There is a lot to think about when filling your registry. The Green Loft would like to help you out with some tips to make this process a little easier. Thanks to Shine and Good Housekeeping they have put together these quick list of how to decipher some of these questions.
Do you really need all this?
Let's get real! …. Not unless you plan on hosting a party for the Queen!
Q. How many place settings?Do I need a different number of place settings for my everyday china than my formal china?
A. Everyday dinnerware: six to eight place settings is a good number. This way it gives you enough to use and still have some in the cabinet's and in the dishwasher. The fancy stuff: if you are the type of person that you love to have people over and fun dinner parties, six to eight place setting are probable best. These are generally more expensive so this is a great place to cut these numbers. Do you have a really large family? Most people think if they have a lot of people in their family then they need enough place settings for all those people, that may not be the case. Do you plan on hosting Thanksgiving/Holiday Parties? Is your place even big enough that it is possible to do that? These are some things you should ask yourself before registering for 15-20 place settings that now you also have to find a place to put them. Another tip if your casual pattern will be your only set, you can then go for a higher number eight - ten would be fine.
Q. Is it better to go with white or black and use a more timeless style than something that is in style now, that may not be in ten year?
A. White patterns are always a good safe choice. You can always add colorful napkins, or even an accent plate. Accent plates are generally used these days for mainly decorations, it is a large plate generally placed under the salad bowl/plate and dinner plate. If you add a colorful decorative service/accent plate you can swap out colors and styles based on what type of dinner you are having. Place these with some colorful wine/water glasses and some great decor and you can really make your dinnerware go a lot further. However, if you are the type of person that has always had a lot of color in your life, then Donna Ferrari at Good Housekeeping has recommended that it is perfectly fine to buy lots of colors and patterns. The only thing to probable stay away from is the new trend right now. This trend is to buy all different color plates, bowls, glasses, this can be a cute idea however if you think about matching those with themed party's or holidays they may not go so well with your other decor. 
Q. What do I really need out of a basic or informal place setting?
A. A standard informal place setting consists of a 10 inch dinner plate, 8 inch salad/dessert plate, cup and saucer. For the way we eat today I would recommend something like the image above; Dinner plate, accent place, soup/salad bowl, water glass and wineglass. These days you can get white wine glasses large enough that they can be used for red wine. Also the accent plates are generally, these days just used as a saucer to the dinner plate and these can also be used as appetizer plates.
Q. Trends, Styles, and Designs change. How do I factor that?
A. This is a big one, remember when your grandparents had that shag yellow carpet? Yeah that was the style once and very popular, however now, not-so-much. All you need to remember is to look out for those type of fashion patterns. Colors are ok, and bold colors also just make sure it is not going to turn into your grandma's carpet. Is it a solid color that you can match with other items and holiday colors? This is a main reason why so many people these days will go in the direction of White's or Black's. However here is a tip from Donna, when you are looking on-line search under patterns labeled, "classic," "traditional," and "contemporary." These designs will go with a lot more but still have some style to them instead of just a plan, white or black. If you have absolutely fallen in love with a pattern or something you may think will go out of style in a few years, make sure it is not too expensive. If they are a lot of money you will feel obligated about upgrading and buying new ones. Also, if family buys them for you they won't complain that you have upgraded and just how expensive those were!
Q. Is sterling silver really worth the price?
A. No, don't feel like you should or have to get a certain style because that is "what most people have done in the past." A lot of people purchased your grandmother's shag carpet and now look where they are, spending more money! These day's stainless steel seems to be the way to go. It is less expensive and much easier to care for than sterling silver. However, if you really love it then make sure you use it everyday, that way tarnish won't build up as much. (I know that seem's backwards but its true!)
Q. Do wine glasses really matter? Do I need to get the traditional stemmed glasses or can the new style of stemless wine glasses last?
A. If you are having a formal dinner I would recommend the stemmed glasses. It looks much better to complete the table setting. However, if you really like the stemless you can find these fairly cheap at Bed, Bath, & Beyond or even Target!
Q. Are there any other pieces essential for entertaining?
A. Besides the dinnerware, and glasses, I would recommend place mats, or a nice large accent plate. These your can also find great styles and patterns and small prices at again Bed, Bath, & Beyond and Target. I would also recommend some napkins, serving pieces, and utensils. Some items that people over look are large forks and spoons along with small ones for appetizers and condiments. Also think about items such as, a cheese board, snack bowls, cookie trays. Also think of the everyday items such as salt and paper grinders, water pitcher, gravy boat, cream and sugar set, coasters, and serving trays.
Thank you to Shine, at Yahoo, and Good Housekeeping.
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