Jackie knows that I worked in the China and Gift department at a local jewelry store when I first moved to Boston ten years ago. It was a great part time job, and I learned a lot about entertaining and formal dining. That combined with my love for the kitchen must have been what prompted Jackie to ask me to make a list of what she should register for. I said I would, and last night she sent me a gentle reminder to send her a list. So I just compiled one now.
My trusty etiquette book (Emily Post is my savior) tells me what to do in just about every type of social situation. It really is a good reference tool so you can steer clear of making a social faux pas. She also has some good ideas about weddings and registries, the wedding section of the book is pretty hefty. My personal opinion is that every home should have an etiquette book to help the family members reference what typical gifts are given for certain events, how events in certain religions take place, what to do in an embarrassing situation, etc.
Anyhow, here is my list in completely random order:
Electrics:
-coffee maker (12 cup or Keurig, depending on your need. I don't drink coffee every day so the 12 cup is my preference for when guests come.)
-If you don't do a Keurig, then grinding fresh coffee beans makes a huge differece. The best coffee grinder out there is one of the least expensive from Mr. Coffee.
-If you don't do a Keurig, then grinding fresh coffee beans makes a huge differece. The best coffee grinder out there is one of the least expensive from Mr. Coffee.
-food processor (At least 7 cup capacity, with different discs for shredding and slicing.)
-stand mixer (I think a 5 quart is good, don't go too much higher than that. A 4.5 quart is fine, too. I have a Cuisinart but of course Kitchen Aid is the standard. Mine had more bells and whistles is all.)
-hand mixer (Good for whipping potatoes at the holidays, making whip cream, etc. I think both a stand and hand mixer are needed. Cuisinart is a bad name for a hand mixer, my mother's died after a few uses. Try Kitchen Aid or for a cheaper brand I love my Hamilton Beach).
-electric knife (For carving roasts and turkey at the holidays, this helps it to go so much quicker.)
-electric grill and griddle from Cuisinart. (I use mine all the time to cook bacon while draining grease, pancakes, French toast, paninis, burgers, etc). You may want to also register for the waffle plates to make waffles with this tool as well.
-toaster or toaster oven
-blender
Cooking essentials:
-mandoline
-meat thermometer
-wooden board (One side for kneading pastry, the other side with a well for slicing meats.)
-metal baking pans (Nordicware is a good name) 9x13 cookie sheets (2), bread loaf pan, 11x7 pan and 8x8 pan(if there isn't one in your glass set), 12 capacity muffin pan, and 8 or 9 inch cake pans (at least two for making layer cakes)
-cookie cooling racks
-bunt cake pan
-glass pie dish, 9 inch
-glass nesting bowls for mixing
-glass measuring cup for liquids
-metal nesting measuring cups and spoons for dry goods
-storage set for leftovers ( I like the snap lids with the glass bottoms.)
-roasting pan with cradle (for turkey and roasts at the holidays)
-pot and pan set (I don't like non-stick due to the cancerous materials found in them. I love my Calphalon Contemporary Stainless set. And of course, All-Clad is king but is very costly. Cuisinart stainless are decent. Do a 8-12 piece set.)
-tea kettle
-wok
-baster
-wooden spoons and spatulas
-pastry/dough hook for blending pie dough
-garlic press
-cheese grater (rotary for pasta)
-box grater
-whisk
-turkey lifters
-meat tenderizer
-frosting spreader
-masher
-grease separator (for making gravy)
-cast iron stock pot (4.5-6 quart capacity. My personal opinion is that no brand compares to the hand cast quality of Staub from France. But I know many people like Le Creuset. Don't buy a cheap brand, you run the risk of the enamel chipping. I'll blog about that soon. This is one item you want to be from a quality manufacturer).
-knife set (at least 7 different sizes. I personally prefer German steel. Make sure you put them in your hand to see which brand you prefer/feels better ergonomically to you. The metal should continue from blade tip through the base of the handles' center. They won't come loose this way and will last for life. I prefer Wusthof as a brand. You should have a paring knife, a utility or santoku knife, a bread knife, a cook's knife, and kitchen shears.)
-steak knives (4-6)
Serving pieces:
-cake knife and server for your wedding day
-chip and dip set
-crudite
-domed cake stand
-high ball glasses
-double old fashioned glasses
-wine decanter for breathing red wine before serving
-chip resistant wine glasses in both red and white (We love our Luigi Bormioli ones.)
-beer pilsner, steins, or mugs
-brandy snifters
-bar tool set
If you do formal China:
-five piece place settings (8-12 is typical)
-rimmed soup bowls (8-12 is typical)
-open vegetable bowls (1-2)
-platter
-butter dish
-gravy boat and stand
-salt and pepper
-sugar and creamer
**If your China set doesn't have all the serving pieces then you can register for crystal or metal ones to coordinate
-crystal stemware
-flat ware sets AND at least 2 serving spoons, a pierced spoon, and large meat fork for serving (must by 18/10 steel of good quality if you choose to do stainless ---steel instead of sterling silver. Waterford and Gorham make beautiful and durable pieces)
-linen or cotton napkins
-napkin rings
Linens:
-(at least two) good towels sets (Egyptian cotton is most absorbent)
-kitchen towels
-cotton blanket for bed
-sheet sets
-comforter and cover
Note: Check out this knife and coffee maker review I came across in today's Globe!
Note: Check out this knife and coffee maker review I came across in today's Globe!
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