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Today, many couples already own a household
of essentials long before they utter "I do." Perhaps you're
among those that already have a closet crammed with flannel sheets
and down comforters fit for Alaska's long winter nights. Or maybe
you just want your wedding registry to reflect your and your sweetheart's
interests. Here are just a few ideas to help you plan outside the
box.
Inside Out
If you can't resist the draw of Juneau's great outdoors, consider
a gift registry that equips you for outside instead of in. The Foggy
Mountain Shop downtown Juneau hosts a bridal registry just for you. It
carries an array of outdoor gear and accessories for kayaking, mountaineering,
winter sports, and so on. According to Scott Fischer, who owns the
store with his wife, Elizabeth, camping gear is a popular wedding
registry pick. Sign up for your favorite waterproof tent, sleeping
bags, packs and more.
Supplement your selections at Nugget Alaskan Outfitter located in
Juneau's Nugget Mall. Although it doesn't maintain a formal bridal
registry, store personnel are flexible and can work a list out with
you. The shop features a variety of soft goods for the outdoors-person,
including survival gear, Swiss army knives and backpacks, among
other things. Even if the outdoors isn't your thing, this store
can outfit your honeymoon with its selection of Eagle Creek luggage.
Home Improvement
If remodeling your love nest is on the top of your list, visit one
of Juneau's hardware stores and ask them to help you create a personalized
wish list. Paint, power drills and plumbing supplies might not sound
romantic, but they'll provide plenty of do-together activities.
And you'll wind up with a showcase home to boot.
Top Chef
You don't have to be a gourmet to appreciate the quality kitchenware
found at Gourmet Alaska at the Nugget Mall. Most people spend between
$50 and $100 for wedding gifts, according to Owner Bill Wright,
so he recommends couples select items in that price range, as well
as some $20 to $30 items. "Give people a lot of choices,"
he said.
Choose from a wide selection of cooking-oriented items, including
forged knives, assorted utensils, pots and pans, and much more.
"Get the basics down, but throw in some fun stuff—like
a pizza stone, wok or fondue pot," Wright said. "People
like to buy fun stuff."
If your idea of fun is cooking over an open fire instead of a hot
stove, be sure to include selections such as cast iron skillets,
dutch ovens and Alaskan-made ulus.
Artistic Arrangements
Sign up for fine china, quality crystal and more at local gift shops.
For example, Annie Kaill's, located downtown Juneau boasts a vast
array of decorative and functional art. Masterly mix or match an
assortment of uniquely-designed hand-crafted pottery, chunky glassware
and funky salt shakers and pepper mills. Top your list off with
fine linens, a becoming centerpiece, and scented candles, and you'll
create a tabletop prettier than a picture.
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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