular over the past several years.  Many different factors may contribute to a couple's desire to have a less "traditional" registry, including the age in life when they get married, and their relative "need" for items to help start them in a new home.  While a non-traditional registry may not be for everyone, here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering registering for something other than a set of mixing bowls:

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1. Set up a non-traditional registry that reflects a shared interests of you and your fiance.  For instance, if you both love to garden, register for a wheelbarrow, gloves, and your favorite spring bulbs at a garden store.  Prefer to spend time outdoors together?  Consider registering for a kayak, a camping stove, or even a new set of bikes at your local outdoor store.  It will be much easier for guests to splurge on these less than traditional items if they know you and your fiance can enjoy them together!

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2. Keep in mind that you can register for "experiences" as well as tangible gifts.  There are several sites out there that allow a couple to register for honeymoon activities, a new ipad or computer, or even help with a down payment on a first home.  While these options may not appeal to all of your guests, many will like the idea of contributing to your first weeks or years as a married couple.  Some of these sites include various transaction fees so be sure to read the fine print before signing up!

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3. Consider a charitable registry.  Sign up at weddingchannel.com, and you and your fiance can select a charity to receive a donation each time a guest purchases something from your registry.  The site can also be set up to offer guests the option to donate directly to a charity of the couple's choice.  Another great option is to use a site like crowdrise that allows a couple to set up a fundraiser for a specific cause.  For more help choosing a charity, check out this post.

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4. Remember, while non-traditional registries are fun, it is also a good idea to register for some more "traditional"wedding items.  While many guests will love the idea of buying a hot-air balloon ride for your honeymoon, it is just as likely that grandma will want to purchase you a silver tray you can keep forever.  The bottom line is that while non-traditional wedding registries are catching on, many people will still be more comfortable purchasing you a more traditional gift and you want to give them some guidance as to your preferences and tastes.

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In addition to just creating these "non-traditional" registries, consider having a friend throw you a shower geared towards one of your less traditional registries.  (Just remember- never ask someone to throw you a shower- just be ready with an idea in case a close friend offers!)  So, rather than having a kitchen shower, a couple could have a BBQ and Backyard Shower.  Guests would be encouraged to bring grill tools and items to be used in landscaping a back yard, rather than stemware and fine china.

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Sounds like fun right?  While Josh and I didn't have a "non-traditional" registry (we were babies and needed to outfit our first house) I think the idea of registering for something you and your fiance enjoy doing together is a great option.  I think I would have registered for a set of bikes...

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What non-traditional registry item would you register for?

As always, please email me if you have any specific questions or would like help compiling your wedding registry.

xo,