Wedding Dishes They Didn't Register For But Won't Return

Okay, so your friends have already chosen their china pattern. And it's gorgeous. But you really wanted to get them something unique and original in addition. I say 'in addition' because buying a couple a version of a product for which they registered, but not the actual one they chose, is just plain rude.

Unfortunately, so many personalizable or customizable wedding gifts are either too cutesy (like those god-awful cartoon like drawings of faces and swirly script on pottery) or too corporate (gold embossed monogrammed leather stuff). So, what can you get them that is special and won't end up on ebay or in the back of a closet?

Below are three romantic, original wedding dishes/platters that newlyweds will be sure to covet.

1. Jessica Rust designs makes several different sets of platters and dishes for weddings and anniversaries. She has many worth looking at but my favorite is the Birch collections. The Birch collection features the couple's initials carved into a birch tree drawn in a sweet tasteful style. Harkening back to childhood crushes but retaining a sophisticated style:






Also available in special gold glazed edition:

Above: Personalized platters, mugs, dishes and plates from Jessica Rust.

Other great pieces of Jessica's available for customization:



The Birch collection shown above, Lovebirds collection, Family Tree and more wonderful collections to choose from.
Buy them all here.

2. The "You Know It Makes Sense" Dishes Set by Bailey Doesn't Bark. A romantic reminder that sometimes you just 'know'.





Buy it here

3. And lastly, the funky and hip custom wedding platter with inscription on the back, by cul de sac design:





buy it here.

Looking for other romantic gifts and ideas? Then check out my 'seriously good valentine's gifts' list

Jemal Wright Bath Designs: For Those Who Like A Bold or Blingy Bathroom

Jemal Wright Bath Designs is unlikely to be mentioned in the same sentence as the words neutral, monochrome or tradition. Far from it. Jemal Wright Bath Designs are bright, bold and blingy. The kind of toilets you'd refer to as a commode rather than a crapper.

Catherine's Animals: Ledner Combines Cool Wallpaper With Cute Animals.

Above: photographer Catherine Ledner and friend

I love animals and I love wallpaper, so it stands to reason that I'd be a fan of Catherine Ledner's photos and prints of animals in front of wallpaper. I first discovered her work on NOTCOT when they featured her book, Animal House and the NY Times slideshow that accompanied it. Now her fab photos are for sale as chromogenic prints.




With a keen eye for color and composition, she sells a limited series of the prints in various sizes (100 of 11"x14" at $250, 20 of 16"x20" at $500, 20 of 20"x24" at $750, and 10 of 32"x40" at $1700) that feature domestic and farm animals, birds and wildlife posed in front of fabulous contemporary wall coverings.

Here are a few of my favorites (she has many more!):



















The photographer's bio (from her site):

Catherine Ledner was born in New Orleans. After graduating from NYU with a degree in film, she worked in television for a year and a half. She then worked as a studio manager for a photographer in New York, which led to her eventual move to Pasadena to study photography at Art Center College of Design.

She graduated from Art Center in 1994 and since then has built a great base of clients who hire her for her innovative style and ability to work well with subjects. She loves photographing all types of people and revels in the experience of working in different environments.

Some of her clients include Visa, HP, Arco, Microsoft, IBM, Graco, Kodak, Nissan, Alliance, Adobe, CDW, McAfee, Hyatt, Sharp, Allsteel, Entertainment Weekly, Travel and Leisure, W, Bazaar, New York Times Magazine, The London Observer, Newsweek, Dwell, and Premiere.

She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband Kyle, her son Winston and their dogs, Dodger and Little Bear.

See them all and buy some of her fabulous Chromogenic Animal prints here.

Bottega Veneta Does Dishes: Introducing Intreccio Svenito Porcelain Dinnerware

Bottega Veneta, which is owned by the Gucci Group of French company PPR, has also teamed up with KPM (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur KPM), the porcelain company famously acquired in the 18th century by Prussian King Frederick the Great, for a range of dishes featuring a hand-painted version of the intreccio motif -- starting prices at around 85 euros.

The collection incorporates their famous woven leather motif, only hand painted upon porcelain to give a very unusual look and style.

Introducing Intreccio Svanito:













And don't forget, they make stunning woven leather chargers, placemats, napkin rings and more to compliment their new dishes.



And if you really want to fork out some dough, buy their dining room furniture to compliment your new dishes!



Visit the Bottega Veneta website to learn where to purchase and to see all of their fabulous items.