Lauren and Ian: The Soon-to-Be Homeowners

Behind the Wish List

Lauren Gilligan, 30, and Ian Stanton, 32, lived together for three years before Ian filled their apartment with candles and rose petals and asked Lauren to be his wife. They already had some of the household basics, but since these two were planning on moving from an apartment to a house the following year, their registry list needed to include enough items to fill their new, larger kitchen and dining space. After checking out about six stores, the couple narrowed it down to their three favorites. Even though the couple agreed on nearly everything, on some things, they divided and conquered: Ian got the last say on the pots and pans because he cooks more. Since Lauren cared more about china, she chose the pattern that made her “think of all the Christmases ahead.”

Favourite Registry Item: Wedgwood Seville China

“When I started receiving pieces of my china, it became real that Ian and I were going to be a family.” Lauren says. “I’ll be using it for dinner guests all the time, why not enjoy it?”

Take Our Advice

You know what you need best: Just because the booklet at the store says you should register for something doesn’t mean that you have to. Lauren and Ian, for instance, had a satisfactory stash of everyday wine glasses already, but added new ones to their list because they felt pressure. When the stemware arrived, however, the couple realized that they didn’t really really want them. So they returned the glasses (and kept the credit!) and are waiting to find some that they can’t live without.