questions. The Julia Child cookbooks
also are very big sellers."
There's definitely a big trend for
couples to want gifts that will make
it easier for them to entertain, says
Roxy Gerber, national tabletop
coordinator for Oneida, which has
a bridal registry. Couples want fun
item but they also want traditional
gifts," she says. "I think 9/11 gave
everyone a little different perspective.
Now entertaining at home is
very popular. Couples may not be
cooking the meal but they are having
people over to be entertained.
We are still selling a lot of the same
patterns that we sold 45 years ago,
as well as more recent patterns
that we have brought out."
Registering online is easier than
ever and it's a great way to stay
organized. TheKnot.com is one
site that has its own merchandise
as well as partnerships with such
stores as Fortunoff and Linens 'n
Things. Besides registering, couples
can update their wish list at
any time of day or night. Popular
here are out-of-the-ordinary presents
such as an at-home beer
brewing kit. And believe it or not,
you can even register here to
receive cash!
At WeddingList.com, Martha
Stewart's site, couples can register
for items for every room of the
house. The site has 150 brand
names and an assortment of exclusive
items. Couples get e-mail
notices of the gifts as they are
bought, and they have the option
to exchange them before they are
even delivered.
When all is said and done, traditional
items continue to be popular
at many registries. Take Tiffany's,
for example. Among the hot gifts
here are a champagne cooler, a
King William cake server and an
elegant pitcher. In the end, experts
say, many couples are aiming to
blend old with new, traditional with
contemporary, with the idea of creating
a cozy, inviting home for
when they return from the honeymoon.
