I was recently on the hunt for inexpensive hankies because FH needed one for his Kentucky Derby seersucker. The ones we found in stores like Brooks Brothers were a little too expensive, so I visited my favorite Nashville thrift store for new (yes, nobody wants a used one) hankies, and they were suprisingly easy to find and cheap (a pack of 3 was under $10). Now I’m seriously considering buying some for wedding favors!
I found a few websites that offer personalized or vintage/unique handkerchiefs. I think it would be great to (subtly) embroider them with the date of your wedding opposed to using initials so your guests would be more likely to use them again. A less expensive option would be to buy the hankies in bulk, then buy iron-ons that you can use to personalize yourself!
I like to think of myself as a good chef, but some people might not agree with me (aka: the people who eat my food.) OK, so we can’t all be Betty Crocker. But that doesn’t mean we can’t “pretend” to be. And nothing says you’re a good cook like a really nice cookware set. I love sets because I like things to be all matchy-matchy in my kitchen, but even if you don’t or just need one or two pieces to complete your own collection, Le Creuset is one of the best. Not only are they super easy to clean (I use warm, soapy water and a non-scratch sponge. They’re also dishwasher safe, though most chefs tell you never to do that), they heat evenly and quickly, and are designed to work just as well in the oven as they do on your stove-top. Plus, they come in so many great colors they can double as serving pieces (once they’re cooled down, of course). If you’re more of a stainless steel gal, All-Clad is the next best. Williams-Sonoma and Macy’s are great registry choices for these items, but you can also find some great cookware deals on Amazon.com.
Crafted in France of cast iron, a material prized for its heat retention, these pieces are specially suited to slow-cooking savory dishes. Coated with porcelain enamel, they double as colorful serving pieces.
Cast iron coated with durable porcelain enamel distributes heat slowly and evenly.
Easy-clean nonreactive interior does not require seasoning.
Heavy domed lid promotes heat circulation and locks in moisture.
Ideal for use on any cooktop, including induction.
Vibrant, colorful exterior for stove-to-table presentation.
9-Piece Set includes:
10″ fry pan.
10″ square grill pan.
14″ x 10″ baker.
3 1/2-qt. braiser with lid.
5-qt. oval Dutch oven with lid.
5 1/2-qt. round Dutch oven with lid.
Please note: lids are counted as individual pieces.
I have registered and un-registrered and registered again at 6 different store websites. I have signed up and deleted my account at several Universal Registries. I am completely convinced there is a science to creating the perfect registry, and I will not rest until I have found the formula…
I should register for a life.
BUT, my OCD quest will only help you, my fellow brides-to-be. Because I’ve been keeping copious notes, let me fill you in on what I’ve observed in the land of free shopping…otherwise know as The Wedding Registry.
Observation #1:
Universal Registries suck. Yes, the idea of them is brilliant. Register at ANY store you want, no matter how large or small, thus making your gift list unique and totally “you.” The problem is this: As a guest viewing your registry list, they are not able to select several smaller items to create a gift “package,” as many people do. Say your Aunt wants to buy you every baking gadget you’ve registered for…well, the problem is when viewing your Universal Registry list, you cannot check-off every item you want to give without it being considered a separate transaction. Yes, you can pull in your entire Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn registries into the Universal one, but if Cousin Bobby sees one gift he wants from PB, and another one from CB, he has to pay for two different shipping costs, which is a real pain in the ass. Also, most of the Universal Registries are designed so poorly, most people can’t even figure out where to send your gift to once they select it.
If you HAVE to have a Universal Registry, the least retarded one I used was MyRegistry.com. Though don’t say I never warned you.
Observation #2:
The Registry is Where the Home Is. In other words, you should only register at stores where you live. Having just moved from NYC, I happen to love Crate and Barrel and Bloomingdales, which had several locations in the city. However, now that I live in Nashville we have neither of those chains. While I can easily order from them online, if I want to return something I have to ship it back. Neither of those stores offer free returns, so I’ll end up paying money on the items I don’t like. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be schlepping back and forth to the post office. I’d much rather have to go to the mall.
Observation #3:
Be choosy. If it were up to me, I would be registered at 6 different stores. But a) it’s too confusing for guests, b) there’s that whole Universal Registries suck observation, and c) too many store options means some of the items you REALLY want/need will be overlooked. You should ideally keep it to two different stores, with a max of three. Deciding which two or three stores you want to include is the biggest decision…WHAT you want to get is the easiest part. After all, you know how to shop!
A nice towel is one of those household luxuries I think everybody should invest in when they have the money. Wrapping yourself in a plush, giant, towel after a shower is a close second to super-soft sheets…in other words, it’s like a mini-orgasm.
Considering it’s one of the cheapest household “luxuries” you can buy, it surprises me when I go over to nice houses and see crappy towels. It especially surprises me when they’re guest towels. If you’re not broke or a college student, buy some nice towels! Nobody wants to use a half-bleached red towel with holes in it, people.
Of all the towels I’ve ever tried, Restoration Hardware’s are the best. One thing I’ve learned about buying towels is that you should always buy white. They go with everything, are easier to remove stains from (hello, Mr. Bleach) than the colored ones, and look better, longer.
As a newly engaged writer, I had a hard time finding the practical information I needed to plan my wedding. While the wedding books, magazines, and websites I read had pretty pictures, they seemed to just skim the surface when it came to providing helpful ways for me to create the wedding of my dreams. Now that I'm married, I hope this blog serves as a resource for all you other bride-to-be's, with unique ideas for wedding venues, wedding decorations, wedding dresses, and more!
Follow Us!