I subscribe to a few e-newsletters and on the 22nd of every month I receive the “here’s what you should do this month” tips. I’ve noticed that I’ve been basically on track, even a little ahead when it comes to picking my vendors, as I already have a florist and a photographer. Back in September I hit the eighth-month countdown marker for our wedding and BOTH e-newsletters that I received said it was time to register. I have a confession—I have been super excited to register!!

When Ion and I first started discussing a registry, it was apparent that we differed greatly on the concept and on the items we both would want to put on the registry. Then the big debate of china and crystal came into play. I really wanted fine china, Ion did not. I really wanted crystal, Ion did not. I told him some things were non-negotiable, however I know it’s important that our registry include items we both want—a gas grill for him and Waterford Lismore stems for me!

I know there’s a big debate these days about registering for china and crystal. I grew up in a house where they were used. My mother has beautiful china and crystal and she uses them at holidays and when we have special dinners with special guests—like the time they had Ion’s parents over for the first time.

Ion was saying that he doesn’t foresee us ever having a dining room or house that is as delicate as my mother’s, which may be true as my mother still has a cherry Queen Anne dining set in her home. However, I have seen this done. We were at a dinner party at our friends’ fabulous condo in the Cobalt building. Sarah and Hudie are master entertainers, and she used her wedding china up against modern furnishings and table décor, and it worked really well.

In my recent trip to New York, I was at Bloomingdale’s buying a wedding gift off the bride’s NYC registry, and I saw many tabletop settings that incorporated the elegance of china and crystal with modern pewter warmers, cloths, and other table accessories.

So the idea I’m working with is to create a look that is timeless and versatile. Use colors I love that also will work well in many future dining rooms. Take a peek at the example below.