Well...is this about the GIVER or is it about the couple getting married? I don't know all that many young people well enough to give them a truly memorable item that I *know* they would enjoy. To be honest, I think it's about both. The woman who gave me the knife didn't know me at all. She picked out something she loved and hoped that I'd love it too. Could've just as easily worked out that I threw the knife in the trash of course, but the gift meant something to me specifically because of the thought behind it. She took some time to think, what do I love that a new bride might also appreciate? And then she made a point to tell me the thought behind the gift. That's not to say that every gift needs to be that special. I'm just saying how nice it is when it can be that special and that it's up to the giver to make it that special if they want to. But if you don't feel the need to, that's ok too. As far as the use of the word "greedy", I think it's all about perception. We preceive that a newlywed couple NEEDS dishes and towels and blenders, etc. But they don't NEED a honeymoon in an exotic spot. In reality, of course, even the dishes, towels and blenders are "wants" more than "needs". So maybe if they have those things already, or for whatever reason, don't want them, they are asking for their real "want", the honeymoon. But ultimately, the giver must decide what s/he is comfortable giving. As an example, a few years back, the son of a good friend was getting married. On their registry were a lot of (what I perceived to be) useless items. Warming socks and mood music cds and very expensive decorative items. Now, normally, who cares! If that's what they want, fine. But this couple was low on funds. Neither had great jobs, and they were still sort of struggling. I just could not bring myself to buy them something that would not help them establish a home. That was totally my opinion of course, but I'm plopping down my dollars and I want them well spent. I ended up giving them cash because, in my perception, that's what that couple needed more than anything else. I don't know how they spent it, so it could have been on totally silly stuff. But at least the gift was something *I* was comfortable giving.

fillagirl: I understand the attraction of the shieldback chairs, at the same time I find some of your comments contradictory. The CL set is in vintage mahogany. It is a very traditional classic design in the Duncan Phyfe style. I also prefer this style over Queen Anne and have incorporated several other Duncan Phyfe pieces throughout my home. Regarding the specifics of the set you are looking at, I would NOT gel stain it as that will alter the original finish. The reason that some of the leaves are darker is that they were most likely stored away in a closet or under a bed and the mahogany faded a bit from the sun. My leaves are the same way. You can safely use Restore-A-Finish in a mahogany stain on this piece. I have done several pieces with RAF from this time period (1940's-1950's) with excellent results. There are several old posts on the topic which you may find if you do a search on Restore-A-Finish or RAF. It is not like sanding, stripping, etc. off an original finish, just enhancing the beauty and luster of the original finish as well as filling in any scratches, removing water rings, etc. This is what my DR set looked like when I first bought it: This is what it looks like now. I have done RAF on the chairs and replaced the chair cushions. I have not touched the table as yet. My leaves are also darker but when I use the leaves I always use a tablecloth so it does not bother me. However, if you are interested in a transitional look, this is not the set for you. I agree with lyban on her suggestion to update the drapes as to me, that what makes your DR look dated. Your chandelier is also very formal and could be another area you could consider changing. The DR set you have right now looks very good quality, probably has sturdier chairs, but has a "generic" look with the white cushions. There is a lot you can do simply by updating the cushions, drapes, adding a table runner, etc. If you've not redone cushions before, it is quite a simple DIY task with fabric, batting and a staple gun. The reason I am cautioning you to think about it very carefully is that while I see several Duncan Phyfe DR sets on CL for the price range you mentioned, I think yours is worth more and may be difficult to get a similar one like it should you be dissatisfied with the CL one. In my case, I didn't already have a dining set, but if I had one like yours I think I would first start with the chair cushions and other changes to the DR first.

Pretty chairs, but in the sitting area they look as though they've been brought in as extras. They'd look less so with back and seat padding. this would require sewing skills or having them made, which could be cost prohibitive. Something I must remind myself of occasionally: just because I have it and like it, does not mean I must always have it out. How about keeping one, add a good looking seat cushion and a throw over the back, and store the other. Oh! How about keeping them at the table and buying slipcovers for them( with a pad tucked underneath), and voila! You have the look you want without buying new upholstered chairs.Must say, I'm not sure where this type of slipcover can be found...Ballards, maybe?

Agree, it does look like a fabric with a nap. This is the sofa and this is the photo Comfort Works sent to support their stance that, indeed, I had received the correct covers. If you would click on the link, Patricia, and scroll down to choices of fabrics, the line I chose is Performance (second group down) the blue. Can you see the difference in the sofa fabric shown above on sofa and the Performance I ordered? Thanks.