Wedding Registry IRL: 11 Essentials You Will Actually Use For Years to Come
A $400 gold-trimmed crystal decanter? Come on! Here are registry items that won't be covered in dust a year later.
I have a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It was a gift from my wedding registry, and I just LOVE it. It looks great on my kitchen counter and serves as an adorable background prop whenever I’m posting pictures of the kids baking, but here’s a little secret—I hardly ever use it. For some reason, when it comes time to employ a mixer, I always reach for my KitchenAid hand mixer instead. Overall, it just seems more convenient and provides less mess (and less cleanup!).
Not that I’d ever part with my beautiful stand mixer, I do love the looks of it and hope to dive deeply into its pasta-making capabilities, eventually. However, this recently got me thinking about all the gifts from my wedding registry that I have never actually used much—diamond-cut crystal goblets! French porcelain soup tureen! China! All of it is elegant and beautifully made, but representative of an ideal that is a bit removed from how we actually live our everyday lives at home.
So I pulled together the tried-and-true essentials we’d register for again without a second thought, the things that not only sees the light of day outside of boxes in the basement but have become indispensible items we can’t live without—wedding registry IRL. Here you go…
KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer
Let’s start with that hand mixer. This KitchenAid mixer is solid, with varying speeds from slow whip to high stir. It’s a great go-to mixer that will stand the test of time. Your cookie dough, mashed potatoes and meringues will be no match for it. Bonus: Twelve kicky colors to choose from!
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls by Finedine
Talk about a kitchen workhouse. Stainless steel mixing bowls are indispensible for food prep and storage and even serving food. Stackable and safe for the refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher, they last forever and wont break if you drop them!
Brita Grand 10-Cup Pitcher
Bottled water is so 90s, right? And not the cool 90s either. This BPA-free pitcher removes toxins from tap water and reduces chlorine taste and odor. And it’s much better for the environment. A staple for every household.
Miele S2121 Olympus Canister Vacuum Cleaner
A good canister vacuum will last you a good long time, so don’t skimp. Miele vacuums are consistently rated tops for design, quality and performance. They suck up 99.99% of fine particles, are lightweight and have a nice set of attachments.
simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can Recycler
I know, trash cans aren’t so romantic, but this dual compartment one makes sorting your recyclables a breeze! And it will look great in your kitchen. Don’t forget to add a counter-top compost container—a truly life-changing kitchen essential.
Cuisinart Deluxe Convection Toaster Oven Broiler
There is nothing more practical than a countertop convection oven, especially for when you have kids and meal prep goes up a few notches. Much more than a toaster, you’ll use it every day from breakfast to dinner—toasting, reheating, baking, you name it. Your regular oven will miss you.
Hydrocotton Bath Towel
We’re still using the luxurious bath towels a dear old aunt got us as a wedding gift. These plush and thick hydrocotton towels from Nordstrom come in an array of colors and only get softer with use. The reviews are seriously passionate so you might want to move fast on this one and not lose out on Anniversary Sale prices!
BUY FROM: Nordstrom, SALE $20.90 (Regularly $29.00, 27.9% Off!)
Parachute Down Pillow
Oh, yes. Good quality pillows are a registry must—you’re only going to rest your head on them every single night. These down pillows from Parachute are somehow both lofty and supportive, providing supreme nighttime comfort. Responsible Down Standard certified and comes with a 60-night trial.
Parachute Down Duvet
Likewise on the comforter. This duvet by Parachute features 750 fill power for the complete cloud experience. Bed heaven, isn’t that what we’re all searching for?
Linen Tablecloth
When choosing a proper grown-up tablecloth, make sure it’s linen. Linen never goes out of style and, if well cared for, is virtually indestructible. This heirloom-quality style comes from a family-run mill in Lithuania and will look great dressed up at the holidays or down during cozy family meals.
Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Luggage Set
Your Next Phase In Life calls for some good luggage, for the honeymoon and beyond. This three-piece set is an incredible bargain. Each piece is fitted with multidirectional spinner wheels, interior zip dividers and expansion sleeves. The hard-shell casing ensures they will stand up to years of adventure. Happy trails!
