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What to Put on Your Registry, from Dallas Experts

There’s nothing basic about registering for the basics. That’s why we tapped local experts to weigh in on quantity, quality, and care instructions for the items that will make for a bed and bath that are beyond.

 

Pillow Talk

The Expert: Connie Babikian, Owner, The Pillow Bar

 

Ideal Number

Load up on decorative pillows, but when it’s time to get some shut-eye, no stacks allowed. “You only need one sleeping pillow that’s tailored to you and offers an optimum level of support,” Connie says. “When it comes to sleep style, it’s not about how you fall asleep. It’s how you wake up—on the front, back, or side—that counts. We can figure out the level of support needed for natural alignment throughout the night based on that, height, weight, and aches and pains.”

The Right Stuff

“We offer two fillers—down and down alternative,” explains Connie. “Down is the undercoating of the bird, so it’s snowlike clusters of soft natural fiber. It’s great if you sleep hot. Our down alternative is a silky synthetic blend that’s designed to feel like down, but it’s heavier and squishier. Both are hypoallergenic, so it comes down to personal preference.”

Take Care

“Don’t throw your pillows in the washing machine,” insists Connie. “That will alter composition and change the density. The Pillow Bar’s offerings come with a zippered pillow protector that can be washed with linens.” Still, Connie says, expect to replace pillows fairly regularly: “Think about the nicest shirt you own. If you were to wear it all day every day for years, you’re going to [eventually] need a new one.”

Pictured above is the “Dr. Mary” Side-Sleeper Pillow from The Pillow Bar.

 

Letter Perfect

The Expert: Heather Wiese, etiquette expert and owner, Bell’INVITO

While you may need time to get used to your new initials post-wedding, monograms have been around for ages, dating back to the ancient Greeks. Their use surged in popularity during the Victorian era, and the traditional edicts for which household items bore whose initials were established around the same time. “Women’s initials were placed on family heirlooms and items she was in charge of in her new home,” says Heather. But in an age of same-sex couples and changing gender norms, Heather says there’s no rule that towels and sheets have to be embroidered one certain way. “It doesn’t mean you’re not a raging feminist if you have your monogram on the sheets, but people are also using a couple’s monogram [one partner’s first name initial, married last name initial, and second partner’s first name initial],” she advises. “But don’t use that on a wedding invitation—save it until after you’re married.”

Pictured above is the Walker Valentine Boudoir Pillow from Ellis Hill.

 

The (Bath) Works

The Expert: Katherine Nicholson, Director of National Sales & Business Development, Peacock Alley

Ideal Number: At least two of everything per bathroom, allowing you to have one in use and one in the wash. (Bonus points if you can have a spare on the shelf.) “The more towels you have, the less often you’ll have to replace them,” says Katherine, who adds that you need more hand towels than you’d probably think. “We change them every other day.”

Home Advantage: “Where you live makes a big difference in towel selection,” says Katherine. “Our ‘Catalina’ towel is luxurious, but it has a heavier weight—so in a humid climate, it’s not going to dry. ‘Jubilee’ dries quickly, is gender neutral, and has a simple binding. It’s clean and fresh and feels like something you would find in a spa.”

Dark Magic: One thing you musn’t forget to add to your registry? “Makeup towels,” Katherine says. “We have them in navy and dark gray. We especially recommend them for guest bathrooms. If a friend washes her face and destroys your washcloths, you’ll cry.”

Take Care: The first time you launder new bath linens, wash them with distilled white vinegar to maximize their absorbency. “If you wash them normally, it takes eight washes to remove the starch that the terry cloth is packed in,” Katherine says. “And stay away from the fabric softener.” (She warns that it coats towels and makes them less absorbent.)

Pictured above is the Catalina towel from Peacock Alley.

 

The 411 on Sheets

The Expert: Kelsey Fisher, Lead Designer, Havenly

Ideal Number: Two to three sets. “One for the bed, one in the wash, and an extra on hand—either for guests or rotation,” says Kelsey. “Having more keeps things feeling fresh, makes laundry day less of a scramble, and lets you switch between lighter and cozier materials as the weather changes.”

Go Big: “My go-to for clients—especially when it comes to registries—is The Citizenry,” says Kelsey. “Their bedding is thoughtfully crafted, incredibly comfortable, and made to last. Register for everything from high-quality sheets and a plush duvet to thoughtful accents like an heirloom-worthy quilt, a bed blanket, and a few statement pillows. Not only does this give your guests more ways to contribute (at different price points), it also sets you up with those special, lasting pieces you’ll use every single day.”

Material Matters: Kelsey says your bedding should shift with the weather, just like your wardrobe does. “In colder months, I reach for cozy flannel sheets and a warm, weighty duvet. Come spring and summer, I swap in lighter layers like percale or linen sheets and a breathable coverlet,” she says. “Linen is especially lovely—it’s naturally temperature-regulating and only gets softer with time.”

Pictured above is the “Soprano” Sateen Sheet from Peacock Alley

The post What to Put on Your Registry, from Dallas Experts appeared first on D Weddings.

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