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So you’re getting married. Congratulations! No—not on the nuptials. Congratulations on your opportunity to get a really nice espresso machine. We’re not joking. From your eccentric aunt out in L.A. to your dad’s cousin the electrician, people need gift ideas—even if (especially if) they can’t make the wedding. So dream big and follow our advice: Skip the fine china and Waterford flutes and register for practical items that you’ll actually use. If you play your cards right, you’ll start your new lives with everything but the kitchen sink (hopefully you already have one of those).
But first, coffee
If you’re going all out (and you are—this is your one chance!), register for our favorite full-service espresso machine: the Breville Barista Express. It has a built-in grinder (with an adjustable dial), a milk steam wand, and all the bells and whistles of a professional grade machine for under $1,000.
BUY IT: Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine, $572 on Amazon
And second, more coffee
If you two are so into each other that you don’t mind lingering over a lengthy coffee ritual, register for a Chemex. The classic pour-over design is functional, easy, and quite beautiful. If you’re going the slow-coffee route, don’t forget to register for a grinder, like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro.
BUY IT: Breville Smart Grinder Pro, $180 on Amazon.
Get a food processor
Like an espresso machine, the price tag on a high-quality food processor can be intimidating—which makes it a perfect registry item. We love the Breville for its pair of bowls (2.5 cup and 12 cup), and its storage container for blades and attachments.
BUY IT: Breville Sous Chef Food Processor $300 on Amazon
Without good knives, you're nothing
Register for three: an inexpensive 4-inch paring knife, like the Kuhn Rikon, which won our product test of the best paring knives; an investment-worthy chef’s knife, like the Mac 8" Professional Hollow Edge Chef's Knife; and a versatile serrated knife, like the Misen Essentials one. While you’re at it, register for a set of steak knives and carving set, like this practical Wusthof set. Just cross your fingers that your gift givers know the penny rule.
BUY IT: Kuhn Rikon Nonstick Paring Knife Colori, 4-Inch, $10 on Amazon
BUY IT: Mac 8" Professional Hollow Edge Chef's Knife, $145 on Amazon
BUY IT: Misen Essentials Serrated Knife, $65 at Misen
BUY IT: Wusthof Stainless Steel 10 Piece Steak and Carving Set, $80 on Amazon
And you'll need a good cutting board
Register for a cutting board that could quite literally live forever, given proper care (not unlike your marriage). Our pick for an investment cutting board: a John Boos & Co. Maple Edge-Grain Cutting Board in as large a dimension as your counter has room.
BUY IT: John Boos & Co. Maple Edge-Grain Cutting Board, $95–$235 at Sur La Table
When it comes to pots and pans, get the best of the best
Matching sets are beautiful, but you’re better off owning the greatest hits in each category. Register for a cast-iron skillet that’ll last as long as your marriage, a solid nonstick skillet for everyday use, a hard-working 3-quart saucepan, and a Dutch oven—specifically, Le Creuset's 5 1/2 quart enameled model.
BUY IT: Victoria 1-inch Cast Iron Skillet, $15 on Amazon
BUY IT: Zwilling Madura Plus 10" Nonstick Pan, $50 on Amazon
BUY IT: All-Clad 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan, $150 on Amazon
BUY IT: Le Creuset 5 1/2-Quart Dutch Oven, $345 on Amazon
A Thanksgiving-worthy roasting pan
At some point in your lives together, you’re going to wind up hosting Thanksgiving—or at least making a Sunday roast. The Cuisinart Stainless Steel Roaster can handle both.
BUY IT: Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack, $ 71 on Amazon
A set of mixing bowls
Even if you’re not big on baking, a set of sturdy mixing bowls will always prove useful. We like this trio of Cusinart bowls because of their sturdy base and high sides that prevent splatter. Plus, they have lids!
BUY IT: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids, set of 3, $23 on Amazon
Don't forget the salt and pepper mills
This is an item so basic, it seldom makes the registry—but it should. You’re going to want a pair of Peugeots. We like the modern style, especially the two that could pass for “something blue.”
BUY IT: Peugeot Tahiti Salt and Pepper Mill Set, $65–$75 at Sur la Table
Yes, you actually do need a butter keeper
This is gift guaranteed to get snatched up on the registry by your hippest homemaker friend. The Food52 x Emile Henry French Butter Keeper comes in an array of hues that lend your countertop a little life.
BUY IT: Food52 x Emile Henry French Butter Keeper, $50 at Food52
Now's the time to upgrade your dinnerware
It’s the perfect time to trade in your combined second-hand sets and start fresh. Go sturdy, classic, and classy with Heath Ceramics' Coup Line of plates, bows and mugs. Not sure how many? Think of your ideal dinner party size, then add two for good measure.
BUY IT: Heath Ceramic's Coup Line, 5-piece set, $144 at Heath
But keep the glassware simple
Wine glasses can come later. Barware, too. For now, register en masse for a set of glasses that works for both gin and juice. Crate and Barrel’s simple Rings glasses are versatile and sturdy. Plus, these classics are unlikely to get discontinued anytime soon— which is good news when you accidentally break your first one.
