Useful. Beautiful. Mine.
The items I'm inviting into my next chapter.
This letter is in partnership with Zola, a wedding planning platform that simplifies every part of the journey — from building a free wedding website to ordering matching invites, managing RSVPs, and even creating your registry. Fellow brides, take notes!
When people asked what to get me for my bridal shower, I said, “No gifts.” And I meant it. Kevin and I have lived together for almost three years now; we’re not starting a household. We are fortunate enough to have everything we need. And in my job, I am already on the receiving end of so much! I was already asking friends to travel for the shower, and that was enough. Their presence was the only gift I wanted. So when people insisted, I asked them to bring a funny piece of gossip or a toast, instead.
Even though I didn't want gifts, since announcing my engagement, I’ve heard from so many other brides-to-be wondering what to register for. It got me thinking about what makes a great bridal shower or wedding gift. So I created a bridal shower registry for you to use as inspiration on Zola, which has a broad selection of products for every stage of life. My take: the key is to keep it simple, pragmatic, and elegant.
For me, that means luxurious sheets that don’t ask to be ironed, cookware sturdy enough to be an heirloom, and interesting glassware to inject my home bar with some personality. Not just things I need, but things that make me feel like my life is stretching towards something softer.
I built the bones of my home in my twenties when I spent the bulk of my career writing about food, not fashion. I lived in Atlanta, and a solid third of my friends were chefs. Between that and an old-school Southern Mom, I was privy to a lot of great insight from both her and the professionals around me about what was beautiful and functional that could also really take a beating. Southern food is famous for a reason, and you need good tools to do right by it.
There are things here I have already owned for years that have more than earned their keep, items we’ll eventually add to our wedding registry, and a few outrageous selections that feel extravagant, but worth it.
Material Kitchen’s coated pan is such an indispensable item in our kitchen; we own two. It’s perfect for morning eggs and delicate fish. We reach for it daily.
I could say the same for Staub’s Cocotte Dutch Oven. The heavy bottom and coated cast iron make it nearly impossible to burn, and it’s visually appealing sitting on the burner.
Match Pewter has been a staple in my household for years. I recently bought a coffee can that keeps beans air-sealed attractively, but the aesthete in me, who prefers beauty over function, is very drawn to this tiny little bud vase.
I recently told Kevin I want a small cutting board. All of ours are very large, which is typically what I go for — I like a lot of surface area to spread out and zone my prep. But for quick jobs, snacks, and lunch, I think this little guy is great, mainly because it’s much faster to clean.
One of my best life tricks applies to sheets and towels: buy lots of the same kind in the same color, and you’ll never have to worry about matching sets. White and cream play nicely with everything else, too, should you decide you want to inject a little novelty. This time of year, it’s linen and lightweight cotton for us. Coyuchi is one of the best.
I think these tilting tumblers from Ichendorf are a trip. I’d stash them in our bar and bring them out for guests who like brown liquor.
Smithey Ironware Co. is a Charleston-based brand I became smitten with when I lived in South Carolina. Any Southerner will tell you that a well-seasoned cast-iron pan is the backbone of a well-outfitted kitchen. Nothing will give you a better sear on your proteins or crispier pie crust.
I’m a complete simp for anything Christofle. This silver-plated caviar server is crying out for some champagne and Ossetra.
East Fork Pottery is a North Carolina-based ceramics brand that made a big to-do of opening up shop when I lived in Atlanta. It was an instant hit with everyone, and collectors share a sense of kinship. My old friend, Chef Anne Quatrano, used to email me tips when she found good stock or a sale on our favorite colors. I’m not sure if she still uses them in her restaurants, but anyone who knows her will tell you that her taste is flawless. It’s challenging to find something tough enough for a commercial kitchen that’s still this beautiful.
I need a generous pour of coffee in the morning, which means I need a generously-sized mug to suit.
The aforementioned generous pour of coffee also needs to be generous in its strength. Nothing gives me bawdier coffee than a French Press, and I love the ceremony of it on a slow morning. This one from Ichendorf is so cheerful.
Finishing on a frivolous note, I love the formality of these L’Objet salt and pepper shakers. They look like something that belonged in my Gram Gram’s grand dining room, glinting in the reflection of her enormous crystal chandelier. She called me “sugar” in a gooey Southern drawl, had built-ins made especially for her indoor violets, and wore diamonds reserved exclusively for dinner time. We had many a great Thanksgiving at that table, and these shakers remind me of the store-bought black pepper they’d always have back before everyone got a pepper grinder.
Love!!!!!!!! 🤍🤍🤍🤍