Registry Redux: Serving Ware

Yay, you're engaged! Now what?

You're about to start a life with someone, and that life requires an immense amount of equipment — the tools of living! These can include things for the bedroom, the bathroom, and the living room, but most importantly, you'll need tools for the kitchen.

How do you go about choosing the right pots, the perfect pans, and the sharpest knives? We have you covered. All week long we'll be bringing you tips of the trade on what's hot in the kitchen (excuse the pun) and what the necessities are for making meals for your family, your friends, your spouse, and hosting parties that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Last and most certainly not least on our weeklong adventure into registry town is serving ware. Post-honeymoon, when you're all settled in at your new place, you're going to be eating with the cutlery and the flatware, you're going to be cooking with the cookware and baking with the equipment — but what are you going to eat on, and what will you serve with? Ah, therein lies a good question.

While there are tons of platters and plates to be had, let's get down to the basics. We've turned to Bloomingdale's and their Little Registry Guide: The (Very) Latest Rules of the Registry for a little guidance and added our own tips! Here's what you'll need:

• Eight to 12 everyday dinnerware sets (dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, and mug)
            o When choosing a setting, show off your personality. Reflect who you are as a couple in your colors and patterns. 

• Eight to 12 china sets (optional)
            o China doesn't have to be so formal anymore — some sets are dishwasher-safe, you can mix and match styles, and you can even double casual dinnerware as china if you want to! 

• Crystal pieces (optional — decanter, pitcher, bowls, cake cutter, etc.)
            o When entertaining, nothing says formal like crystal. 

• Two to three serving platters (rectangle, oval, square)
            o Experiment with different sizes and shapes to create texture on your table. 

• Two to three serving bowls (pasta/rice, side servers, etc.)
            o Different heights and shapes make for more visual space. 

• Salt and pepper shaker

            o For when you need a little flavor. 

• Gravy Boat
            o Because everyone needs a little extra, right? 

• Serving Tray
            o How are you going to carry everything from the kitchen to the dining room?