REGISTRY = a delicate decision

Crafting a registry was surprisingly exhausting. There are so very many choices that abound, especially in the inundation of commerce that is New York City. But we wanted to make careful suggestions for gifts that are more than simply things—for items with spirit that will add interest to our home, not just clutter. Ultimately, we visited four quite different establishments and selected objects that we would feel comfortable buying ourselves, that seemed helpful, joyful, thoughtful or just beautiful. These registries are also conveniently available online, via phone or in-store.

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If you’re looking for a stunning, over-the-top gift that will make Mary swoon with glee, consider the highlight of our registry: Grand Versailles china from Bernardaud, a family-owned porcelain producer established in 1863 in Limoges, France. The lushly-detailed narrative quality of the pattern is taken from silk tapestries, embroideries, trimmings and brocades found at Louis XIV’s Chateau of Versailles—ooh la la. We’ve registered for these luscious, luxurious dishes, along with some other fancy shmancy stuff, at another family-owned business, Michael C. Fina, a New York institution since 1935.

Please click here for our registry at Michael C. Fina
or call 1.800.Buy.Fina.

We realize that over the past five years of living in the big city, our tastes (and our tolerance for outrageous prices) have evolved—please be forewarned that this china pattern is no exception. If you would like your gift to be something special but think an item from Michael C. Fina seems a bit much, we would also be quite elated to receive gift certificates.

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Perhaps the complete opposite, though equally exquisite, are the playful, functional and smartly original objects at Moss, a haute couture design store that specializes in one-off and limited edition pieces but also carries classic and affordable examples of high-design. Looking to raise an eyebrow of approval from Joshua Ray? These sleekly elegant objects are a wise approach.

Please click here for our registry at Moss
or call 1.866.888.6677.

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We’ve also selected some basic but (mostly) essential household items from Bed Bath & Beyond and Williams-Sonoma, nationwide retailers likely with an outpost near you. Even at these two mega-stores, we did our best to find quality products that would last a lifetime instead of ending up in a landfill. Please do keep in mind that if we didn’t register for it, we probably already have it, so don’t be alarmed by the random collection of choices.

Please click here for our registry at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Please click here for our registry at Williams-Sonoma.