Saturday, December 16, 2006

Registry Focus: Service with a Style

There's a lot more to registry than the standard (albeit spectacular) china, flatware and crystal. Don't forget to go beyond the basics and sign on for the accessories that complete your look. Need specifics? Thought you'd never ask.

Let's start with dinnerware: We like to see major patterns mingling on the table, but if you'd rather stick to one, you can mix it up a bit with serving pieces in a different design. Register for platters, coffee service, casseroles, extra salad plates for dessert and 12-inch service plates than can double as buffet plates or service platters later. And here are more service-oriented ideas-many of which are available in either china, crystal or silverplate: Platters, fruit bowl, gravy boat and stand, covered vegetable dish, soup tureen, water pitcher, vase, coffee server, teapot, sugar and creamer, covered butter dish.

In the crystal department, consider decanters, pitchers, vases and salt and pepper shakers that don't exactly match your main pattern, but somehow manage to enhance it.

The same goes for flatware, from stainless to sterling. Get creative and register for a complementary combination of pieces. For starters: Cheese serving knife, tablespoon, sugar spoon, pie server, berry spoon, salad servers, butter serving knife, carving set, lemon/pickle fork, assorted trays-and whatever else is an essential to you.

Finally, for all you elegant entertainers out there (it can happen to you!), add on the little things that make a big difference. For instance, if you like to set the mood with candlelight, register for candlesticks, votives or even a cool candelabra. Baskets, porcelain bowls and other open dishes are great for holding condiments, biscuits or rolls. And lots of items can do vase duty, from pitchers to wine coolers. Or go for individual bud vases at every setting-and really rake in the raves.

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