Denise and Scott McGaha
September 5, 1998

It was a sunny, sweltering 112-degree day when interior designer Denise McGaha married husband Scott in a backyard ceremony early in the fall of 1998. In keeping with the celebration’s “earthy and natural” aesthetic, the pair wed under a cedar arbor draped in muslin, then celebrated over brunch with their nearest and dearest. At the end of the festivities, “We drove off in a 1955 vintage Chevy truck, which we still own today,” Denise says.

Best advice for a lasting marriage:

“Laughter and forgiveness are essential for a lasting relationship,” Denise says.

Best advice for registering:

“Prioritize including entertaining pieces,” Denise suggests. “Items like platters, serving utensils, champagne glasses, and sterling silver will be valuable for hosting gatherings and creating lasting memories together.”

We still use:

1. Waterford
Crystal withstands trends and never goes out of style. “I always keep a bottle of Veuve and my Waterford champagne coupes ready to celebrate with anyone at a moment’s notice,” Denise says. She also loves the elegance that a crystal bowl gives to even a lowbrow snack. “A crystal candy dish filled with Hot Tamales shows everyone you don’t take yourself too seriously,” she says. 

2. Our KitchenAid stand mixer
“Every kitchen needs the highest quality stand mixer available,” Denise says, adding that these beautiful and functional workhorses “last forever!” 

3. Silver
“Christofle flatware in a classic pattern is a family heirloom that you can pass down,” Denise says. She also stresses that you shouldn’t shy away from using your good stuff: “ I encourage daily use of your silver to keep it looking new.”

In 2025, I’d register for:

1. Miyabi knife set
“Even if you’re not a chef, a really great knife makes you feel confident in the kitchen,” Denise says. A well-rounded set ensures you’re able to tackle any recipe.

2. Monogrammed linen napkins
“Monogrammed linen napkins instantly elevate any night at home, whether it is a romantic weeknight dinner for two or an elegant dinner party,” Denise says.

3. A really good corkscrew
“There is nothing worse than breaking the cork in your favorite bottle of wine,” laments Denise. “Especially one that your friends brought to share!” High-quality tools let you pop open a bottle with confidence. 

4. Silver bowls
“Nothing elevates potato chips like placing them in a silver bowl,” says Denise. These versatile serving pieces also work well for nuts, candy, or small appetizers. An entertaining MVP.