When choosing goods for your newlywed nest, everyday plates, stainless
flatware, and small appliances are shoo-ins, but don't pass high-ticket
items by because you think no one will buy them (guests can go in on
gifts together), or that you'll never use them (think to the future).
This is the time to upgrade the everyday versions of what you have, and
also to get all the indulgences you need for special occasions (hosting
Thanksgiving dinner four years from now.) So get that scanner ready for
these five super-fine splurges:
Make a Sterling Choice
In
our parents' time, sterling silver flatware was a fixed item on most
wedding registries, and complete sets were passed down from one
generation to the next. These days, couples tend to skip over sterling
in favor of stainless, liking its lower price tag. But stainless will
never hold the value, beauty, and heirloom quality of real silver. And
it wears so well -- the more you use silver, the better it looks and the
shinier the patina grows. Although it has to be hand-washed, the extra
elbow grease is worth it for beautiful silver.
Work your china into your everyday dinners, as this top-quality tableware is meant for regular use.
Fine Dining
A
lot of people shy away from fine dinnerware, thinking that usage once
or twice a year doesn't make this fragile purchase worth it. But the
truth is that porcelain and bone china are actually tougher and more
durable than common stoneware. So don't save china for special occasions
only, instead work it into your everyday dinners, as this top-quality
tableware is meant for regular use.
Slice and Dice
High-quality
knives are probably the single best investment you can make in your
kitchen. Allowing you to prep meals faster, more easily, and more
safely, you will immediately notice the impact of a quality knife on
your cooking. Don't worry about getting the whole 23-knife set (although
definitely do if you'll put them to good use). Instead invest in three
basic types -- a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife.
When you register, pick each knife up at the store, checking for
comfort, weight (should be on the hefty side), and balance (shouldn't
feel like it's toppling out of your hand). You can't go wrong with
brands such as Wüsthof, J.A. Henckels, and Shun.
Stove-toppers
You
need more from a stockpot than the ability to boil water -- after all,
there's a reason half the food gets burned when you use your cheap
college cookware: Inexpensive pots and pans won't heat evenly or
properly. Upgrade to stainless (corrode-resistant) pots and pans with
aluminum or copper cores (great for heat conduction), any other copper
combination, anodized aluminum, and cast iron.
Perk Up
Stop
relying on your neighborhood barista to get your caffeine fix. Instead,
use your registry to treat yourselves to the sophistication of espresso
at home, sipped from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Sleek
espresso machines often come with a hefty price tag, so put one on the
registry and look forward to brunches and after-dinner noshes full of
fun cappuccinos, espressos, and happily caffeinated guests.
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