Throughout life, there are a handful of milestones that call for starting anew. These moments create a unique kind of beauty, one that invites others to help usher us into a new chapter—showered in love.
Events like weddings, graduations, or even housewarmings often call for a registry, or “wishlist” of desired items for the transition in store. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about this tradition is that it welcomes your community into the story of your space and allows them to contribute heirlooms in the making. A teapot gifted by Grandma. Flatware handpicked by Mom. A Dutch oven from a sourdough-baking friend. One piece at a time, you’ll start to see your home together—and remember the people who helped complete it.
Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end this season, we’re sharing a checklist of registry essentials worth noting. We also tapped a few team members to get their two cents on favorites they’ve added to their lists and why you should, too.
What’s a Registry, Anyway?
Think of it like this: shopping without the currency. In simple terms, a registry is a wishlist of items a couple or individual would enjoy receiving during a big life change—like a wedding, move, or graduation. Although it can feel counterintuitive to make a shopping list without actually…shopping, creating a registry is a great way to take the guesswork out of gifting for guests who want to support you.
Pro tip: Many well-known wedding sites, like The Knot or Zola, include a universal registry feature that allows you to list items from multiple retailers all in one place.
Our Registry Essentials Checklist
Although not prescriptive, we’re sharing a checklist of categories and household items to add. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by decisions, consider this a first step in building a home you love. Start with the basics, then layer in a few things just for fun. Most importantly, remember this: Your home will evolve with you. This is just the start!
KITCHEN
Think through your favorite foods, and what tools it takes to prepare them. This can help personalize a kitchen to your taste. (For example, if stir fry is your go-to, register for a wok!)
- Glass measuring cups (Jo likes Pyrex!)
- Measuring spoons
- Nesting measuring cups (Opt for embossed markers vs. printed so they don’t fade.)
- Wooden spoons
- Rubber or silicone spatulas
- Whisks
- Slotted spoon
- Metal spatula
- Ladle
- Hinged citrus press
- Knives (chef’s, paring, and bird's peak)
- Vegetable peeler
- Microplane grater
- Rolling pin (Jo prefers marble for everyday use.)
- Tongs
- Box grater
- Pastry blender
- Extra-large stainless-steel bowl
- Nesting mixing bowls
- Small prep bowls + ramekins
- Pie plates (stoneware, clay, or ceramic)
- Baking sheets
- Large cast-iron skillet
- Tall stockpot
- Deep casserole dish (A 9 x 13-inch pan is standard.)
- Cutting boards
- Mortar + pestle
- Biscuit cutters
- Kitchen towels
- Cookbooks
- Jars (Mason or Weck work great!)
- Storage canisters
- Strainer
- Bench scraper
- Serving utensils
- Salad tossers
- Thumb-press scoop
- Can opener
- Cheese knives
- Pizza cutter
- Spoon rest
- Tea kettle
- Utensil crock
- Cookware set (stainless steel or nonstick)
- Recipe box + cards
TABLETOP
Registering for 12 place settings is a great place to start. This ensures a collection that can handle hosting and keep up with your family as it grows.
- Dinner + salad plates
- Pasta + cereal bowls
- Tall tumblers
- Short tumblers
- Wine glasses
- Cocktail glasses
- Butter dish (Try a butter bell to keep fresh for longer.)
- Napkins
- Tablecloth + runner
- Chargers
- Flatware
- Pitcher
- Coffee mugs + tea cups
- Barware (shaker, bottle opener, jigger, etc.)
- Serving bowls
- Serving boards
- Cake stand
APPLIANCES
It can be helpful to keep counter and cabinet space in mind when registering for appliances. Prioritize what you’ll use the most!
- Food processor
- Electric stand mixer (Great for big-batch baking!)
- Immersion blender
- Blender
- Handheld electric mixer (Pairs well with a stainless-steel bowl.)
- Air fryer
- Crockpot or pressure cooker
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
BED + BATH
Choosing two sets of sheets and bath towels is a great way to have extras on hand and alternate while washing. See a breakdown of each bedding layer here.
- Sheet set (Most come with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases.)
- Coverlet
- Duvet or quilt (If you opt for a duvet, you’ll need an insert, too.)
- Pillows
- Throw pillows
- Throw blankets
- Pillow cases + shams
- Bath towels (Cotton is absorbent and dries quickly.)
- Hand towels
- Washcloths
- Bath mat Hamper
- Shower curtain
- Trash can
- Organizers or canisters
- Soap dispenser
DECOR
Reminder: Adding things just for fun is allowed! In addition to home decor, select a few games, books, and crafts you’d enjoy doing together. Think outside of the box about items you probably wouldn’t buy for yourself.
- Candles (Gift the subscription for year-round scents.)
- Vases
- Taper holders + taper candles (Our Gatecrest Candleholders are Jo’s go-to!)
- Art + wall decor
- Lamps
- Picture frames
- Baskets
- Planters
- Rugs
Team Must-Haves
We tapped a few team members around the office to get their two-cents on Magnolia items worth adding to your list:
“Jo’s Magnolia Table cookbooks. Being newly married, it’s so fun to flip through and pick out new recipes to make together. So far, some favorites are Jo’s Lemon Bars (vol. 1), Weeknight Salmon (vol. 2), and Brussels Sprouts Gruyere Gratin (vol. 3).”—McGee P.
“We put the Palmer Bed in our guest room and love it! I also have woven plant stands throughout the house. They feel very vintage, but clean!”—Lucy D.
“The Washed Linen Cotton Duvet Cover is the softest duvet cover I've ever had. Even after washing time and time again, it doesn't wrinkle. Should a small wrinkle or two show up, it looks natural and intentional. It's also durable and stands the test of time against pets—both cat and dog.”—Ian C.
“I appreciate how our candles help light the way through the full year—with scents that encapsulate each season's essence and mood. I have a go-to for spring, summer, fall, and the holidays, of course! Plus, they're easy to gift (or add to a larger gift) because who doesn't love candles?!”—Hayley Z.
“I love our Green Glass Measuring Cups, the French Grey Baking Dishes, and really any of our throw blankets. The measuring cups are a fun design of something super utilitarian that I use every day. I love the baking dishes because you can put them in the oven and take them straight out to serve. And our throw blankets are so cozy with a great weight and material!”—Lindsey P.
At the end of the day, it’s not the pieces that make a home—it’s who we host inside of it. And small tokens of love, gifted in milestone moments, can be life-long reminders that a well-loved home is one built together.
