Picking perfect presents

WASHINGTON POST
Prospective brides and grooms want the basics, apparently. At Crate & amp; Barrel stores, for example, more than 35,000 couples have selected a simple, footed glass dessert dish -- the most requested item in the store's bridal registry.
Here's a look at some of the most popular bridal gifts of the 2005 wedding season:
UUpper left, Macy's: KitchenAid Artisan five-quart stand mixer in chrome color ($299.99) www.macys.com. Williams-Sonoma: KitchenAid's Accolade model in black, $279.95, www.williams-sonoma.com.
UUpper right, J.C. Penney: The George Foreman Jumbo Grill ($99.99), 96 square inches of cooking space; www.jcpenney.com.
ULower left, Kohl's: Calphalon's anodized 12-piece cookware set is $249.99; www.kohls.com. Hecht's: The Pyrex 19-piece Bake Set ($44.99) has assorted casseroles, mixing bowls and custard cups; www.hechts.com. At Target stores, the favorite is the 16-piece Pyrex Starter Set, $34.99; www.target.com.
ULower right, Crate & amp; Barrel: Footed, 10-ounce glass dessert dish ($2.50 each); www.crateandbarrel.com. Sur La Table: Riedel Vinum champagne cuvee glasses ($17.95 each, six for $107.50) are 24-percent lead crystal; www.surlatable.com.
For the wedding party
UTop, these edible sugar "calla lilies" (four for $3.20), "tiger lilies" ($3 each) and "orchids" (two for $4.90) are easy ways to decorate desserts. At Fran's Cake & amp; Candy Supplies (703) 352-1471.