is "Chinese patterns" a metaphor? (Friends season9 episode16) Hi:) I was watching "Friends" and there was a joke I couldn't get. Mike and Phoebe were moving in together and Monica, Ross and Chandler are excited that they are getting married. then Phoebe said "We haven't even moved in yet and they have us picking out china patterns." to Mike. I guess it has something with getting married but I am not sure. Could anyone tell what that means?