Pre-Registry Reconnaissance

• By Stacia Thiel
• Published Summer 2007

SUNDAY: DOWNTOWN

1. Kick off Day 2 at The Home Depot. The DeWalt compact Drill kit ($209) and Black & Decker toolbox set ($29.97) are good choices, as are the flat-screens ($449 for a 26-inch Toshiba) and Weber grills ($299). 40 W. 23rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.

2. Restoration Hardware is a new homeowner’s haven. The Damask wallpaper (from $45) is beautiful; just as romantic are the bronze hooks ($20 each) and matching Library Swing-Arm wall sconces ($149 each). Or upgrade with a European goose-down-topped feather bed instead ($199 for a queen). 935 Broadway, at 22nd St.

(Photo: Davies + Starr for New York magazine )

3. At Fishs Eddy, scout your everyday cereal bowl and coffee mug. The primary-colored monochromatic Pantone palette plates are your best bet (from $12). 889 Broadway, at 19th St.

4. Through ABC Carpet & Home’s gift-certificate program, your entire wedding party can chip in on a single big-ticket item (like a $2,250 chandelier). If putting a four-digit item on your list is out of the question, there are less-pricey options. 881 and 888 Broadway, at 19th St.

5. Cross the street to Paragon Sports to find Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars, ideal for both a safari honeymoon and spying on your neighbors. Or his-and-hers North Face sleeping bags ($238.95) if you flee the city on weekends. 867 Broadway, at 18th St.

6. Around the block, at Tarallucci e Vino , order wine with your lunch—you’ll need it to brave the hordes at the next store. 15 E. 18th St., nr. Broadway.

7. At Bed Bath & Beyond, make a beeline for the Miele Antares vacuums ($479). Pricey but worth it. 620 Sixth Ave., at 18th St.