Top Ten Registry Shops: Pottery Barn
In June I began a series entitled Top Ten Registry Shops, which focuses on Connecticut based stores that are perfect picks for your registry. Last time we looked at Macys and all the benefits of registering there. Today I want to talk about Pottery Barn.
I’ll admit, choosing to register at Pottery Barn is a matter of taste. If you don’t like Pottery Barn’s style, well, there are nine other Top Picks for you to choose from! For those of you who like the style of Pottery Barn, you can find almost all of your registry items in one store. You can register for a pillow sham and a day bed – the options are endless. Here are some of my favorite items that appeal to a wide variety of tastes:
Great White Dinnerware
In my eyes, Pottery Barn’s great white dinnerware collection is the end all, be all, of casual dinnerware. As a matter of fact, if you are not going to register for your bridal china, this set easily translates into a more formal setting. I love the clean, smooth shape of the set and the polished finish. I recommend to my brides that they register for white dinnerware. Why? Think about the investment you are making in buying all these beautiful pieces. The quality of the product is really superb, so you should be using this dinnerware for many years to come. In 10, 15 to 20 years, this collection will still be fresh and modern unlike some of the other fad dinnerware that is appealing. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t buy what you like – but mix and match, supplementing other pieces with styles that you like. I recommend registering for at least 12 place settings, but it is wise to register for up to 16. You may never use them but at least they are available should Christmas be at your house soon!
Various Glass Service Pieces
It is so important that you don’t forget about these beautiful and functional pieces! Register for a wine decanter, glass iced tea pitcher, or margarita pitcher! You will use them, especially if you love to entertain. And while you’re not using them? Double them up as vases!
Entertaining & Serving Pieces
Don’t forget about the platters and large pieces that come with your dinnerware and china – but also find supplemental pieces that you can use for serving appetizers, drinks, and other goodies. Pieces from Pottery Barn that I love? The wine barrel lazy susan, the barona tray, and the barona cheese board.
Pottery Barn has also entered into the modern era when it comes to bridal registries: you can update your registry 24/7 online and receive a 10% discount on any items not received on your registry within one year. So, which Pottery Barn stores in Connecticut have the best selection? Well, almost all of them are the same, but here are my picks: Farmington in the West Farms Mall, Wethersfield at Evergreen Walk, Westport on Main Street, and Danbury in the Danbury Fair Mall. Do go to the store to register, even if they don’t carry all the items. Their staff are super friendly and will make it a fabulous experience for you, which is so important! I especially like the staff at the Westfarms Mall in Farmington. They are extra fabulous!
One last and important detail: Pottery Barn’s return policy is overly accommodating. I’ve ordered A LOT of pieces from them over the years, and if ever I was unsatisfied with something or my item was unintentionally damaged during shipping, I got a replacement immediately. I’ve always been impressed with their customer service!
Part of the Top Ten Registry Shops series
- Top Ten Registry Shops: Macys
- Top Ten Registry Shops: Pottery Barn
Top Ten Registry Shops: Macys
I wanted to share with you all some of my top stores to register for your bridal shower and wedding. This will be a running blog series of Connecticut and online based stores that you should consider. I want to do an in-depth look at the stores themselves, what they have to offer, who to contact, and what you should expect. I’ve visited these stores personally and I’ve spoken to the registry experts to ensure that you can maximize your experience!
When you register, be sure to bring along your mother, grandmother, maid of honor, or close girlfriends. Having an interested family member or friend around can help you in selecting items you wouldn’t think of or they can point you in the right direction. I’m also available to my clients to assist in registering. But don’t invite too many opinions or it could be chaos! Be sure to allot yourself a significant amount of time – this isn’t a quick “in and out” shopping trip. Take your time and enjoy the process!
My first pick is Macys Department Store. I’m sure you’re all familiar with this renowned shopping Mecca, but you may not realize all the benefits of registering at Macys.
First and foremost, I want to talk about the process of registering at Macy’s and which stores you should consider visiting. There are a variety around the state, but I’ve chosen these three because there is a great selection to choose from, the items are displayed beautifully, and the store appearance and service is impeccable. My top picks in order are:
1.) Connecticut Post Mall – They just recently redid the interior and all I have to say is: WOW! I never knew a Macy’s could be even more beautiful and inviting! Their selection of china is impressive, with every china pattern imaginable available. From Kate Spade, to Lennox, Wedgewood, to Vera Wang they have it all. Plus, they’ve devoted an entire floor to their home section!
2.) West Farms Mall – This Macy’s is equally as impressive, just not newly renovated. But they do have an impeccable selection of top designer registry items and an equally impressive selection of affordable items. They also have a furniture store where you can register for that beautiful buffet or leather club chair you’ve been eyeing!
3.) Danbury Fair Mall – This Macys is also beautiful and has a wide variety of items to select. They too have a furniture store.
When you arrive at Macy’s to register you are greeted by one of their registry experts. These experts have been educated on all the products that Macy’s sells and they are there to assist you and answer any questions that you may have. They will enter your information into their computer system and talk to you about the benefits of registering at Macy’s. Traditionally, Macy’s has offered “perks” to their customers who register, such as 10% off all registry items that were not purchased, free items if certain big ticket items are purchased (such as pots & pan sets, china sets, knife sets), and double rewards points on your Macy’s card. The registry expert will give you a variety of promotional material to look over, a “check list” (although I recommend you bring your own or if you are my client, the one I provide you) and your scanner, which you’ll use to scan the items that you would like to register for. Resist the urge to scan erratically, feverishly and obsessively (trust me, you will experience this phenomenon!). Make sure that the items you scan are items that you truly want. Also be sure to include items that range in a variety of price points so your guests can choose a gift that they can afford.
Once your information is complete in their system, they like to give you a tour of their home department and can help you shop for each item you’re interested in. If you’d prefer to privately register and shop, you should speak up and let the assistant know that and if a question arises you’ll look for her. Remember, they are there to help and are a well full of information.
What I love best about Macy’s is it is truly a one stop shop. For the kitchen you have dinnerware and entertaining items (china, everyday, glasses, barware, platters, serving utensils, crystal, vases… the list goes on!), cookware and bakeware, kitchen gadgets and necessities, top quality knives and sets, and a wide selection of kitchen electronics. Be sure to check out Martha Stewart’s new collection of everyday dinnerware. They are timeless and beautiful! For the bedroom they have a wide variety of designers and bedding assembles to choose from. You can select individual pieces, mix and match, or do a traditional “bed in a bag.” Be sure to register for two bedroom sets – one fall/winter and one spring/summer! You can also outfit your entire bathroom – from the shower curtain to the soap dispenser Macy’s offers it all. They also have luggage and furniture (at select stores).
Another benefit is your family and friends can view your registry online and make purchases online. You can also manage your registry straight from your desktop, adding and deleting items at will.
Part of the Top Ten Registry Shops series
- Top Ten Registry Shops: Macys
- Top Ten Registry Shops: Pottery Barn
