Now that you have all your essential tools for cooking and storage, it’s time to dress things up just a bit. What will you put your food on and eat with? What will your table look like? Dining room accessories for the table are the “icing on the cake” for your meals.
This is where you add your personality. Let’s face it, one fork’s pretty much like another…their get food in your mouth so it’s a utilitarian thing. But some like big forks, and some like small. Some like fancy ornate handles and some want a smooth, flat look. Everyone has an opinion of what you should register for in this area, but like all the other kitchen tools, get what works for you and your lifestyle.
Plates
Everyone used to register for china. If you have a more formal lifestyle, this may still be important to you. But it’s possible you may inherit the family china like I did or simply know you’ll never host a formal dinner. Get what you know you’ll use…everyday dishes that make you smile!
Glass, porcelain, pottery, or an unbreakable polymer (learn the difference here), it just doesn’t matter as long as you know how to clean ‘em (some things might require special care), and they suit your daily needs.
Think carefully about how many place settings you need (dinner plate, salad plate and at least cereal-sized bowls). The average is probably 8-12 place settings…enough for a couple to go a few meals before running out OR host a small party and use them all. (Of course, you might also decide to opt for paper plates for your party, particularly if outdoors.)
Silverware
Sterling silver went along great with that fine china, but man, is it a pain to keep clean! I have my mom’s, but I’ll admit I haven’t used it in 20 years. If you’re not registering for china, don’t register for sterling either.
You will want good, sturdy, stain-resistant flatware. My personal favorite is Oneida (no, this isn’t an ad). There are so many design options, from ornate to simple.
Here’s my suggestions…
Essential tools you need more of
- 8-12 dinner plates
- 8-12 salad plates
- 8-12 cereal bowls (smaller than soup bowls)
- 8-12 dinner forks (some like ‘em big)
- 8-12 salad forks (some like ‘em small)
- 8-12 small spoons
- 8-12 tablespoons
- 8-12 teaspoons (long-handled)
- 8-12 table knives
- Serving spoons, plain and slotted – 2 each in flatware pattern
- 8-12 short glasses
- 8-12 tall glasses
- Placemats – might be the prettiest part of your table settings – wipeable or washable preferred
- Coasters – these protect any surface where you might set a cold glass or hot mug
Only need one but it’s a “must have”
- Salt & pepper shakers
- Meat fork/pie server/ladle – also in flatware pattern
- Silverware caddy
Ask yourself – “Would I really use these?”
- Gravy boat/butter dish/creamer/sugar bowl with cover
- Serving bowls or platters
- Coffee cups and saucers
- Mugs – these inevitably show up – you may even both bring a couple of your own to your new home
- Trivets – could also use hot pads – more informal
- Tablecloth
- Vase & bud vase
The “icing on the cake” – or your table!
It’s fun to see your “dream” table come together with plates, flatware and linens you chose yourself. Stick to your guns if you only want the daily stuff…you can return things that don’t fit your taste. Ultimately, it’s your table…it should work for you!
Check out the rest of the essential tools…
