Dining Room

• Couples should request a dining set for fine dining and one for casual dining. The fine dining set, used for special occasions, should have enough pieces to accommodate guests. Bed Bath and Beyond recommends 12 place settings, with each place setting containing all of the pieces one person would need for a meal (plates, glasses, utensils). The fine dining set should also include serving wares such as platters, table linens and accessories such as salt and pepper shakers.
  
  A casual dining set is used in day-to-day life and is thus cheaper and more sturdy. Boxed sets with plates, bowls and mugs tend to contain four place settings. Depending on the number of people in your household, request two to five boxed sets to cut down on dish washing. Request casual flatware, glassware and linens separately; 8 to 12 pieces of each tend to be enough to cover a smaller household.
  
  

Kitchen

• Well-stocked kitchens start with a cookware set with 10 to 14 pieces. Boxed sets contain a range of pots and/or pans of various sizes. Request any specialty pans you might need, such as a wok, separately. Bakeware in nonstick, ceramic or glass varieties should include casserole dishes, muffin pans and cookie sheets.
  
  Get your kitchen knives via a nice knife block set. Also stock up kitchen utensils, measuring cups and spoons, food storage sets and canisters, a spice rack and a can opener. Request any kitchen electronics you might need, such as a toaster or a stand mixer.
  
  

Bed and Bath

• Bed Bath and Beyond recommends three full sets of bedding for each bed in the house. A set might include a comforter, duvet cover, pillows, pillowcases, and flat and fitted sheets. Include guest rooms in your tally of how much bedding you need.
  
  For bathroom supplies, plan to have at least three each of bath towels, hand towels and washcloths per person plus four of each for potential guests. Bathrooms also need rugs, shower curtains, toothbrush holders and personal care items such as electronic razors and foot spas.
  
  

Cleaning and Decor

• Request decor items for an easy way to keep sentimental gifts out in the open. Candles, photo frames, art and wall clocks all fall into this category. To keep your house clean, request a full-size vacuum, a hand vacuum, a broom and dustpan set, a mop and trash cans. Steam and garment cleaners, an iron and an ironing board might also go on the list.