20 Must Haves for Your Wedding Registry

So, one of my coworkers is getting married (well actually 3 are), but one of them asked for a list of things to register for on her bridal registry.  My opinion on this changes depending on what stage of life we're in, but most people my age have been living on their own for many years, so they already have most of the necessities that go on a registry.  So, this got me thinking... what are some of the must haves?

You already know my opinion on fine china... Most of us will never use it, and if we need some, most likely we've inherited a set or two (I know I have!)  But, what other things should you be sure to have as you "grow up" to adulthood?  Ha... Who am I kidding?  I still don't feel like I've reached adulthood sometimes!

Without further ado... I present to you,

Items for Entertaining

These are items that you'll wish you had once you start playing the role of baby/bridal shower, Thanksgiving, or dinner party host & hostess.

1.  Sets of place settings, silverware, glasses, etc. to host at least 8 people -- It's a sad day when you have 6 nice plates and 8 guests.  #who'sgoingtoeatoffSuperman?  #I'vegottheCarolinacup

2.  A nice butter dish -- Everything looks fancy until you bring out a stick of butter with no dish.

3.  Nice salt & pepper shakers -- See above... don't pull out the plastic shakers from the grocery store when you're using your matching dishes.  #partyfoul

4.  A lot of matching serving sets (chip & dip trays, platters, bowls, tiered displays, etc.) -- I recommend going with a neutral color like silver, white, or cream so that they'll match whatever color scheme you have for your future parties, kitchen, or holiday decor.

5.  An electric carving knife -- Hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful by itself... don't wait until it's time to cut the perfectly cooked turkey you slaved prayed over to realize you don't have an appropriate knife like this one.  While you're at it, don't forget the kitchen claws!

6.  Punch bowl & ladle  -- I recommend this one because it can be a cake stand, punch bowl, salad bowl, chip & dip server, and about 500 other things all in one.  Better yet, register for two just in case you want to serve punch and cake.

Monogrammed Everything

So, maybe not monogrammed everything, but your wedding is the perfect time to get monogrammed gifts!  Of course, you don't want your entire house to be monogrammed (or maybe you do), but here are some suggestions.

7.  Towels -- Whether monogrammed or not, who doesn't like new, fluffy towels?  Throw in some dish towels as well!  Everyone needs new towels at some point!

8.  Coasters -- I know this seems silly, but our monogrammed coasters are probably one of the most used wedding gifts we have.  Plus, I love how they look on our coffee table.

9.  Sheets, duvet cover, pillow cases -- Again, whether these are monogrammed or not, now's a great time to spruce up your bedroom with fresh linens.  Even if you don't need them now, tuck them away, because in a few years you can replace your current ones with a new set.

10.  Picnic basket -- Who doesn't love a good picnic basket?  Even if you're not taking it on a picnic (but hey, that could be a fun, inexpensive date!) you'll use it for family reunions, carrying meals to friends when they have babies, etc.

11.  Cutting board -- Picture it as kitchen decor or use it as a fancy, yet functional display for cheese & cracker hors d'oeuvres.

Things for Him

Don't leave your handsome fella' out of the mix!  Some random nice things he might like to have as he enters this stage of life include...

12.  A nice grill -- "Come on over!  We'll throw some steaks on the grill pan" doesn't sound as fun as "We'll throw some steaks on the grill" ... just sayin'  :)

13.  A wet vac -- Let him feel like the manly hero when your neighbor (or you!) end up with a busted pipe or leaking roof and there's a random need for a wet vac.

14.  A nice tool set -- See above... except insert your own scenario.

15.  Ladder -- Because every family needs a ladder.

Other

Last but not least, five other random favorites that all couples should have in their life.

16.  Matching luggage set -- For your honeymoon of course!

17.  Lots and lots of cute storage baskets -- Every time I open Pinterest looking for quick "organize your ____" ideas, I always fall in love with the baskets.  Baskets for your laundry room, baskets for you kitchen, for your hall closet, for your bathroom, for your master closet... for the coffee table... something cute to store all your stuff.

18.  Seasonal decor -- Christmas decorations & ornaments, Easter decorations, 4th of July decorations... everyone loves decorating for holidays!  Get your decor on girl! :)

19.  A casserole dish carrier or three -- Get a cute one for tailgating or for family reunions, we all need them at some point!

20.  My fave.... a Mr. Coffee Teamaker.  You have to get one.  Enough said.

What would you add to this list of wedding registry "must haves" for folks that've been out on their own already?