Registering for wedding gifts is one of the wedding planning to-dos that you should "drag" your fiancé to. After all, the gifts you’ll be getting for your engagement, shower and wedding will be for him too, right?I asked Michael Graves, designer of the Michael Graves Design line at Target for his top three registry tips. Here’s what he had to say:
Tip 1: Essential Kitchen Gadgets for All
When considering what kitchen gadgets to register for, couples should start with a few key essentials such as cutlery, food storage containers, blender, smooth-edge can opener, angled measuring cups, remote cooking thermometer, silicone oven mitts, apple corer and slicer, potato ricer, garlic press, cheese grater and vegetable peeler.
Also consider gadgets that you use everyday such as the toaster oven, microwave, coffee pot, salt and pepper mills, paper towel holder and napkin holder.
Tip 2: Customize your Kitchen Gadget Assortment
With the popularity of food cooking shows, magazines and Web sites, more and more couples are venturing into the kitchen. Depending on one’s experience and passion for cooking, there’s a wide variety of gadgets available for cooks of any skill level.
Discuss what your food habits are and register for kitchen gadgets that make the most sense for your individual needs. Don’t end up with a large kitchen gadget that stays in the box hidden away in a cabinet for months or even years.
Once you’ve covered your basic gear, build your registry according to your unique cooking needs and skill level. Some specialty items to consider include a hand mixer, food processor, spice rack, kitchen tool set, mandoline slicer, wine rack, roasting oven, Panini press, bread maker, rice cooker, deep fryer and food processor.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget About Design
Keep in mind that kitchen gear doesn’t have to be solely utilitarian. I designed my collection for Target with a modern aesthetic in mind that will add an interesting look to any kitchen décor. Have fun with your kitchen design and use counter-top appliances as the show pieces of your décor.
Find the universal essence of your kitchen needs and infuse them with products that add a dash of whimsy and familiarity yet enhance your life by bringing a smile to your face everyday.
Personal Note: I have a Michael Graves dust pan that I use all the time. It's great because once you sweep the dust in it doesn't fall out. It gets caught in a lip built into the design. I couldn't find it on the Target Web site, but I know it's still in stores.
