Wish List: Doug & Kristin Fitzgerald

/// Shortly before they wed, Kristin Bromley and Doug Fitzgerald purchased their first home together. They were certain they wanted to start anew in filling the space, and decided to register for pieces that would reflect their joint style. “Our strategy was to replace the hand-me-downs and worn-out appliances with items that reflected our more evolved level of taste,” explains Kristin. “We wanted durable items that would maintain their quality over time,” adds Doug. Beginning with Williams-Sonoma, Kristin and Doug selected new kitchen appliances and a variety of glassware and utensils. “We registered there for things that would replace the lower quality bits and pieces that I had from my single life,” says Kristin. They chose a Laguiole steak knife set, a Pizza Que grill, a Breville Ikon panini press, large DuraClear multi-colored tumblers, and a monogrammed carving board. “It was so easy to manage my registry online or visit any of the stores in our area,” remembers Kristin. “I loved checking out the in-store displays for inspiration!”


Next, the couple set off to register at Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel to find their favorite contemporary household items. At Pottery Barn, Kristin and Doug focused on products for entertaining, such as Great White Coupe dinnerware, mother-of-pearl Barona chargers, a glass drink dispenser, and linen placemats, as well as furnishings that included Seagrass wingback armchairs and a Solano mirror for their bedroom. “Pottery Barn offers a warm and classic style that doesn’t kill the budget,” explains the bride. “They make it easy to update your registry, confirm quality of items, and handle returns – plus, they offer a discount after the wedding so you can fulfill missing items on your registry.” At Crate and Barrel, Kristin and Doug selected pieces that offered fantastic details with a flash of fun. “They always have interesting, cutting-edge items that are still approachable, and can blend in without breaking the bank,” says the couple. They rounded off their entertaining needs with a delightful Dew Leaf serving plate and bowl, an Acacia wood salad bowl with servers, a quirky lobster bottle opener, and the Easy Breakfast & Brunch cookbook. A Bungalow media stand and Oleander bowl were included to add a final dash of panache to their living space.

Since several sets of heirloom silverware and china had already been passed down to Kristin from her family, the couple chose not to register for those traditional wedding gifts. However, Kristin and Doug found many crystal furnishings while registering at Macy’s that would accent the antique china beautifully. With Kristin’s vintage tableware in mind, the couple selected “Stephanie” and “Giselle” iced-beverage glasses, flutes, and goblets from Mikasa, as well as a Waterford “Marquis Sheridan” ice bucket. Other classic items for the home included “Grosgrain” silver-plate salt & pepper shakers by Vera Wang; a Calvin Klein “Havana” duvet set; Hotel Collection micro-cotton bath sheets; and a set of Delsey luggage. “Macy’s also has a wonderful rewards program,” affirms Kristin. “The reward points you earn accumulate into store credit, and they present you with a gift card after the wedding.”



Having concentrated on kitchen, household, and décor pieces for the majority of their registry, the couple also wanted to give loved ones the option of contributing “shared experiences” to their honeymoon. “We have friends who had tried this and were thrilled with the outcome,” offers Doug, who opted to register at TheHoneymoon. com with his bride. The newlyweds enjoyed wine tours, rounds of golf, a hot air balloon ride, an ATV excursion, deep-sea fishing, a helicopter adventure, and a private bonfire on the beach – all courtesy of their wedding guests. “[The registry] was a huge hit,” asserts Kristin, “and we had an incredible honeymoon in Napa Valley and Hawaii due to all the fun activities and culinary experiences gifted to us.” The couple uploaded photos from their adventures while they were honeymooning so that guests could catch a glimpse of how their money was well spent – and how much the untraditional gifts were appreciated.

Kristin and Doug were absolutely satisfied with the variety of retailers with which they registered. “All of the stores were so accommodating,” says Kristin, “that we had no problems exchanging products – even without receipts!” Those obliging policies might come in handy if the couple decides to exchange some of the numerous serving platters they received, though they remain undecided. “They’re beautiful,” Kristin laughs, “but we have enough platters to entertain a football team!”