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As both an avid home cook and a shopping writer at The Kitchn, I’m lucky to have a lot of kitchenware already. So as I’ve been putting together my wedding registry for my fall nuptials, I’ve largely steered away from these items in favor of things I need, like towels and organizers for the entire home. But there are a few things I’d still really like for my kitchen: coveted cookware and appliances that are admittedly expensive, as well as affordable bakeware and tools I didn’t have space for in my previous, somewhat cramped apartment. 

Whether you’re also building your registry or just looking for a great kitchen wedding gift, I’ve got you covered. These are the five kitchen items I really hope to open on my wedding day (or the day after — you know how it goes).

I’ve convinced myself for years that I didn’t need a citrus squeezer. I didn’t have a ton of space in my previous kitchen, and I knew I could just strain out seeds through my hands. Lately I’ve gotten tired of picking the seeds that slip through out of my food, so I decided to put this citrus squeezer from OXO on my registry. 

It’s super affordable at just under $19, has grips on the handle, and is dishwasher-safe. Plus, it’s bright yellow, which will make it easy to find in my utensil drawer. 

: OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer, $18.95 at Amazon

I have a personal blender, but as we begin entertaining more, I could use one built for batch recipes. There are plenty of options, but Vitamix’s blenders are proven powerhouses. I absolutely want that so I can efficiently make soups, dips (I love making homemade hummus), frozen drinks, and so much more. 

I’ve been writing about blenders for the last three years, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about this specific model. It comes with a 48-ounce container, which can hold up to six cups. Plus, it has a stainless steel blade and 10 speeds as well as a pulse button. And the container and the blade are dishwasher-safe. Our Copy Chief, Lauren Kodiak, who’s had hers for seven years, called it “a powerful blender that’s easy and straightforward to use and can handle many daily cooking tasks.” Sounds like the perfect blender for me! 

: Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, $329.95 (on sale!) at Amazon

It has expandable handles, so it can fit different sink sizes (a really nice feature for an apartment dweller). Plus, the rubber grips will protect your counter. The brand suggests hand-washing it, which isn’t my preference, but many reviewers said it was easy to clean. For an item that can basically act as an extra pair of hands in my kitchen, I will happily hand-wash it.

: Crate & Barrel Over-the-Sink Mesh Colander, $34.95 at Crate & Barrel

This enameled cast iron Dutch Oven from Staub takes my breath away every time I see it. It comes in 14 colors and five sizes (starting at 4 quarts, and up to 13.25 quarts) at Williams Sonoma, and it’s dishwasher-safe. I can’t get enough of the Grenadine shade, which is a gorgeous deep burgundy (my favorite color). I have been dreaming about the 4-quart version in that color since I saw it all over my Instagram feed last Christmas, and now I hope I have my own in time for this Christmas (*crosses fingers*).  

The one piece of bakeware I don’t have, but regularly wish I did, is a Bundt pan. I really like the classic look of the Nordic Ware Original Bundt Pan. It comes in four different finishes, but my favorite is the deep brown Bronze shade, which is currently on sale for $27 at Amazon (the most affordable of the four colors right now).