dinnerware

The scanner gun is unholstered and a store full of kitchen delights spreads out in front of you. But before you pull that trigger, have you done your research? While wedding registries may seem like a green light to sign up for every dish, appliance, and throw pillow of your dreams, making smart list choices will help ensure that your generous guests buy the items you can really use . . . and eliminate the need to rent a storage locker to stockpile your new stuff.

First up, we're serving up some tips on how to select the best dinnerware for your needs and lifestyle. Those plates, bowls, and coffee cups may seem awfully plain next to that shiny chrome espresso machine, but you'll end up using them more frequently than virtually any other item in your kitchen cabinets, so you'd better love them for the long haul. Ready to dish on dinnerware? Just read on.

Future newlyweds, are you thinking of investing in a full set of china? It's a big, big porcelain world out there, and there are a few things you should probably know before settling on the perfect set of china. First things first: not all ceramic dinnerware is the same! The quality of china depends on a number of variables, from firing temperatures to clay content — but familiarize yourself with these four categories, and you'll be one step ahead of the game. Learn more when you keep reading.

With a baby on the way and a handbag collection in the works, Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman continues to expand her elegant evening product offering. This fall the Marchesa for Lenox tableware collection—including dinnerware, stemware, and flatware—lands in stores and online. Eight dinnerware patterns inspired by Marchesa's red-carpet dresses (Floral Illustrations, Spring Lark, Palatial Garden, French Lace, Painted Camellia, Porcelain Lace, Paisley Bloom, and Marchesa Rose) feature lace detailing and floral embellishments, just like the gorgeous dresses turned out by Chapman.

There was a time when monogrammed dinnerware was reserved for Southern Belles and traditional homemakers. Today, everyone is getting in the game of having their everyday plates and fine china painted with their initials. As wedding season gears up, you may even find a few ambitious registries seeking out their own personalized tableware. Monogramming is pretty, but pairing personalization with porcelain does not come cheap — these lovely Birds on a Wire Dessert Plates are $75 for a set four ceramic dishes. In the end it's just a small price to pay for eating off your very own words.

Here are a few more of my favorites.

Some people see plates as, well, just plates. I see them as bases for tiered cupcake stands, wall art, and jewelry trays. So when I happen upon a divine selection, such as Nathalie Lété's selection at Anthropologie, I can hardly walk away from them. When the French artist was commissioned to design for Anthropologie, I knew we were in for a treat. But to my surprise, it's the kind of treat I can actually afford. At $24 a plate, they may not be a bargain, but they certainly beat some of the artwork I've been perusing or the China I tend to ogle. Once again, the most heartbreaking part about seeing the vast selection of the romantic plates is my inability to take home every single piece for my hutch. I have to admit, I was taken with the pup. I could practically hear the petite painted dog on a green trim scalloped plate yelping for me to take him home.

Lenox has teamed up with Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa to launch a new couture tabletop collection. Marchesa by Lenox will include dinnerware, stemware, flatware, and giftware. The line will feature eight custom dinnerware patterns inspired by Marchesa's eveningwear and bridal gown designs, from lace detailing to rose embellishments.

"We wanted to develop this collection the same way we do each of our gowns, with one-of-a-kind designs and detailed craftsmanship — creating a uniquely elegant dinnerware style not yet found in the market," says Chapman. The patterns will include Floral Illustrations, Spring Lark, Palatial Garden, French Lace, Painted Camellia, Porcelain Lace, Paisley Bloom, and Marchesa Rose. Better yet, all pieces will be dishwasher and microwave safe! The collection will debut in stores and online this Fall. Sounds fabulous! It's definitely a must for your wedding registry!

If you are planning a wedding, already happily wed, or still looking for Mr. Right, start sharing your big day with our community and download our wedding registry!

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When we're talking fine china and silver, we don't all have the luxury of having complete matching sets of dinner and serving pieces. Luckily, mixed sets can still look just as chic. Whether it's a tea set, antique silverware, or a mismatched set of dinner plates, there are a few things you can do to make building a mismatched set look purposeful, while still keeping your costs down.

First of all, in-store sales at home décor shops are a great place to find bargains on fine china and silver on pieces that don't make a full set. For instance, you might find two dinner plates at a great price, but you'll have to come up with four more to serve a party of six. You can also find great bargains at flea markets and thrift stores, but you'll have to do more sifting to find good quality pieces.

Read my essential tips for building your own set of mismatched tableware.