Registering for China?

[Deleted User]

My Bridal Shower is next weekend (planned over my sister's spring breaks, which is why it's so early) so I've been working on our registry, and making sure I have everything set up right.  My FI mom said we needed more "fun things" so I was search discussion boards for ideas, and someone said "if you have some fun friends register for CONDOMS!' Seriously?!  I don't care how fun my friends are, I'd be mortified if my grandma saw condoms on my registry!

But anyways...My FI and I were set on not registering for china because we live in a apartment/don't have anywhere to put it/go to our families houses for holidays.   I guess this is making a lot of people (grandparents/older family friends) upset because they want to buy us something that we will have forever (I tried to say I'll have my kitchenaide mixer forever but apparently thats "not the same thing") 

So I was wondering if you were registering for china?  I don't want to look back in 10 years and wish I'd registered for china, but right now I just don't see us using it.

mbatzlaff

We are not registering for china because we already have a set. My family purchased a set of china from a neighbor at a garage sale. I was glad to have it because I hosted a Thanksgiving and FI and I have used it when we do special dinners at home.

My advice is...if you get china you may as well use it. You don't need to wait for a holiday or for other people to visit. I think you'll be glad you have it and it really is the only time you'll get a chance to register for some.

Lobsters25

We are also inheriting a set, but if we weren't, I certainly would.  There is the matter of having it for nice holidays, or just fun days where you feel like using the dishware, but there's also more considerations.  As PP said, there's no other time you'd really be able to do it, nor would you probably simply go out and buy it.  Also, if you plan on having children one day, it might be nice to have a set that you could pass on to them.

BTCarolus

I agree w/ PPs, if you don't have family china, then register for new china. And then use it. Everything that I've read about china v. stoneware is that modern china is actually a lot more durable than stoneware, and that you can actually use it as your everyday dinnerware.

libby2483

We are not registering for china because we already have some from my FI grandmother.  We honestly don't use it very much, but it is nice to have for those special occasions.

random4180

We're not registering for it; it just seems pointless to me. I don't see us ever using it- we actually have a ton of plates and cups and mugs and it is probably my least favorite thing whenever we move, lol- packing dishes is the worst! I think if it's something that you're used to as a family tradition or something, then maybe that would change your mind but for us, we really don't think we need it. My parents don't have any and no one's mentioned anything about it to us yet. I've got my pictures and such for my wedding memories and, I dunno, I can't really see myself getting really nostalgic about plates, if that makes any sense. 

rojacobs

I had the same question about china.  I never really saw the point of it, probably because I didn't realize we were using anything special when I was growing up.  When we registered at Macy's and Crate & Barrel we learned that bone china is extremely durable.  Who knew?  We registered for some quite simple/plain bone china from Macy's from the Hotel Collection, something that I think we would use more than just a couple times a year.

Slider_852000

I registered for china on our bed bath and beyond registry and am going to put the save one on my macys registry. I have a set of china already that my grandmother gave to me it has survived a flood and I am to scaired to use it so I would use the set we get as a wedding gift and leave the other one in the cabinet on display. I also am in a apartment but if your worried about not using it now register for the china storage or buy it bed bath and beyond has it someday if you get a house you will have it or you can hand it down to your daughter/daughter in law or granddaughter its a family heirloom.

[Deleted User]

We decided not to.  We realize its something we may want later, but we don't have the space for it now.  We also haven't found a set we realloy love... and I don't want to register for something just to have it.  I want to really love the set we get. 

gymbugmj2k

im inheriting a set (possibly 2), so we didn't pick china.  our everyday plates are a bit nicer, so they can be used as formalware when needed. Even if you're in an apartment, I would consider getting a full set of dishware. FI has his apartment set still, but we have that as 'backup', not our everyday set.  Even if you dont have the space at the moment, but could see yourselves using the item later -- get it.  It can always be stored at a parent's house or in boxes in the basement until it is needed.  ...we typically go elsewhere for holidays, but once we have the space, and our grandmas/moms get up there in age, we'll be the ones to host the holidays.

Some ideas for you in case you really don't want china dishware and would rather use your everyday set for all occasions:
servingware and platters
A nice, formal set of silverware (your everyday set can get scratched and worn looking)
Formal glasses (our 'everyday' set is fairly nice and all matches, so we didnt do this)
formal tablecloths, napkins, napkin rings, table accessories (candles, centerpieces, etc)


some 'fun' ideas could include DVDs or music, household technology (ipads, other 'tech toys'), gift cards to restaurants, or other 'date night' type ideas. one of my friends had stuff like cooking classes, or a wine tasting trip.  some consider this stuff tacky, but it all depends on your family and guest list.

mercy4

We registered for it and my grandmother is starting to add to my collection for every holiday.  I think it's important to have, and if you're in an apartment now, just think that someday you will probably move into something bigger.  My friends who are getting married are only registered for two of everything and I want to tell them that one day they are going to have someone over and need a third plate.  Think for the future, because when will you buy yourself an 8 or 12 piece set of fine china?

Belle0000

We don't have any and aren't registering for it.  There are a number of other things that I'd rather have off of our registry before a set of china, and honestly I don't think we'd use it.  Maybe for holidays, but my family is very large, and if we were to host people for dinner or the holidays, it would inevitably be way more people than we'd have place settings for. We registered for a nicer everyday set from C&B.

random4180

^^^Yeah, that practical bit of it is true for me too-I have eight siblings; we're seriously 1 or 2 weddings away from needing to rent spaces for family get togethers! A formal setting for four people doesn't really make a dent in that crowd. We have at least three different sets of plates, two sets of bowls, one set of smaller saucer-sized plates, about twelve coordinating mugs...honestly, I inherited a paperback book of my Dad's from when he was in high school or college and a charm bracelet my mom had as a kid and I appreciate that a lot so I think if china's not "your thing" there's still the opportunity to create your own heirlooms. 

kap617

We didn't register for any.  For one thing, I don't think we'll really ever use it.  Maybe on a rare holiday.  Secondly (and more importantly to me), I was afraid we wouldn't receive everything we ask for, and I don't want to get stuck with half a set of china and have to purchase the rest ourselves.

saraschilling88

We don't have any and aren't registering for it, instead we will probably do what my Mom did, and when we find a few styles of Corelle Ware (sp?) that we love we will get them and ask for pieces for Xmas and birthdays.  We are happy with the dishes we have right now, and don't love any designs out there. 

My Mom doesn't use china, but she has holiday dishes and rest of the year dishes, she brings out the holiday dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years (its kind of winter dishes)!!