Kitchen & Hosting Must-Haves for Your Wedding Registry: Essentials You’ll Use Forever
Let us start off by saying congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This is such an exciting time, and we’re happy to be a small part of it. When you’re building your wedding registry, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of scanning everything in sight. But trust us, some of those choices will really stand the test of time. Since our own weddings a few years ago, we’ve learned what’s worth the hype—and what you can skip. Here’s a peek into the items from our registries (yes, real-life ones) that we still use every single day, along with a few tips for curating your own list.
We’re working on putting together a mega list with all items for your new home as a married couple, but let’s start in the kitchen because, let’s be real, this is where we spend a majority of our time— our kitchens are truly the heart of our homes. If you’re building your wedding registry or simply upgrading your kitchen essentials, these are the items we’re still obsessed with years later.
Pro Tip: You can shop each item individually by clicking the links or check out the full roundup in our LTK post.
Also, a lot of these items are available at other stores, so if you’re only registering at Crate&Barrel for example, definitely do a search. We both found that registering at Zola was a great move since they source from many stores and even have an option to add links from other stores they aren’t affiliated with.
Shop Our Favorite Kitchen Appliances
These are the items that will truly stand the test of time. Yes, they are pricey – but think of the cost per use! These items make for great group gifts too – be sure to toggle that option on if your registry allows so different groups of friends or family can go in on a gift that you’ll love for a lifetime.
Vitamix Propel 750 Series
Whether we’re whipping up smoothies or protein shakes, puréeing soups, or making homemade hummus, this powerhouse has been a daily MVP in our kitchens.
Runner-up: If you’re after something more compact and aesthetic, the BEAST Blender is another great option.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
This classic is an absolute must-have for baking, but it doesn’t stop there. From whipping up pizza dough to shredding chicken (yes, chicken!) or making fresh pasta with the attachments, this is a registry staple you’ll use over and over again.
Tip: Choose a neutral color if you want it to seamlessly match your kitchen for years to come, or make it pop with a fun, trendy shade.
Zwilling Electric Kettle Pro
A cup of tea in the evening is part of our wind-down routine, and this electric kettle is a total game-changer. It heats up fast, looks sleek on the countertop, and has pre-set temperature controls so you get the perfect brew every time. We love setting it at 175 degrees so it’s ready to sip in just a few minutes once the tea is done steeping.
Bonus: There is also a boil (212 degrees!) setting that comes in handy more often than you’d think.
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
When we say this does it all, we’re not exaggerating. It toasts, bakes, roasts, air-fries, and even dehydrates. Whether you’re making crispy sweet potato fries, toasting bread, or perfectly reheating leftovers, this compact oven is worth the counter space. We quite literally use it every day!
Runner-up: If you’re after something more budget conscious, B has the Cuisinart version and it’s equally amazing.
Shop Our Favorite Glassware
Beautiful glassware isn’t just functional—it also makes your dinner table feel like a five-star restaurant.
Eve Coupe Glasses
These are ideal for Champagne, martinis, or other fun cocktails at dinner parties. It’s also a great way to dress up mocktails!
Tour Wine & Champagne Glasses
We love the simplicity of these glasses, but they still have a bit of flair. While you can totally mix & match, we love having these in the red wine glass, white wine glass, and champagne glass varieties.
Chroma Double Old-Fashioned Glasses
A must for whiskey fans or for elevating your mocktail game.
Shop Our Favorite Stoneware
Beautiful glassware isn’t just functional—it also makes your dinner table feel like a five-star restaurant…even if you’re just reheating leftovers.
Timeless Dinnerware Set
We each chose a set of neutral stoneware plates and bowls, and three years later, they’re still holding up beautifully. They’re durable enough for everyday meals but polished enough for entertaining guests. Brooke opted for a number of items from the Mercer collection at Crate & Barrel, including the round dinner plates, round salad plates, square dinner plates, square salad plates, and low bowls.
Pro tip: Go for something classic that you’ll love for years, and consider registering for extras in case of chips or breaks down the line.
Timeless Low Bowls
We use these bowls for anything and everything. If it’s even just a tad too saucy for a plate, it goes in this bowl.
The Perfect Butter Dish
We can’t believe it took us until we were married to get a proper butter dish that promised perfectly spreadable butter whenever we want. But wow, what a difference. No more waiting for butter to thaw—this little item is so simple but so satisfying.
Shop Our Favorite Serving Dishes & Platters
This is your chance to mix practical hosting essentials with pieces that make you feel like the ultimate entertainer. Here’s what we’ve loved:
Oven-to-Table Dual Dish
A dual-compartment oven-to-table dish is ideal for sides. We love using it for a classic dip duo (pimento cheese dip and guacamole) or for warm spinach artichoke dip on one side & bread on the other.
Large Bowl
A large white serving bowl is perfect for salads, pasta, or even popcorn. This one is part of the oven-to-table collection so it comes with a wooden stand to protect your table, but we also use it without the stand. Choose your own adventure!
Baking Dish
We love bringing out this baking dish for big meals – think turkey (before we got a legitimate roasting pan) or fancy mac n’ cheese. They call it a potluck baking dish because it comes with a lid, but we’ve also found that the lid adds an elevated touch to a serving table at Thanksgiving!
Chips & Dip Serving Dish
Keep your snacks looking chic & elevated. We love using this for tortilla chips & salsa or guacamole, potato chips & onion dip, or whatever your heart desires.
Registry Tip: Balance Practical & Splurge-Worthy Picks
When building your registry, aim for a mix of practical items you’ll use every day (like a great set of knives) and a few “splurge-worthy” items that feel special. Think of your wedding registry as building the ultimate starter kit for your life together. Even if you have been living together already, this is the time to elevate the items in your cupboards and start fresh! The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, and investing in high-quality items makes everyday tasks feel just a little more luxurious. Whether you’re registering for your wedding or looking to upgrade, these are the pieces that have stood the test of time in our kitchens. We hope you love them as much as we do!
What’s on your kitchen must-have list? Share your favorites in the comments! For more inspiration, take a look at Brooke’s dining room décor or be inspired by this cozy bedroom featuring warm neutrals we love.