Centuries before there were wedding registries... there were dowry boxes and "hope chests", ornately decorated cedar boxes meant to hold all that a young couple would need to build a home together ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... The chest's sturdy construction supported the heaviest of the household goods, the cedar protected the linens often monogrammed or ornately embroidered and the linens protected the china and silver, with carefully chosen patterns or family crests. But what went in last was most precious of all... carefully cultivated by the senior matriarch (from contributions by all the women in the family) was the sagest marital advice, the warmest wishes and the most valued family recipes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. With a nod to tradition, we've looked to our grandmothers (all six!) for guidance, wisdom and inspiration. What follows are selections influenced by their own life experiences as well as their love for us, their soon-to-be married grandchildren.