Our wedding week fun continues at Macy’s, where you’ll find China patterns for every style.
So, how do you pick a pattern? Should you go for the solid and simple, something ultra modern or a whimsical floral pattern? This is the Painted Camellia pattern by Marchesa.
Painted Camellia pattern
Diane Purpora, a Macy’s wedding consultant, suggests that couples think about their lifestyle, their decor and the colors they like when choosing China.
As Diane showed me, you don’t have to marry any one style. The shape of the New Wave Premium Platinum pattern by Villeroy & Boch below gives it a modern feel. The platinum border adds a traditional touch.
A modern style with a traditional border.
Sometimes a bride will come in with China passed down from her mother or grandmother and want to pick out accent pieces to give it her own look. Adding a different patterned salad or dessert plate can give a setting an instant makeover and is an easy way to change up the look of your table from one occasion to the next.
Take a look at this Lenox Opal Innocence place setting, with polished platinum trim. The scrollwork is subtle enough that you can easily mix in other accent plates.
Lenox Opal Innocence
Watch how the look completely changes when you add in a trendy touch with this Kate Spade polka dot accent plate.
Kate Spade accent plate
This is the India pattern by Wedgwood. It’s the pattern my husband and I chose 11 years ago. Even though I tend to gravitate toward more modern linens and serving pieces, I love this traditional pattern.
India by Wedgwood
Diane encourages brides and grooms to use their China often and not just once or twice a year. She explains that most settings are made to withstand weekly use over the years.
There are also pattens that are designed for both everyday use and entertaining. The fun Lenox Chirp pattern can be dressed up for special occasions and is also casual enough for everyday. Unlike formal China with gold or platinum bands, these dishes can go in the microwave.
Lenox Chirp pattern
For special occasions, you can switch out the turquoise dinner plate for a simple formal one with a platinum border.
Remember the modern set I showed you earlier? Take a look at how the Lenox Chirp salad plate can be used as a fun accent.
The bird plate gives the modern setting a new look.
When creating your look, you don’t have to just use one brand. You can mix and match as long as the whites go together.
Diane says you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $195 on a basic place setting. That includes a dinner, bread and salad plate along with a cup and saucer.
She suggests registering for 12 place settings. If brides and grooms, who are registered at Macy’s, receive at least 10 five-piece settings, they will receive a BONUS vegetable bowl in the matching pattern. That’s typically a $150 value!
That’s one of many reward programs you can enjoy when registering at Macy’s. You can also receive 10% off on home items for 90 days after you are married. Some restrictions apply.
Yesterday, I featured top wedding gifts at Williams-Sonoma. If you missed it, here’s a link. Coming up tomorrow, I’ll have outside-the-box gift ideas from Crate & Barrel.
