Visit the Lenox Gallery			1. You're getting married! While you may fall into the camp that thinks this is not necessarily a big deal, the reality is, your life is about to change. Getting married brings a whole new set of perspectives to a relationship. Consequently, it can be fun to start fresh with most things, including home furnishings. While it is not necessary to discard everything you own, choosing new items for your home as a couple provides opportunities for compromise and shared vision. 2. People are going to buy you gifts. You might as well get gifts that you like. You each have developed an individual sense of personal style as single people in this world. It is time to develop a shared sense of style, no matter how eclectic. Even if that entails merging his international beer bottle collection with your antique thimble collection. The goal is to register for other items that will help pull these two collections together ­ to create a fun and, perhaps, quirky décor that mirrors your individual likes and celebrates your differences. Never lose sight of your ultimate goal, which is to create your own unique sense of harmony. 3. Registry gifts do not necessarily have to be based on need and logic. Ideally, your choice should be based primarily on want and desire. If you truly want an item, you are more likely to actually use it. So, let's remove the concept of what you should register for and, instead, focus on the things you would love to own. 4. Create your own concept of practical. Don't allow yourself to get bogged down in outmoded ideas of what is practical, and how items should be used. See our tips under creating a quality registry. 5. Have fun! What could be better than having friends and family, who are predisposed to buy you gifts during this important rite of passage, buy gifts that you actually have chosen for yourself. There is little margin for error ­ provided you register. Your guests receive the satisfaction of not having to read your mind. They know that the gifts they give you will be appreciated because you technically chose it yourself. In other words, you're happy ­ they're happy. And all it took was some fun shopping, (a.k.a. registry) on your part. 6. Learn the lingo. Tabletop and bridal, like any other industry, come with a language all their own. To be able to register intelligently, you need to understand some of the more common phrases and definitions that are likely to be used. How do you learn the lingo? When in doubt ­ ask! Your bridal consultant may not realize she is speaking to you in a foreign language. Be sure to ask her to clarify any terms that you aren't quite sure about. 7. Become an informed consumer. You would never dream of buying a new car without first trying to find out all the features and benefits. First, decide what your basic requirements are. For instance, do you need dinnerware that is dishwasher-safe? Then, decide on what features you are willing to compromise. Now, try to match up all the products that meet your specifications. Not sure what your basic requirements are? Try to put it in the perspective of your everyday needs. Does your taste in beverages run more to soda than sauvignon blanc? Choose crystal stems in larger, all-purpose shapes like an iced beverage glass versus a smaller wine glass. 8. Read the labels! Still confused as to whether a product meets your needs? Often, you can find out what you need to know by reading the label. For instance, Lenox dinnerware is actually marked dishwasher-safe on the back of the plate. The backstamp will also often tell you whether a product is microwave or oven-safe. 9. Speak with an accent. Many couples find themselves paralyzed at the thought of choosing a pattern because they don't understand how one pattern can encompass their ever-changing personal style. The key is adding accents to the table. Look at your table as a wardrobe. Think about your base pattern (dinnerware) as your basic suit or little black dress. Then, find accessories (re: accents to spice up your table) just as you would use a great tie, scarf or jewelry. 10. Learn to be entertaining. You may believe entertaining requires a formal dining room, a sit-down dinner, and a gourmet meal. The reality is, you probably entertain on a regular basis and don't even realize it. Like those friends who come over for beer and popcorn during the game. Or the brother-in-law who drops in for nachos and movies while he "borrows" your washer and dryer for a couple of hours. Entertaining is what you make it. So start out small, and pull out all of the good stuff. Even if it means eating pizza or burritos off your fine china for your next "Playoff" party. Besides, you may surprise yourself. And, when all else fails, there's always takeout. 11. Learn to multi-task. When registering, pay special attention to items that are multifunctional and be creative. For some people, a wine bottle coaster might also be the perfect candleholder or candy dish. 12. Out of sight = out of mind. One of the biggest mistakes people make with their fine tableware is to store it in out-of-the-way places for special occasions. Stack it out in the kitchen for easy access. That way, you have a constant reminder to pull down your good dishes and crystal and use them for every day. Indulge a little. That's what luxury is all about. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. And once you start receiving items in your registry, visit the Enjoy section on Lenox.com for great ideas on using Lenox for entertaining and every day.