designs, patterns and colours to choose from that making the final selection can be an overwhelming experience, particularly for young brides and grooms-to-be and other first-time purchasers.

Choosing cutlery and crystal involves more choices and decisions.

To help you through the process, the following guidelines from experts Ms Alice Kolator and Ms Karla Stein will make the task much easier.

The process of choosing china begins by deciding on three fundamentals: body colour, gold or platinum banding, and shape. On these points Ms Kolator advised: Body colour: Look at the actual colour of the body of the china itself. Often there is a preference for white or cream. Simply by making that decision, a couple will have narrowed their choices.

Banding: Do you prefer gold or platinum banding? That decision narrows the choices further.

Shape: Study the shape of the accessories and serving pieces in different patterns, including gravy boats, vegetable dishes, tea and coffee pots, sugar bowls and platters. Stores don't have room to display all pieces in a pattern, so ask to see what is not out. You may love the plates but dislike the accessories.

Stand in front of china displays and look at the place settings. A major clue is the shape of the cup. Do you like it? Pick the cup up and pretend to drink from it. Is the handle comfortable? Do you like its weight? Does the cup satisfy your preference for a shallow or deep cup, a wide or narrow top? (Beverages cool quicker in wider topped cups).

"People react to shapes as they do to colours and patterns,'' Ms Kolator said. "It is important to select a shape that is not only pleasant to the eye but also one which blends into your lifestyle.

"There are many shapes which are traditional, and some which are very contemporary. That is often overlooked. Everyone gets so hung up on colours that they don't think about shapes.'' With decisions made in those three areas, it is time to move on to pattern and colour choices.

Patterns: Do you like a traditional or contemporary pattern? Remember, your china is an investment and should look as good to you in 20 years as it does today. Do you prefer a busy or subdued pattern? What is your colour preference? (Ms Klein says green is the most popular colour at the moment).

Versatility: For china, crystal and flatware, look for pieces which can make the transition between different types of dining and entertaining.

Availability: Ask if your china, crystal and flatware patterns are widely available. Over time, you want to be able to add to your set or buy replacements.

Quality: Since crystal, china and cutlery are investments, they should be of good quality. China should be well made, with even pattern and colouration.

Crystal should be sparkling and brilliant. Cutlery should be lustrous and feel comfortable in your hand. Inspect each piece of china, crystal and cutlery for flaws. Return imperfect pieces to the store for replacement. Note, however, that minor imperfections in crystal, such as pinpoint-sized bubbles, are signs of handcrafted workmanship, not flaws.

Crystal: The basic choices are easier here because they are fewer. First, decide whether you want traditional, faceted, heavy-cut crystal or what is known as light-blown crystal (plainer, uncut). Which do you prefer? Most people have a preference.

To help make the choice, pick up a goblet and see if you prefer drinking from the heavier, traditional faceted type or the light-blown type. Again, people generally have a preference.

This decision further narrows the field of choice.

Next, decide whether you want a plain rim, or one with a gold or platinum band. This narrows the field even further.

To co-ordinate with your china, look for elements which tie them together -- gold bands, fluted rims, floral motifs can create a unified look. But remember the `rule of three'! Where gold/platinum rims are concerned, these must definitely conform to the china. "The rule is: platinum to platinum, gold to gold,'' Ms. Klein said.

Proportions: There should be a good balance between the top and bottom of the glass to ensure stability.

Clarity and lustre: Hold crystal against a white piece of paper. The glass should be perfectly clear.

Since your china, crystal and cutlery are investments, proper care must be taken of them. Ms Klein's advice is: China: Place some kind of protection between each plate and saucer to prevent the bottom of one from scratching the surface of another.

Crystal: Be sure to give it room to breathe. If crystal is stored in a warm place and the pieces are touching, they will expand which can cause them to crack. Do not store crystal upside down because that puts all the weight on the weakest part of the glass, which is the rim. Frequent use keeps it sparkling.