Wedding gift guide for nontraditional guests

The decorative arts

Bird bowl
While couples tend to register within traditional categories like china, flatware and linens, artistic décor for the home is flourishing as a relatively new category. If you know a couple well and understand their design aesthetic, feel free to go off registry to purchase them something they may have overlooked or to add a striking element to their home. Full or empty, this platinum-glazed ceramic bird bowl by Jonathan Adler makes a stunning addition to any table. Fill with lush blooms during spring and summer, nuts and pinecones in fall and berries or chocolates in winter for a design accent that reflects each season. Medium size, $115; large size, $145; Jonathan Adler, 877-287-1910.

Stoneware platter
Now here’s a novel concept that goes beyond the standard turkey platter. This sand-cast stoneware 21-inch platter by Marston & Langinger has a sublimely contemporary design. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a renowned party planner as I registered was to overload on the request for platters and bowls. Not only have my extra orders of both proved invaluable for entertaining, but also for dressing up my regular cooking on an average Tuesday night. It’s amazing how much sweeter sliced fruit looks on a gorgeous plate instead of on my casual dishes, and my guess is that it will immediately up the ante of any couple’s everyday meal. $280; at Marston & Langinger, 212-965-0434.

Cake stand and cover
Nearly every couple will select a standard cake stand, but here is an elegant update that will look as gorgeous as the cake housed within. A scalloped stoneware cake stand ($98, also in cappuccino brown, ice-blue or white) is a gift in and of itself, and when paired with the Isabella-style glass dome ($212; 10” by 12”) the combination is clearly irresistible. The glass dome is also available in an equally beautiful Amalia-style, same dimensions and price; at Juliska, 888-414-8448 or juliska.com.

Honeymoon essentials

Beach towels
For a twist on your typical bath towel gift, plush cotton beach towels from Missoni Home leave a lasting and colorful impression — especially atop a lounge chair. Perfect for their island honeymoon, the bride and groom are sure to remember you every time they hit the beach. $150 to $160; at Missoni Home, 212-719-2338 for stores.

Matching bathrobes
To create a relaxing spa experience in their home, consider gifting matching Egyptian terrycloth bathrobes from Waterworks’ Gotham collection ($175 each). To further personalize, show how well you know them by monogramming their pet names (how about it, “Princess” and “Papa Bear”?) or nicknames on the robes ($225 with monogram), allowing four to six weeks for completion. But be sure you get the lovebirds’ names right, for once monogrammed always monogrammed and non-returnable. Waterworks; 800-899-6757.

Digital camera
Oh, the over-the-moon newlyweds! What if they drop their camera on the ground or accidentally take their clicker for a dip in the pool as they swoon in each other’s eyes? Well now they can, with the latest and greatest from Olympus. The waterproof (up to 10 feet) and shock-resistant (up to 5 feet) 7.1-megapixel Stylus 720 SW camera will have them pointing and clicking to their heart’s delight, despite any adverse conditions. A 2.5-inch LCD screen assures that they won’t be blinded by love and will get the shot framed just right. If you decide to opt for this slightly pricey present ($400; olympusamerica.com), heed this advice: send it in advance of the honeymoon, so they can master all the cool functions without cramming the manual on the flight to paradise.

MORE FROM HOME & GARDEN

Home & Garden Section Front

Beware of hidden home dangers 1M window covers recalled for risks to children   Plant your favorite flowers ahead of spring 14 fast fixes to help your home sell   Create spaces with comfort Lou Manfredini’s simple fall fix-ups   Avoid getting scammed by a contractor   Spruce up your table for the holidays   How to fix up your fireplace   Beware of health hazards in your kitchen Home & Garden Section Front   Add Home & Garden headlines to your news reader: