Your registry is an opportunity to build a complete collection of place settings and create a beautiful table for any occasion. Read on for our recommendations.
Food for Thought
- Register for at least 12 place settings so you can host meals on special occasions. A 5-piece place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, soup-pasta bowl, cup and saucer. A 4-piece place setting substitutes a mug for the cup and saucer.
- Consider registering for two extra place settings to have on hand in case one breaks.
- Include both salad and dessert plates, so you won't have to wash salad plates after the first course.
- Select classic white dinnerware for your place settings. These pieces are timeless and present food beautifully. White dinnerware is suitable for both casual and formal dining.
- Be sure your registry includes mugs for morning beverages, as well as cups and saucers for serving coffee or tea after dinner.
- Change the look of your place settings with colored or patterned plates, linens and serveware. Add these pieces to your registry, then expand your collection over time.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img55.jpg)
The dinner plate is used to serve the main course. A large plate is an elegant way to present food.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img56.jpg)
Salad/Dessert Plate (quantity: 24)
These pieces are slightly smaller than dinner plates and proportioned for salads or desserts; they're also a good choice for first courses. Have two sets of 12 on hand for more than one course.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img57.jpg)
When tea and coffee are served, a set of coordinating cups and saucers makes a stylish presentation. Saucers can also double as small dessert plates.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img58.jpg)
Oversized dishes placed under dinner plates as decorative elements, chargers can also be used as buffet plates or platters for appetizers and desserts.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img59.jpg)
Appetizer Plate (quantity: 12-24)
These small plates serve appetizers, cheeses and other light fare that accompany cocktails or wine. Up to 24 plates will ensure enough to go around.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img60.jpg)
Soup/Pasta Bowl (quantity: 12)
These wide, shallow bowls are traditionally used for serving pasta, risotto and polenta. They also provide classic presentation for soups and stews.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img61.jpg)
These bowls have multiple uses: serving cereal, oatmeal and fruit as well as soups, stews and steamed rice. They also work well for ice cream.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img62.jpg)
Olive Oil Dipping Bowl (quantity: 8-12)
These small bowls are ideal for serving dips, condiments or individual portions of salad dressing. They're also great for nuts and other cocktail fare.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img63.jpg)
Bread and Butter Plate (quantity: 12-24)
Designed to hold dinner rolls or bread and butter, these plates are equally useful for serving breakfast toast, pastries and appetizers.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img64.jpg)
This piece is designed to present butter at the table. Topped with a domed cover, it can also be used to store butter. Two dishes can be placed at opposite ends of the table for large groups.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img65.jpg)
Sauce/Gravy Boat (quantity: 2)
This vessel is useful for serving everything from classic hollandaise and gravy to velvety dessert sauces. For large gatherings, two boats come in handy.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img66.jpg)
A ceramic bread basket can be warmed in the oven, then filled with baked goods wrapped in a cloth napkin. The heat from the basket keeps baked goods warm at the table.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img67.jpg)
Essential for entertaining, a ceramic coffee pot is an attractive way to serve freshly brewed coffee at the dining table. Two pots allow you to serve regular and decaffeinated at the same time.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img68.jpg)
Espresso Cups and Saucers (quantity: 12)
Also known as demitasses, espresso cups hold perfect portions of espresso.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img69.jpg)
When you're serving coffee or tea to guests, these pieces complete your service. A cream pitcher is also handy for serving syrup at breakfast.
![](https://assets.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/recipe/202411/0023/img70.jpg)
For centuries, tea lovers have relied on ceramic pots to brew and keep teas warm at the table.