When choosing a china pattern, think about how you plan on entertaining as well as what pieces you may already own.

If you plan on having the whole family over for big holiday dinners, you may want to register for 12 or more settings of a formal china pattern.  If you prefer a more informal style, and think you may have the gang over for weekend brunches and cocktails after work, you may want to choose a more casual, or fun, pattern.

Remember that you also want to work with what you already own.  If you have a set of china for entertaining, you can add to it, or find another set that compliments it - one you can mix and match with your current set.  If you already own, or you know that you’re going to get/inherit a set of crystal or flatware, take a piece or two with you when you go to register.  This way you’re sure to register for items that match it.

I recently learned about a beautiful line of dishes and beverageware, by Terra Keramik.  It is available in a rainbow of colors so you’re sure to find one to your liking.  You can order everything in the same color or pick a few different hues that match your home’s decor and compliment each other.  If you think these bold colored plates are a little too bright for your dining room table, then you can order just the espresso cups or the small dinner plates for use during dessert. Here's the link to their registry section.