This Just In: New Stamp Styles

FineStationery.com just added new stamps by Three Designing Women in fun shapes and styles. These stamps are most commonly used in place of return address labels, but the personalization opportunities are endless. Consider personalizing the stamps with "From the Desk of,"From the Library of," "This Book Belongs to" or "From the Kitchen of" to put your unique touch on everything from books and office documents to gift tags and baked goods.

I've listed a few of my own personal favorites below, but be sure to visit FineStationery.com to check out the entire collection...

"C" is for Cookie!

After posting our reader request inspiration board for a coral and brown anniversary party, we received a new inspiration board request from For Your Inspiration:

"I wanted to ask your advice on a birthday party I'm planning for my daughter's 2nd birthday...the party theme is Sesame Street, but I don't want it to be saturated with Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster. I want it to be classy and personal, not cartoon-y and commercial. Is that possible?"

I do believe that you can host a classy birthday party for your daughter without crossing the line into commercialization. Just use a few character touches here and there and keep the rest of the party simple and sweet. Here is an inspiration board built around Sesame Street's Cookie Monster:

• Set the tone for a fun and modern party with this cookie monster colored dot invitation by Inviting Company (title the invitation "C" is for Cookie for more character) -- FineStationery.com

• This pretty blue cake fits the color theme perfectly -- Country Living

• Decorate the room with these pretty tissue paper poms -- Martha Stewart

• Place a snuggly plush cookie monster on each child's chair with a cellophane favor bag full of these chocolate chip cookies and a card printed with your favorite cookie recipe. Tie the bag off with a blue ribbon and a matching tag that says "'C'" is for Cookie" -- Boyds Bears, Saks Fifth Avenue & FineStationery.com

• Set up a cookie filled dessert buffet featuring these cookies that are personalized with your daughter's first initial -- Rolling Pin Productions

• Keeping with the cookie theme, serve the parents these delicious Oreo Irish Cream Cocktails -- courtesy of Jessie at The Hungry Mouse (click here for the recipe)

Friday Linkfest

My 1-year-old and I just finished up our Friday dance fest -- a morning ritual at our house. We turn on VH1 and cut a rug to whatever video is playing at the moment. We waltz to the slow songs and move our feet to the beat of the newest pop hits. I love to hear his little giggles at my attempt to find rhythm and it's pretty hysterical to watch him perfect his only dance move, "the squat."

Now that I'm completely energized and feeling utterly jazzed that it's Friday (Hooray for the weekend!), it's time to get down to business and share some of the blogosphere highlights from this past week:

• Donna over at Party Wishes put together an amazing Slumber Party. Don't be surprised if you see it all over the Web by the end of the week!
  

• One day I'll live in a cute cottage like this one from My Sweet Savannah. I'll take walks to the beach, lay in the hammock out back and drink sweet tea while my babies play in the peony garden. I think I'll take the gray one with the pink flowers...perfection!

• I need to print out and post these four rules for the anxious hostess to my fridge. Thanks to Mix Mingle Glow!

• Need some morning eye-candy? These fun and flirty pink wedding photos on The Wedding Chicks are super sweet!

Have a fun-filled weekend!


* image courtesy of UGA Swing Club.

Pretty in Pastels Links

Due to technical difficulties, I had to post these links separately from the post below. Enjoy!

Yellow:
Sunny day dress by Abaete -- Saks Fifth Avenue
French knot note by Odd Balls -- FineStationery.com

Blue:

Chambray halter dress by Current/Elliott -- Nordstrom
Daisy blue note by Robin Maguire -- FineStationery.com

Pink:

Cotton cady Lyndsey dress by JCrew -- JCrew.com
Tulip note by Lucious Verde -- FineStationery.com

Lilac:

Day dress -- Banana Republic
Ornate lilac note by SanLori Designs -- FineStationery.com

Pretty in Pastels

Freshen up your spring wardrobe with these pretty pastel dresses and soft-hued stationery styles (see links in previous post):

Wedding Etiquette: Bridal Showers

To continue with our wedding etiquette series, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding bridal showers:

Do you have a question about etiquette for your wedding day or shower? Leave a brief explanation of your situation in the comments section below or e-mail me at jprice@finestationery.com and we'll provide you with an answer.

Who should host my bridal shower?

Usually friends of the couple, bridesmaids, or family including aunts and cousins would be the people to host your bridal shower. The couple should never host a shower in their own honor. Traditionally, it was even frowned upon when close relatives of the bride and groom, such as siblings, parents or grandparents would host the shower. But over the past few years, this has also changed. It is becoming socially acceptable for family to host a shower in honor of close relatives.

We are making the guest list for the bridal shower. Do I have to invite everyone who is attending the shower to the wedding as well?

Absolutely. If you invite friends and family to attend a shower, and hence, ask them to shower you with gifts, it is only common courtesy to also invite them to be a part in your big day. If you were to invite someone to your shower, and not to the actual wedding, they might feel that you were only trying to get extra gifts. The only exception to this would be if your friends at work hosted you a surprise shower. Then, you are not obligated to invite the guests to your wedding.


When signing thank you cards for the gifts I received at my bridal shower, should I just write my name, or my fiancé’s, too?

Though showers are usually hosted for the bride, your guests purchased their gifts with both you and your fiancé in mind. Hence, it is best to sign your thank you notes with both of your names.

How do we list the names of the hosts on an invitation if there are multiple hosts involved in the planning of a bridal shower?

The best way to list the hosts’ names on an invitation is to order them alphabetically. If one person is contributing more financially to a shower, that person's name should appear first.

Reader Request: Coral & Brown Anniversary Party

After reading our post on a Gold and Brown 50th Anniversary Party, FSUKristi wrote in "I'm actually looking to do a 30th anniversary party for my parents in their original wedding colors, coral and brown. I love what you came up with for gold and brown! Any ideas for me?"

FSUKristi-- I'd be happy to share a few ideas! The color coral is interesting because it can go one of two ways-- orange or pink. Since orange and brown are such popular colors for fall parties, I decided to go with a pinkish coral for your inspiration board. Using candles and lanterns for lighting will help to give your party a dream-like quality and a touch of romantic elegance.

• Coral roses, candles and coral flower centerpiece, chocolate initial cakes (using your parents' initials), candlelit canopy table -- Martha Stewart
• Coral floral invitation by Bella Adorna or chocolate scroll invitation by San Lori Designs -- FineStationery
• Coral dress by DSquared -- Far Fetch
• Brown dress by Tadashi -- Nordstrom
• Space several decorative pedestal bowls full of luxurious truffles down the center of the main table -- Delia Online
• Food station table with floral centerpiece -- The Knot
• Decorative nest-like lantern -- Anthropologie

Are you looking for ideas for your next event? Leave a comment with your request, and I'll create an inspiration board just for you.

The Big Easter Hunt

The time has come for the big hunt, and no, I'm not talking about Easter eggs. It's time to find the perfect Easter attire for your little ones.

Buying a new Easter dress and hat was a big deal in my house growing up. Being the girly girl that I was, I always ran straight for the white tulle and soft floral prints. Buying a new fancy dress was such a thrill. Each year, no matter how old I get, that same excitement still hits. While I haven't found my own Easter dress for this year, I have noticed an abundance of adorable little girl gowns, especially this one from Nordstrom. As for my little man, I'm leaning towards this outfit from Pottery Barn Kids, but I've found there's a real lacking in cute boy clothes for this season. If you know of a great place for little boy attire, I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Here are the two outfits I mentioned above incorporated into a Children's Easter party inspiration board (built off this adorable bunny invitation by simplyput). Happy shopping!

• Pretty ballerina dress by Us Angels -- Nordstrom
• White Easter baskets, little boy attire and bunny runner -- Pottery Barn Kids
• Little bunny invitation by simplyput -- FineStationery.com
• Spring green tie -- The Children's Place
  

Spring in Full Bloom

Hooray! We've made it to spring. To celebrate the Vernal Equinox, I've gathered a collection of delightful tulips.

This beautiful flower is ultra-feminine and comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Perfect for an Easter brunch centerpiece or spring wedding bouquet, tulips have a unique way of making any event feel fresh and cheery.



Have a sunny weekend!

*Images from The Knot, Martha Stewart & Tulip World.

We Love Lilly!

Celebrate spring with the colorful prints of Lilly Pulitzer! FineStationery.com just added more than 60 of Lilly Pulitzer's fresh new stationery items and invitations to its selection. Be sure to stop by and check out the entire collection...

Spring Awakening

I've been daydreaming about spring all winter. Now, the time has finally come to celebrate this wondrous season. The official first day of spring is this Friday, March 20.

While many lean towards a pastel palette for spring-themed parties and weddings, I can't help but feel that those soft shades just don't do this time of year justice. Spring is a glorious season full of new life and vibrant hues. While lime green and purple may not be a traditional wedding combination, these fabulous colors really make the perfect pair for celebrating young love and a new life together.

• Green taffeta dress by Donna Ricco -- Nordstrom
• Purple bridal bouquet, lime cocktail, table setting and green heels for the bride -- The Knot
• Hydrangea topped cake -- Palate Pleasers
• Plum invitation by Checkerboard -- FineStationery.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I just love this Irish blessing from IslandIreland.com. May it ring true for you today and always:



*Shamrock card by Inviting Company available from FineStationery.com.

Momma Mondays: Opening Day Bash

Opening day is April 6! Whether your little fanatic is celebrating a birthday or is just super excited for baseball season to begin, a game-day themed party is sure to be a real hit!

• Send these Baseball cap invitations by Stevie Streck -- FineStationery
• Learn how to make these personalized baseball cookies and hand them out to the whole team -- The Recipe Girl
• Set up a baseball diamond in your backyard and offer to be the umpire -- Field position image from StuSeeger
• Hand out packets of these baseball cards as favors -- Topps
• Serve up tasty game-day fare like hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks --Chemistry Land
• Use this adorable runner to decorate your table -- Pottery Barn Kids

Friday Linkfest

Here are a few of my favorite links from the past week:

• A good love story never fails to make me swoon, which is why I'm officially crushing on the blog Kiss the Groom. The "kiss and tell" feature is absolutely adorable. Don't you just love love?!

• Our ultra-talented graphic designer, Leanne, sent me over the link to Operation NICE-- what a wonderful concept for a blog-- I encourage you to check out Melissa's posts on a daily basis. I truly believe she is making the world a better place, one reader at a time.

• This train-inspired children's party from Little Shindigs is really terrific! I'll be storing this idea away for my own little conductor's birthday.
  

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Gift for the Groom

Sometimes a bride can get so caught up in color palettes, dress selections and other decisions involved with wedding planning that the man-of-the-hour may begin to seem like just another carefully selected detail.

If this sounds like you (don't worry, it happens to the best of us), why not take a short break from your work creating the wedding-of-the-year and spend some time pampering your super sweet honey instead.

One way to do this would be to plan a small boys-only party for your beau. A golf outing is a great way for the groom and his buddies to relax and have fun in the sun. Call your local course to set up tee-times and send this invitation to a group of his best guy friends. Be sure to save one of the invitations for the groom himself. Wrap it together with a new golf polo and a case of his drink-of-choice. Then, present the package to him a week or two prior to the event. Your soon-to-be hubby is sure to appreciate the time you spent "putting" him first.




P.S. -- The Golf Cart invitation featured in today's post by Meri Meri is currently on sale-- 20% off! Sale ends Saturday, March 15.

Wording Wednesday: Sympathy Notes

We recently received a request from a customer asking for advice on how to write an appropriate sympathy note, as well as tips for writing a thank you note following a funeral.

No one likes to think about a loved one passing on from this life, but when it happens, it may feel as if there are no words that can accurately express how you feel. Whether you are writing a sympathy note to someone in mourning or a thank you card to those who supported you in your own time of need, being open and real about how you feel is the best place to start. Here are a few tips and examples on how to write an appropriate note during the more difficult times in life:

Sympathy Note

• It is best to send a sympathy note immediately, but much like thank you notes, it is never too late. Those in mourning will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and your late-note may come at just the right time for him or her.
• Be gentle with the way you word things, careful to speak highly of the individual who has passed. You may want to mention a thing or two you admired about the person.
• Include a fun story or memory about the deceased if you have one—those mourning will appreciate the opportunity to remember the good times.
• If you live nearby, offer your services and your company. It is helpful to be surrounded and cared for by friends and family after a loss. This is particularly important for the elderly if they’ve lost a spouse.
• Always hand-write a sympathy note, as it feels more heartfelt.

Example:

Dear Ella,

Please accept my sincere condolences on your recent loss. Jack was a wonderful man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

I’ve always admired his positive outlook on life and will remember him for the great kindnesses he showed to others. Remember the time he drove 30 miles to help dig me out of a snowdrift? What a saint he was that day!

Please know that we are always available to you for whatever it is that you may need. In fact, I was hoping I might be able to stop by with some of your favorite casserole next week. I’ll be in touch to set up a time.

Sincerely,
Tabitha


Thank You Note

• Thank you notes should be written to anyone who sent you flowers, provided you and your family with a meal, gave a great deal of emotional support or helped with funeral arrangements.
• There is no solid time frame for when you should have your thank you notes finished. It is generally accepted that you will need a period of mourning before you can return to your regular social responsibilities. Write them when you feel you are emotionally stable enough to complete the task.
• Graciously accept help from friends and family. They will appreciate the opportunity to assist you in the areas they can.
• If one of your friends or family members were close with the deceased, try and insert a line or two about how much that person meant to him/her in the thank you note. For example, “Jack always cherished his days in the army infantry and considered you one of his best friends."

Example:

Dear Tabitha,
Thank you for all the emotional support you provided in the weeks following Jack’s funeral. It was so nice to have the company of one of my dearest friends during such a difficult time.

Jack always thought very highly of you and your husband, Danny. I’m sure he is happy to see that you came to my rescue after he departed.

Again, thank you for being such a good friend and spending extra time with me during those lonely first days. I greatly appreciated your company and look forward to our weekly casserole nights.

Sincerely,
Ella

An Easter Brunch With a Side of Hydrangea

Hydrangeas always make me think of spring in full swing. The green foliage of the bush and the periwinkle blossoms are the perfect mimic of the greening grass and a cloudless sky. This hydrangea card from Stevie Streck would be the perfect invitation for a stylish Easter brunch.

• Hydrangea invitation -- Stevie Streck available at FineStationery.com
• Egg cup craft and white hydrangea place setting -- Martha Stewart
• Periwinkle dress -- Dolce & Gabbana available at Nordstrom
• Hydrangea centerpiece, large floral arrangement and chair accent -- The Knot
• Cinnamon rolls -- Epicurious.com

Momma Mondays: Palate Pleasing Plates

While browsing the new products over at FineStationery.com this morning, I was so excited to find brand new melamine plate designs by one of my favorite vendors, Boatman Geller. These kid-friendly, dishwasher-safe plates are full of whimsy and are sure to make dinner time more fun for your little ones. The navy stripe design has been added to my own list of must-buy-items. Be sure to visit FineStationery.com to see the entire melamine plate collection:

Good News!

Thousands of stationery styles at FineStationery.com can now be purchased in smaller quantities starting at 10. Whether you're shopping for stationery, invitations, announcements, gifts or more, our new quantity offerings provide greater flexibility and allow you to purchase just what you need.

Here are a few invitations perfect for a small Easter gathering:
























































* Pastel Dot by Cross-My-Heart, Easter Egg by Inviting Company, Bunny by Sarah LeClere-- all available at FineStationery.com.

Present Perfection

I have slight obsession with creating a perfectly wrapped gift. Each year at Christmas, my father would sit down at the kitchen table to wrap the gifts for our grandparents and for my mom. Our paper collection was full of snowflakes, Santas and other festive patterns. He was very particular about folding the corners correctly and matching up the patterns along the seam lines.

When I married into my husband’s family (also present perfectionists), I was introduced into the world of metallic papers and sparkly ribbons. Photos of the presents piled up under their tree could literally have fallen from the pages of a Better Homes and Garden Holiday issue.

After being schooled in their wrapping techniques, I decided it was time to find my own style. If there is one thing that has always bothered me, it's the waste associated with wrapping paper—all that hard work is ruined with the unwrapping. Enter my love for these decorative boxes from Moonrock Paper Company. Not only are the company’s products tree-free, they also work as a gift within a gift and can be used as unique storage solutions for nurseries, laundry areas and powder rooms. I usually purchase a few of the boxes in descending sizes and stack them. Each box holds a different portion of the gift, wrapped in tissue paper. For a fabulous finishing touch, tie a wide, color-coordinated satin ribbon in a bow at the top to hold the stack together.

Charming Accessories for St. Patrick's Day

Whether you're planning an Irish wedding or looking to escape a pinch by wearing a punch of green this St. Patty's day, these charming accessories are sure to add a bit of fun and festive flair to your lucky day.

• I love the simplicity of this Heidi Klum clover pendant -- Magnums
• Others are sure to envy you in this gorgeous green dress -- JCrew
• Bright and cheery, these green calling cards are a perfect pick for a bonny lass -- Crane & Co. available at FineStationery.com
• A pretty, preppy wedding invitation for those lucky in love -- William Arthur available at FineStationery.com
• How much do you love this striped cardigan? -- Lilly Pulitzer
• This Claddagh wedding ring set is super unique and really quite stunning -- Linda Clifford
• Single ladies will love this right-hand ring (a new take on an old favorite) -- Linda Clifford

On the Move: Tips for Relocating

A while back, I asked our talented intern Wes to write up a moving checklist article that we could send to customers who were in the process of ordering moving announcements. Little did I know that a little over a year later, I would be making use of the list myself. My husband and I are in the process of building a new house and hope to be moving within the next couple of months. I've found the list Wes put together to be incredibly helpful and just had to share with those of you who are looking for, or have recently found, a new nest:

(A huge thanks to Wes for putting together this fantastic checklist!)

2 Months Prior to Moving…

• Research your new town on the Internet or purchase a copy of their local newspaper to familiarize yourself with the community.
• Decide if the move will be do-it-yourself or if you’re hiring movers. (If the latter, call moving companies and get estimates on the move.)
• Construct a floor plan of your new home and map out where to put furniture.
• If you have children, contact their current school for their records. Then contact their new school and find out how to transfer the papers.
• Keep a log of moving-expense receipts as some may be tax deductible.
• Gather and organize important documents such as medical records, legal documents and birth certificates.
• Order moving announcements to inform friends and family about your relocation.
• Contact any renovators, such as plumbers or carpenters, necessary to ensure your new home is ready to move in the day of your arrival.

1 Month Prior to Moving…

• If you are moving a great distance, order luggage tags for parcels you are taking with you on the plane.
• Check with your insurance company to see how possessions are covered during the move.
• If you’re doing the move yourself, reserve a rental truck, or if you’re hiring a company to help, go over your estimates to decide on the best movers for your relocation.
• Order return address labels to match your new location.
• Give proper notice to any clubs or organizations you belong to and ask if there are similar groups in your new town.
• Purchase a gift for your realtor. Try a stamp or embosser, notepads or personalized stationery.
• Disconnect any old utilities and call to set up new accounts.
• Don’t forget to send out your moving announcements!

2 Weeks Prior to Moving…

• Go through your house and throw away anything you don’t want to take in the move. Be honest with yourself – it will make the move that much easier.
• After sorting through your belongings, hold a moving sale to sell what you and your family won’t be using in the future.
• Notify creditors of your new address.
• Get a head start and begin packing items you do not use on a regular basis.

1 Week Prior to Moving…

• If driving, service your car in preparation for the move.
• Finish packing for the move.

1 Day Prior to Moving…

• Take a trip to the bank to empty and close your safe-deposit box. Call banks around your new town to set up new accounts.
• Obtain cash or traveler’s checks. You’ll need it to pay the movers.
• Make an inventory of items being moved to your new home. This inventory can act as a checklist on move-in day and will ensure everything gets to its new destination.
• Pack small suitcases of necessities for the move, similar to packing for a short vacation.

Arrival at New Address…

• Note your utility meter readings and make sure all utilities are functioning properly.
• Watch the movers and go over the inventory checklist you made earlier to make sure nothing is missing.
• Give the kids responsibilities such as unpacking items for their bedrooms. It will make them feel involved in making the new house your home.

Once You’ve Settled In…

• Remember to give your realtor his or her gift.
• Set the date and order invitations for your Housewarming Party or Open House.
• If you’ve moved out of state, get a new driver’s license and tags for your car.
• Write thank you notes to those who helped with the move.

Momma Mondays: Candy, Cakes & Other Cravings

Whether you have a hankering for ham or a sudden yearning for ice cream and pickles, cravings during pregnancy make it nearly impossible to focus on anything but the munchie of the moment. My own cravings consisted primarily of malted milkshakes and fountain sodas (Cherry Coke and Dr. Pepper to be exact). There wasn't a day when you'd pass my office without seeing a smattering of cups littering my desk. Candy was another favorite-- so much so that a co-worker commented that I must be making a real "stud-muffin" with all the sugar I'd been consuming.

Cravings are such a fun part of pregnancy and would be a great concept to center a baby shower around. Brightly colored candy and cakes make this sweet inspired shower the perfect way to satisfy the sugar momma in your life.

• Ice cream with cherry-on-top invitation by Julia D. Azar -- FineStationery.com
• Sweet pink cupcake baby blanket -- StuandDumplings.com
• Dandy yellow candy buffet -- Martha Stewart
• "Could I be any sweeter?" ice cream bodysuit -- Whimsy Press
• Candy necklace garland -- Martha Stewart
• Whimsical cupcake dishes -- Rosanna, Inc.