Hope chest

I have always hoped that when I got married that my dad (who is a furniture maker) would make me a hope chest. Now that being said he made me a peir table when I was eight and he still owes me a coffie table and two end tables. So I'm not holding my breath. Anyway I like the idea of a hope chest, and filling it with the apropreate linens, and while puruseing blog land this morning I came across Primrose Designs post on the subject. She found a list of what was excpected to be in a hope chest, and while I'm not sure if this was a standard or just one woman's requirments I found it interesting. Here's the list which I copy pasted from Primrose, I hope she dosn't mind..

"I found the following hope chest list very satisfactory for my own little home: Eight sheets, eight pairs of pillowcases, four sheet-shams, four comforts, two pairs of double blankets, three pairs of pillows, two white tablecloths, two dozen white napkins, two Japanese luncheon-cloths, two dozen napkins to match, one between-meal centerpiece, four miscellaneous centerpieces, two buffet-scarfs or sets, four dresser-scarfs or sets, two machine-scarfs, two library-scarfs, one centerpiece and piano scarf, five cushions, three dozen dish towels, eighteen each of hand-towels and washcloths, one dozen bath towels, six holders for kitchen use, laundry—bag, combing—jacket and kimono, one each, three envelope-chemises, four camisoles, six petticoats, silk and washable, five each of nightgowns, house-dresses and bungalow aprons, and six slip-on aprons. This list was intended for four rooms and sleeping-porch, and is ample. It may, of course, be taken from or added to as required, but in a general way is very good."—Mrs. M. L. K., California

guessing by the list that must have been and enormous chest, and it seems to have EVERYTHING she owned in it. I think I'll rework the list a bit for modern times and mull over the idea of actualy makeing it all. I probably wont get to far untill after the wedding since I'm still on this crazy I'm gonna make my dress kick.

Speaking of which if you know of any good sites to check to get ideas for my dress or patterns please leave a comment, I'm looking for a thin shoulder strap dress with a lower, perhaps cleavagey neckline, in something that hits mid calf or just below the knee. We're thinking of tying the knot on the beach and I don't want the dress to drag in the sand.

Thanks!