<p>Thanks, Agentninetynine, for the kind words. Fortunately, they both shower and wash their hair every day (for which I am grateful). I wish they had a sister to help with the rest!</p>
<p>My fianc</p>
<p>The Chanel Riot:</p>
<p>The venue: Saks Fifth Avenue.</p>
<p>Time: A few years ago.</p>
<p>Our local Saks has several rental areas: Gucci, Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. The Chanel area is in the center (1st floor) backing up to the hand bag area. The Chanel area has 3 entrances (and exits)that are just open areas. </p>
<p>To prepare for the sale they closed off two of the access to Chanel with a growing (and restless) line of customers. The idea was that they (Saks and Chanel) would let 4 or 5 women in at a time. I was standing (in direct view) near Prada. I had a direct line of sight. The velvet rope went down and the crowd surged toward the opening.</p>
<p>One woman ran in and scooped up several purses. Another woman ran up and grabbed a bag out of the first woman’s arms. The first woman started screaming. She then scratched the second woman on the face. The return was a slap and finger nail slashing. Saks people realized they had a serious problem. And since both woman brought a friend (or two) and or daughters there was screaming and slapping galore.</p>
<p>Saks security ran up and closed down Chanel. The police had been called and they were there with a minute or two. The women still on line were screaming that they wanted to go into Chanel. Both women and a few others were “detained” by the police.</p>
<p>Two of the women (the first two) were taken out in handcuffs. I suspect that the basic attorney fees were several times more expensive than a Chanel purse.</p>
<p>Ellebud, sounds not unlike the scene at the Harrods china sale. And event that I know you would appreciate. :D</p>
<p>Ellebud, thanks for the description! Sounds like the “running of the brides” - Filene’s Basement’s annual bridal gown event.</p>
<p>hmmm. good points about wedding planning grooms. I do think many are participatory–D’s certainly worked on planning with us and did some of legwork and such.</p>
<p>I guess I meant that I had thought that few guys ahead of time have a picture of what their expectations are of what a future wedding entails–especially level of formality.</p>
<p>But again, I’m not familiar with east coast expectations in general (though I live here) so I obviously live in a different world, though on the same coast. :)</p>
<p>That is true, though my fiance is doing a lot of planning he doesn’t really have a vision of his own, he is just trying to execute mine. There are a couple of exceptions, though. He HAS to wear a tux-- this is non-negotiable to him. He always thought he would wear a tux. </p>
<p>Really, the only person who had a clear picture ahead of time of what my wedding would be is my mother, and her vision isn’t really what I had in mind. She says she doesn’t know how to plan anything else so I am kind of just going along with it. I don’t have the time or energy to do this by myself.</p>
<p>Part of it may be guys’ experiences with other weddings. D’s fianc</p>
<p>Ellebud – Ha! I wouldn’t brawl over a Chanel purse, but to each her own:) </p>
<p>I witnessed something similar but it was in Macy’s in NYC and I was about 12 years old. Scarred me for sometime. I had never seen anything like it. My mom was right in there, snatching away and guarding her treasure. I remember thinking they were all nuts.</p>
<p>Filene’s Basement, how I miss you! So wish we had one on the West Coast. I hear the bridal dress sale is nothing short of bedlam.</p>
<p>I used to shop at the original Filene’s basement years ago, Agentninetynine, and I got some great things there. The branches were never the same. </p>
<p>It always bothered me that the men’s dept at FB was completely different - everything organized, fitting rooms, sales help. As opposed to the much, much larger women’s section - nothing organized, no fitting rooms. Thus the people trying on clothes in the aisles. I always wore a leotard under my clothes when shopping there.</p>
<p>Myself, DD and our friends happened into a Filenes sale when we were in Chicago a few years back. What a discovery! </p>
<p>NYMom - A leotard is fabulous idea. We saw women changing in the aisles :)</p>
<p>Consolation: Yes! Yes!!! The Harrods’ sale…a dream in the making.</p>
<p>But…my husband would want to know where we would put another set of china. I have ten (10) sets of china. The smallest set is 10 (limoges) to the “biggest” to 24 (Villeroy and Boch (Basket) which was my “everyday” china. When we redid the kitchen I had a separate china closet built…plus several sets reside in the formal dining room…</p>
<p>Personally I view china as a necessity. It says, “We are here for a good time of eating and friendship.” </p>
<p>The fact that when we purchased our new dishwasher it had to have a fine china setting/crystal setting. Does that say something?</p>
<p>I would love to have all that china, bevhills. And more Waterford crystal than I have.</p>
<p>I didn’t realize that dishwashers came with such a cycle - is it really safe to put china and crystal in the dishwasher?</p>
<p>We have a Bosch dishwasher. Is it “ideal” to put fine dishes in it? No. But I’m not about to sell my dishes which is a reason to keep dishes pristine. But, washing them once a month in the dishwasher? So far so good.</p>
<p>If you are so inclined go to ebay for the waterford. I purchased a round waterford vase, new in box, for 25 dollars. When we got married we received a few pieces of steuben. Before they announced the closure of the factory I bought about 15 different things from ebay very inexpensively. Now…much more expensive.</p>
<p>And the waterford crystal that was made in Ireland is available on ebay. I like the old fashioned “heavy” feel. The new stuff? no so much.</p>
<p>ellebud-- I wish I could take you with me when I go to register! We have literally four plates. That’s it. I had a small dinner party recently for my parents and grandparents and had to ask my mom an hour before the party to bring her dishes because I’d forgotten I didn’t have any.</p>
<p>Emaheevul07: I would LOVE to help you register. My son is getting married. One Ellebud daughter and I went to the store that I registered in so many years ago. I was shocked that stuff there was now SO expensive. A thousand dollars per setting!!! Crystal in earthquake land!!! They aren’t registering for that…sad but practical.</p>
<p>I do remember how exciting it was: Dreaming about how our life would be…could be…that was 35 years ago. Enjoy this time. Let the parents (like me) stress out.</p>
<p>Ellebud and I are the resident china fanatics. 
I would LOVE to help someone pick out china: very few young people have any idea of the wonderful range of things that are out there, and far too many of them think that a) everything is supposed to match, and b) it should be “saved” for company. Of course, since I only have an S, this is another thing I will probably be expected to shut up about. I just devoutly pray that if he ever does get married and if they do register for china that his bride doesn’t pick L… or M… or N…</p>
<p>I put all of mine in the dishwasher. If you have enough plates in enough patterns, they aren’t in it that often. :)</p>
<p>“L… or M…or N”
Should we guess? I’ll guess Lenox, Mikasa and Noritake.</p>
<p>I don’t know the first thing about china! My mom just used hers for the first time in 25 years. When we register I’ll start a new thread on it so I can benefit from your wisdom. :)</p>
<p>When my son moved into his first apartment I (quel suprise!) bought picardie glassware. white china with a raised border, and stainless steel that had a similar border. I also purchased a set of wine glasses (what was I thinking?).</p>
<p>Ema: I have no idea where you live. But I always ready to shop…but I’m sure you know that.</p>