16 Nov Getting the Most out of your Registry – by Lindsey Katalan

Posted at 21:12h in Flowers and Centerpieces, Wedding Design by

Lindsey-Katalan-CuratedI hope you enjoy this guest post by acclaimed registry consultant and lifestyle expert Lindsey Katalan, Creative Director of CURATED by St. Charles of New York, the highly acclaimed luxury kitchen design company. And take a look at her recent story in the New York Times –  Matthew

Recently, I met with a bride who told me that she found her registry to be a self-indulgent “click happy” experience.

Unsurprisingly, she wound up returning upwards of 90% of her gifts.

If a registry lacks consistency, it loses its purpose as a provisional guide for those who want to assist you and your beloved in preparing for the next stage of your life together. The operative, and often forgotten, word is “and”. Even if your husband-to-be doesn’t have an opinion on fine china per se, it doesn’t hurt to ask before opting for an entire floral ensemble. As a registry consultant, I suggest focusing on rooms rather than brands, and needs rather than wants. These four kitchen-centric suggestions provide insight on approaching your bridal registry as a guideline for home necessities that will satisfy the needs of both you and your fiancé.

  1. Villeroy & Boch offers effortlessly cool Continental European porcelain designs. If space is an issue (take note – space is always an issue) opt for their everyday La Classica Contura line. Its bone white porcelain base is lined with art deco geometrics that evoke Gatsby-esque vibes. The simple design caters to a unisex audience and is dishwasher friendly.
  1. Culinary electronics are bulky clutter animals that seem inevitably bound to devastate any and all aesthetically pleasing surface areas of your kitchen. The best you can do is to make sure that the electronics complement each other as well as your kitchen space. On my registry, I chose a SMEG toaster and kettle for a retro look, as well as a cuisinart blender that imitated the glossy-black finish of the SMEG appliances. I even sought out a black strainer so that, on the off chance it’s left out on the counter, it blends in with the other items.
  1. If you want one indulgent item that you wouldn’t otherwise consider purchasing for yourself, I suggest a large centerpiece item, perhaps a vase or large bowl. Try to find something that can be displayed as an art piece, regardless of its original purpose. Lalique makes the most attractive crystal bowls that, if you’re lucky enough to own one, should remain on display at all times. The amber in this design adds an alluring and opulent feel to your kitchen space, but if you’re looking for a timeless piece, opt for clear crystal.
  1. Cristel pots are the greatest pantry secret nobody ever told you about. The handles are removable, making them storage friendly as each pan/pot comfortably fits inside the slightly larger size.

You can follow Lindsey at @curatedbystcharles on instagram for trends in home decor, artworks, and culinary accessories.