–Gift Giving–
– Ask Cheryl – Appropriate Gifts for Wedding #2
November 29, 2024
What is an appropriate gift for a second or “encore” wedding? Read on for the answer. Dear Cheryl, My best friend’s son is getting married for the second time, but this is the bride’s first marriage. We are very close to these people, so what is appropriate for a gift? Thanks,-Rachel Dear Rachel, Being invited […]
How Much and How Many? Your Guide to Wedding Registry Amounts
November 14, 2024
Even if you feel that you and your fiance “have everything,” we always recommend registering for actual gifts (not just setting up a honeymoon fund, though we love those, too!). But where to begin? How many gifts are too many gifts? And how can you predict what your guests are likely to spend? Let’s dive […]
Our Top Hostess Gifts for 2024
November 5, 2024
I have a confession: Over the last few years, I have become completely obsessed with hosting. I love thinking up a theme, pulling out the table linens and candles, and opening my home to close friends and family. During the holiday season, my hostessing energy goes into overdrive — it’s such a fun and festive […]
Our Favorite Cooking Tools (& Recipes) for Your Thanksgiving Feast
November 1, 2024
Ace every dish with helpful tools, sturdy cookware, and functional servingware. Hosting Thanksgiving is no small undertaking. Coordinating ingredients and cook times, adapting to dietary restrictions, and navigating family dynamics can be tricky to balance. While we can’t control everything about the day, we can prepare you with the right tools. The right tools can […]
– Gift Giving Made Easy – The Holiday and Birthday Registry Hack
October 31, 2024
When your kid’s birthday comes around, do you find yourself racking your brain for gift ideas? Everyone from grandparents to aunts, uncles, and even colleagues want to know what your child wants, and you’d REALLY like to end up with gifts that won’t gather dust in the closet for months after the party’s over. The […]
The Best STEM Toys for Kids
October 16, 2024
With the holiday season quickly approaching, finding the perfect gift for the kids in your life can be tricky. On the one hand, you want to find something they’ll find fun and exciting; on the other hand, you want a gift that’s meaningful and educational. But what if we told you that you didn’t have […]
Best Holiday Gifts for Children Under 2
October 10, 2024
With the holiday season just around the corner, you’re probably already preparing your child’s wishlist to share with family and friends. There are so many toys on the market these days, and it can seem daunting to decipher which toys will keep your child engaged for more than just a month or two after the […]
– Ask Cheryl – How Much Should I Spend on a Second Bridal Shower Gift?
October 8, 2024
When your mailbox is filled with invitations for weddings and showers, gift-giving can seem overwhelming. Today, we’ve got good news for your budget if you’ve been invited to multiple showers for the same bride! Dear Cheryl, I was invited to two showers for the same bride. What amount should I spend on a second bridal […]
– Holiday Cheer for All – Gifts for Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
September 26, 2024
Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself in a familiar scramble — searching high and low for gifts for the special people in my life. Sure, holiday shopping can feel chaotic, but there’s something exciting about seeking (and finding!) the perfect gift. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most meaningful presents […]
Wedding Registry Picks Inspired By Francesca Mariano’s Martha Vineyard Wedding
September 25, 2024
Influencer and podcaster Francesca Mariano said it best in her Instagram caption: ” It’s like raaaiiiiinnnnn on your wedding day ☔️” As seen in the Instagram recap, the rain might just be the unsung hero of this show-stopping wedding held on the Martha’s Vineyard Museum grounds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by […]
Holiday Gifts the Whole Family Can Enjoy
September 24, 2024
It wouldn’t be the holidays without lists: lists of decorations to buy, movies to watch, and recipes to whip up (and the grocery lists that come with them). And of course, the list of who gets a gift — and what to get them! Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be […]
12 Wedding Registry Items for the Couple Who Already Has “Everything”
September 12, 2024
I’m particularly reflective as I write this on my sixth wedding anniversary. I’m thinking back to the first days of being engaged and how totally smitten I was with the idea of planning a wedding. I was sure my husband and I wouldn’t be registering for anything — we had everything we wanted and took […]
Sustainable Wedding Registry Gifts for the Eco-Conscious Couple
September 3, 2024
For many modern couples, it’s important to live sustainably. Some simply try to pay attention to environmental impact and long-term product usage, while others may live totally paper- or plastic-free. At the end of the day, I’d be willing to bet that most couples fall somewhere on this spectrum. Like any other wedding factor, your […]
– Ask a Real Bride – Where are the Wedding Gifts? Why Some Guests Aren’t Giving–And What You Can Do About It
August 29, 2024
The Ask a Real Bride Instagram page is growing, and we would love to see you there, too! Every week, we discuss wedding etiquette topics like plus ones, dress codes, gift registries, and thank-you notes. And while there are many guidelines for hosting, gifting, and expressing gratitude, there’s one wedding topic that almost no one […]
14 Personalized & Sentimental Baby Gifts
August 22, 2024
Whether you’re planning your baby registry or shopping for baby gifts, it’s easy to get to a point where every option feels like more of the same thing. And while we can’t escape the everyday essentials and nursery must-haves — and why would we want to? — there’s something special about a gift that’s unique […]
– Ask a Real Mom – What to Bring a New Mom
July 25, 2024
As soon as you become a family of three, everything in your life suddenly changes. You can read all of the advice and books on parenting, but nothing can truly prepare you for the change that is motherhood. One minute you’re a newlywed figuring out life with your husband and then the next you add […]
