What to Register For: The Everyday Table

If you’ve followed this site for any amount of time, chances are you know what a sucker I am for a good wedding registry. Not only for mine, but as I discovered the other day when I randomly stumbled onto someone elses, I’m fascinated by what OTHER people register for as well. Creepy? I’m going to pretend you just said “No!”

This post is going to kick off a new series on the site called ‘What to Register For.” While this post will cover great items for your everyday table, the next post will cover a more formal table, and eventually we’ll make our way over to the bedroom, bathroom, and everywhere in between! Also, it gives me a valid excuse to look at these shops everyday. So…there’s that, too.

When thinking about what items to register for (especially when it comes to pieces you’ll be using everyday such as dinnerware) the key is to think about not only durability but setting a somewhat neutral palette that will allow you to mix and match as you add pieces down the road. You also want to go for quality when it comes to items such as wine glasses, which you’ll most likely be using for both formal and informal dining.

Below are a few of my favorite items from my favorite wedding registry stores/services that I think would coordinate perfectly for a well-set everyday dining table. And if you’re about to set up your wedding registry, be sure to check out my post on where to register online (and what discounts each store offers!).

Oh, and one more thing! When registering for everyday dinnerware, flatware, napkins, etc. be sure to register for enough. Go with how many you think you’ll realistically need to not have to run the dishwasher everyday! Below is a rough guide to how many pieces you should be registering for.

  • Glasses: 8-12 of each type (red wine, white wine, pint, etc.)
  • Everyday dinnerware: 8-12 settings
  • Flatware: 8-12 settings.

Williams Sonoma:

Riedel wineglasses=my favorite. This starter set has been awesome for us. And two moves later we’ve had zero breakage. (Knock on wood. One is totally going to break now!)

Riedel Vinum Mixed Gift Set
Riedel Vinum Mixed Set
Porcelain Dinnerware Settings
Porcelain Dinnerware Set

For everyday dinnerware, you can’t go wrong with a basic white set of dishes. However, I also think you can go with something that adds a pop of color as well. I’m a big fan of blue as you’ll probably gather from my selections, below. The reason I like blue so much, especially for everyday dinnerware and even more formal pieces, is that it’s a color group that is easy to play with and happens to go with a lot of different housing decor. This brasserie set is fun yet still classic, and the reviews on it are great as far as durability is concerned. However, if you’re prone to breaking dishes I would opt for an all-white set so it will be easier to replace.

Zola:

You can’t go wrong with a wood salad bowl and servers. While I don’t use this everyday, I use it when I’m not feeling lazy enough to wash it.

Salad Bow and Server Set
Bowl with Salad Server

This might not be an everyday items, but a slate cheese plate is fun to bring out mid-week sometimes when you want to have cocktail hour at home. And when guests come over its great because you can write your cheese selections on it in chalk.

Rustic Slate Cheese Board Zola
Rustic cheese board Zola

West Elm:

I love everything gold these days, and this flatware set from West Elm is awesome because it combines both silver and gold so you can easily incorporate both elements onto your table.

Gold Silver Flatware Set
Gold and Silver Flatware Set

Pick a napkin that either accents your dinnerware or adds a pop of your favorite color.

Napkin Set
White Napkin

Pottery Barn:

Linen place mats and table runners are a casual and easy addition to an everyday table. I happen to be a fan of the wrinkled look, though if you’re not (and you’re not a fan of ironing) you might want to opt for something more care-free.

Everyday Table Runner
Everyday Table Runner

Simple and classic everyday glasses like these are great for water, beer, cocktails, whiskey, etc. when you don’t want to break out the good stuff.

Everyday Glassess
Classic Glasses

Macys:

You should always have a few simple white serving bowls and platters on hand.

Serving Bowls and Platters
Serving Bowls and Platters

A glass carafe such as this one can be used for formal or informal meals, which means more bang for your registry buck.

Classic Pitcher
Classic Pitcher

Bloomingdales:

I like a classic serving set in a textured or matted finish so the pieces don’t compete with your flatware.

Serving Set
Classic Serving Set

You can save or splurge on vases, and I like to have a combination of both around the house. I consider this one a splurge but I love how the color coordinates so well with the other pieces.

Blue Short Vase
Blue Vase

Crate and Barrel:

Gold. Again. It’s nice to pick it up in more than one place on the table.

Gold Candleholders
Gold Candleholders

I really love this designers pieces. You should definitely have a few serving pieces not only in white but several with a fun pattern that picks up your accent color, like this one from Crate and Barrel.

Blue Serving Platter
Blue Serving Platter

Need help figuring out exactly what you need for your dining table? This place setting guide is a great reference.

Table Setting Diagram

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for your support!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.