Your Cookware Helper

Cookware, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware often fill the top 5 top gifts given as wedding gifts. Whether just starting out or starting over, these items make wonderful, useful, and practical gifts.

Tips for the Wedding Gift Receiver:

1. Create your registries early - 6 months in advance is not too early. As the wedding day approaches, you don't want this decision to loom over you. Give time to those giving the gifts.
2. Include your partner in the decision making. Wedding gifts are items both of you should be enjoying.
3. Register for items in a full range of prices. Make it easy for your guests with less financial means. An under $50 category will be appreciated.
4. Register for items you will use. These days any kind of gift is appropriate. If you don't need china or silverware, don't feel obligated to include it.
5. It's OK to register at more than 1 location. Sometimes a department store like registry will serve the purpose for most general items, but then 1 or 2 specialty stores with items you will use makes it the gift giving easier.
6. Do be thankful. Send out thank-you notes, and mention the gift by name. Thank-you notes should be sent out within 2 weeks of arrival if received before the wedding, or a month after the wedding if received at the wedding.
7. It is proper etiquette to include a note "Registered at xxx" in the shower invitation, but not the actual wedding invitation. Family members are encouraged to tell anyone who inquires as to where the couple is registered.

Tips for the Wedding Gift Giver:

1. Good casual dinnerware in cream or white that can be put into the microwave and dishwasher makes a great gift anytime. They will be used a lot, and those colors can go with anything.
2. A stainless steel 20 piece flatware set will go a long way. Again, it is designed for everyday use, dishwasher safe, and will avoid the tarnish of silver plated flatware.
3. A good cookware set will take a lot of pressure off the new couple as they start their new lives together. Make sure you match the cookware set to their cooking style - ie do they only want dishwasher safe items, or are they OK with hand washing, and are they into healthy stuff - if so, you may want to avoid nonstick cookware. Stainless steel cookware sets make awesome gifts, as do enameled cast iron with their bright colors and functional designs.
4. A good casual glassware set will be used everyday. Just try to make sure you match their tastes to the style of glassware - ornate, simple, or etched are just a few options.
5. Don't be afraid to give "unromantic" gifts. A new couple needs luggage for that honeymoon trip. They can always use table linens, kitchen gadgets, or
6. Never underestimate the gift of a good cutlery set. This is one of the items most people don't want to buy for themselves, and once they have it, wonder why they didn't get one earlier. Most accidents in the kitchen come from dull knives. A good knife will fit the handle comfortably, stay sharp, and slice just about anything. A set of steak knives always comes in handy. Or, try a combo set of a chef knife and a santoku knife. They will love you for it.