First comes love, then comes marriage. Next comes a wedding registry full of your favorite Mid Century Modern-style must haves. We’re curating some of our favorite items that will help the happy couple build a life together.
Whether you and your better half are currently creating your perfect registry, you’re a guest trying to pick the perfect gift or (let’s be honest) the love between yourself and DANSKware is real, you can count on this list to inspire. This week, we’re starting with our favorite retro picks for the kitchen and dining room.
Classic choices like wine glasses and china sets can be found here, albeit in their mod-ified forms. But we think you really should pay attention to some of the “pie in the sky” choices: Funky appliances or non-essential pieces you would love (and your family would love to buy for you). And don’t worry—we’ve covered the whole gamut of price ranges, so everyone from Mother of the Bride to Mother’s Cousin’s Daughter’s Best Friend has something they can contribute to your happy day.
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#1. Plated and Perfect
Clean and crisp is the name of the game when it comes to your new dining set. Let the food do all the talking with just a touch of MCM framing with this set. Fiesta 4-Piece Dinnerware Set, $40.
#2. Put a Ring on It
Beautiful wood accents make your home special, and your dining accents should complement that. Shalinindia Handmade Napkin Rings, $9.
#3. The Flatware and The Fabulous
Polished stainless steel and a fun turquoise handle give this silverware set that retro, mid mod feel, without getting too kitschy. Annova Stainless Steel Silverware Set, $30.
#4. “Wine” Not?
You’re going to need wine glasses for all the entertaining you and your new spouse are going to do. Might as well make them bold and modern. Aspen & Birch Modern Wine Glasses, $55.
#5. A Glass With Mid Century Sass
Some say you should put the expensive stuff you’d never buy yourself on your wedding registry. If you ascribe to that point of view, you’d better add these Versace-designed whiskey glasses to your list just in case Aunt Helen is feeling particularly generous. Longchamps Mid Century Whiskey Glasses, $44.
#6. Dining With Diamonds
Bring some of that retro flair to the dining table with a classic Scandinavian pattern in warm, inviting colors. Ambesonne Mid Century Tablecloth, $25.
#7. Care to Shed Some Light on the Subject?
Modernists love their Scandinavian-style candle holders, and this rendition adds a nice brass touch to the classic look. Brass-Finished Tapered Candle Holders, $46.
#8. Wow-Worthy Wires!
The great thing about an essential piece like this is it translates well whether you use it for the dining table or the kitchen counter. Juvale Gold Wire Fruit Basket, $18.
#9. We Like Big Bowls and We Cannot Lie
Whether you’re serving up salad at dinner or presenting fruit at breakfast, the contour and finish of this wood fruit bowl will be at home in your mid mod abode. Lipper International Wavy Rim Serving Bowl, $28.
#10. Take a “Pitcher”, It’ll Last Longer
Don’t you think this water pitcher is reminiscent of the Mid Century Modern coffee sets of old? We agree. Delaman Stainless Steel Pitcher, $46.
#11. Terrific, With a Capital “Tea”
With an automatic shut-off feature, a temperature gauge, and a removable, washable filter, this retro teapot checks all the boxes. Haden Vintage Retro Tea Pot, $85.
#12. French Press Prestige
We like our French presses like we like our coffee: Black with a clean finish. Black Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker, $24.
#13. Always Great to Percolate
Remember what we said about the MCM coffee sets? This design even percolates your coffee—how about that? Coletti Percolator Coffee Maker, $40.
#14. A Vision in Red
If you’re looking for some truly retro staples for your new kitchen, look no further than classic DANSK cookware, just like mama used to use. DANSK Kobenstyle Casserole Pot, $159.
#15. Pastels That Pop
Pink has truly made a comeback. And with its mid-mod-inspired silhouette, this cookware set feels like a blast from the past. Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set, $120.
#16. Skillets That Kill It
For a truly retro look, add a few of these high-quality cast iron skillets from Le Creuset. Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet, $165.
#17. Me Oh Mi-crowave
It might be unusual to add a microwave to your registry, but when it’s a stylish, retro one like this, why the heck not? Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, $74.
#18. I Wish I May, I “Dish” I Might
Give your pots and pans the star treatment with a mid century dishcloth that dazzles! Trendy Tripper Reusable Swedish Dishcloths, $18.
#19. Tick, Tock, an Iconic Mid Century Clock
No need for the sundial any more, because this mid century clock is absolutely stunning. Sporting a built-in timer and turquoise gleam, we are absolutely obsessed with this terrific timekeeper! Retro Kitchen Wall Clock, $15.
#20. Kan You Believe this Kettle?
Early mornings call for a little something extra. And this kettle is the perfect way to add some mid century kick to your morn! Stainless Steel Electric Kettle, $64.
#21. A Dishrack That Rocks
Washing dishes doesn’t have to be a pain. Check out this MCM dishrack for the drip and dry of your dreams! Farberware Dishrack, $30.
#22. Noteworthy Napkins
Set your table with some mid century flair your guests will go absolutely nuts for! Roostery Cloth Cocktail Napkins, $39.
#23. A Toaster at the Top
A “toast” to mid century matrimony! Smeg 4-Slice Retro-Style Toaster, $280.
#24. Take-My-Breath-Away Terrazzo
Both bake-worthy and full of character, this terrazzo bake set will take your kitchen to the next level! La Rochelle Ceramic Bakeware, $40.
#25. Shaken, Not Stirred
Shake up your kitchen space with this intricate piece from Godinger. Not only is it polished and perfect, but it will also make your cocktails that much more divine! Godinger Martini Cocktail Shaker, $25.
#26. Cut to the Chase
Let’s get straight to the “point”: this cutlery set is perfect for the all the mid century chefs in the room. Oster Evansville Cutlery Set, $38.
#27. The Best Part of Waking Up
Retro, chic, and complete, this vintage-inspired coffeemaker is the most mid century way to start your day! Smeg Retro Coffee Maker, $399.
#28. Bottle-Opener Opulence
Crack open your favorite beverages in style, with this sleek bottle-opener from Vagabond House. A modern classic that is all too alluring to pass by! Pewter and Teak Bottle Opener, $41.
#29. Pa-Push it Real Good!
These salt and pepper shakers are beyond brilliant, making even the wallflowers shake what their mama gave ’em! MITBAK Salt and Pepper Shakers, $18.
#30. Mix Up Magic
Finally, no retro-inspired registry would be complete without something Smeg, and there’s no time like now to (hopefully) have someone gift you the gift of a stand mixer. Smeg Retro Mixer, $540.
For more Retro Registry picks, check out our list for the top bed and bathroom pieces right here! For more retro kitchen and dining inspiration, read Lighten Up: A 1959 Eichler Kitchen Renovation and Retro Dining Room Decor & More.
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