The *Ultimate* Wedding Registry Checklist for Every Room in the House

If you think planning a wedding is no easy task, just wait until you get to the wedding registry. When it comes time to decide on what plates to use for your next dinner, that’s a piece of cake. But plates for your whole future? You’ve got some serious decision-making in the forecast. Just remember that shopping is fun! Your wedding should be a time to treat yourself, and there’s no better way to indulge than a huge revamp of your new home together. Avoid ending up with dozens of serving dishes, mismatched plates and no towels left when it’s laundry day with this *ultimate* checklist of new home living room essentials, kitchen baking essentials and everything in between. The main rule of thumb: If you already have some of these items, it’s always worth asking for an upgrade.

Kitchen

1. All-Clad Slow Cooker With Cast-Aluminum Insert ($300): This countertop cooking tool has been making couples’ lives easier with tasty meals since 1970. The best part about this model is that you can also use the insert to brown ingredients before transferring it to the base for slow cooking. Talk about double duty!

2. A Sunny Afternoon Cutting/Cheese Board ($38): Cutting boards are one of those items you can never have too many of. They’re super useful and can even serve for entertaining — cheese platter, anyone?

3. Le Creuset Dutch Oven ($320): Now that you’re creating a home together, you’ll have lots of big get-togethers, and a dutch oven is a must-have. It’s perfect for cooking soups, stews and even breads. Plus, this one’s heart-shaped — do we really need another reason to include it?

4. All-Clad Pots and Pans ($1,300): You can’t go wrong with a solid set of all-clad, stainless-steel pots and pans. Even if you already had your good set from college, you’ll want to consider upgrading to these. You and your love will be able to cook just about anything — on the stove or in the oven.

5. Wüstof Knife Set ($575): Just like the pots and pans, you’ll want to reconsider your no-longer-sharp knives, and start thinking about leveling up with a new knife set. This one comes with a handsome hardwood block that stores up to 13 items. You’ll absolutely love to display them in your newly furnished kitchen.

6. Anthropologie Sun Grove Cake Stand ($68): A beautiful cake stand can elevate the look of any meal by simply… well, elevating it. Use it for cakes, savory tarts or even a bunch of mini desserts. This one’s totally eye-catching.

7. Nespresso Coffee + Espresso Machine ($199): Say goodbye to whatever you’re using now, and put an adult coffeemaker on your list. There are tons of models and features to make coffee brewing super-easy, like built-in grinders and specialty brew settings. You’ll be an expert before you know it!

8. Williams-Sonoma Wine Glasses ($24): If you plan on hosting lots and lots of dinner parties, you’ve gotta keep wine of all varieties on hand. And since you two lovebirds are now in the grown-up world, you’ll also want to make sure you have the wine glass to go with it.

9. Beville Blender ($180): From smoothies to soups and frozen margaritas, you’ll want to have this powerhouse at arm’s length. This one has a 1100-watt motor and comes with two BPA-free cups with go-to lids for nutrient-rich juices on the go.

10. KitchenAid Standing Mixer ($350): And of course we have to add the most iconic mixer to the list of kitchen essentials. It’s basically a work of art for your kitchen. Every home needs one, and that now includes your new or newly wed home together. You’ll use it to make pretty much everything, and it’s super practical. Select your favorite color and click “add to registry,” STAT.

Living Room

11. Beolit 15 Surround Sound System ($599): Have you been coveting a wireless surround sound system? This hands-free smart speaker will be the highlight of your living room, whether you’re having a cozy night in with your boo or hosting the next weekend brunch. You’ll be jamming to your favorite songs even from the yard!

12. Miele Dynamic Duo Cat & Dog Vacuum ($715): Another must-upgrade: your vacuum. Toss the dorm-room dirt buster, and look for a serious vacuum to put on your registry. With so many features like pet hair filters and attachments, you’ll have no problem finding the right vacuum for your new place.

13. West Elm Martini Side Table ($160): Yes, you can totally add furniture to your wedding registry — especially when it’s an accent piece like this one. Not only is this martini table super lightweight, but it will totally add a cool and crisp vibe to your living room.

14. Crate & Barrel Orb Copper Shaker ($25): And with a martini side table should come a cocktail shaker. While most wine glasses and drinking glasses appear on almost all registry lists, accessories like this cocktail shaker are often overlooked and should not be left behind. Choose one that matches your style (and your bar cart!).

15. The Aestate Wall Art ($23): Getting tired of seeing bare walls? Bring this lovely sight into your home, as well as any other pretty wall art that you will both appreciate. Soon enough you’ll have a lovely curated gallery wall that you’ll love waking up to.

16. Society 6 Throw Pillows ($20): This is the perfect time to add some non-traditional vibes to those more traditional pieces, like your couch. These uniquely printed throw pillows are super bright and are just the thing to make it happen, especially if you have a neutral-color seating area.

17. Homemakers by Brit Morin ($23): If you’re the kind of couple that loves to showcase your passions — whether it’s the great outdoors, DIY-ing or cooking — then coffee table books are a no-brainer. Not only will they add a je ne sais quoi to your coffee table, you’ll also have easy access to them when in need of a little reading material.

18. Apple TV ($150): Register for your cozy nights in as newlyweds with an Apple TV. You’ll be able to watch your favorite high-res movies and TV shows, or view videos and photos from your computer (hello, wedding photos!). Plus, you can access the entire Netflix streaming catalog together too.

19. Serena & Lily Lila Lamp ($450): Functional and sophisticated, a modern accent lamp will take any room to the next level. The pretty flowers of this papier-mâché lamp are handmade by artisans in Mexico and make for a cute and stylish addition to any home.

Bedroom

20. West Elm XO Sheet Set ($29+): You’ll need at least three sets of sheets per bed (one for the bed, one for the wash and one to spare), so make sure you register for enough of them. Ready to treat yourselves? Level up to 500-thread count or higher.

21. Home Republic Outlet Xavier Duvet ($99): Featuring a totally unique and contemporary triangle pattern, this quilt cover is *made* for the modern bedroom. Plus, it’s super versatile. Use it with a down comforter in the cooler months or on its own in the summer for a lightweight alternative.

22. West Elm Graphic Printed Hamper ($113): It’s really easy to get caught up in all of the crazy appliances, but don’t forget to register for things outside the kitchen and bathroom area. Some nice hampers like these bright ones will be super useful on a daily basis.

23. West Elm Mattress Pad ($99+): Get yourself ready for the ultimate sleep by adding a cozy mattress pad to your wedding registry. A good mattress pad with responsive fibers will form to the body, quickly relieve pressure points and provide support for a better sleep. It will seriously change your life!

24. Pottery Barn Collection Mattress ($679): Along with a mattress pad comes an actual mattress. If you haven’t updated your mattress in quite some time (5+ years), you’ll definitely want this on your list. To find the perfect fit for you and your S.O., go to the stores and try them out in person.

25. Anthropologie Butterfly Joint Frames ($24+): You’ll want beautiful frames to display your fabulous wedding and honeymoon photos, so don’t forget to add a few of your favorite picture frames to your registry in all sizes, shapes and colors.

26. J.Crew Men’s Shearling Scuffs ($60): Say goodbye to cold feet (even after the wedding’s over)! A quality pair of comfy slippers will help keep your toes toasty, especially during the colder months. If you’re looking for even more comfort, look for suede scuffs like these that are fully lined in luxurious shearling.

27. Diptyque Scented Candles ($32+): For those nights where you and your love just need some R&R, you will definitely want to have a luxe candle at hand. We’re big fans of Diptyque candles, and this Roses one is guaranteed to warm your home with an irresistibly fresh garden aroma.

28. Coop Bamboo and Memory Foam Pillows ($130): When registering for bedding, you’ll cover all the basics like sheets, shams and duvets, but upgrading your pillows will change your bedding game for sure. If you’re a bit shy about putting these pricey items on your list, put whatever gift cards you receive to good use, and treat yourself to some sweet Zzz’s.

29. Tranquil Moment Bedside Speaker and Sleep Sounds ($99): You might not consider this part of the norm when adding things to your registry, but it’s totally fair to get techy if you’re trying to sleep like a baby. Best part? You can also use this sound machine during the day to stream your favorite tunes via Bluetooth.

Bathroom

30. West Elm Nautical Animal Canisters ($19-29): A must-have for bathrooms? Canisters, canisters and more canisters. Choose some that would match with any bathroom style, like these charming nautical ones made out of white ceramic. They’ll be super useful when storing things like cotton balls and bath salts.

31. Delta Raincan Shower Head ($272): We know that you already have a shower head, but how awesome would it be to upgrade to this high-quality and gorgeous minimalist shower head? You will definitely be feeling super serene spa vibes with this addition.

32. Crate & Barrel Yellow Wire Bin ($17): This stylish and utilitarian open storage bin will feel like a personal assistant, keeping everything in your bathroom (and beyond!) organized. It has a French countryside feel, but turns super modern when used to hold laundry, magazines and even toys.

33. World Market Aqua Bath Mat ($15): Floors need love too! Brighten up the spot in front of your bathtub or shower with this adorable chevron rug in aqua, ivory and gray. It’s an easy way to refresh your bathroom look.

34. West Elm Coyuchi Towels ($8+): Though towels are typically included on registry lists, make sure to add a few extra sets so you’ll have enough on hand to replace the ones that get a lot of use (and some extra for unexpected guests).

35. Brookstone Towel Warmer ($99): A towel warmer is a great way to add a little extravagance to your daily routine. Its extra-large size fits up to two oversized towels as well as robes or blankets, giving space for each of your towels to stay toasty and letting you enjoy a little warm-up post-shower.

36. Pottery Barn Robes ($80): You and your sweetie will love slipping into the comfort of pure cotton with these plush robes. They’re available in three serene hues and will make your morning or evening routine way more luxe — all within the comfort of your own home.

37. West Elm Enamel Bath Accessories ($19+): It’s a bathroom basic, but just like towels, you’ll want to include these essential items on your wedding registry. With clean white bodies and exposed metal edges, these bath accessories — soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, tissue box and trash bin — will totally bring a clean-lined, minimalist style to any bathroom.

Your Big Day is just starting! Check out all things Brit + Co Weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for more beautiful + creative wedding inspo.

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Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.