She Sells Seashells...

Over the next week I’ll be soaking up the sun and surf at the Maryland shore. But between sunbathing and sleeping, I’ll be doing plenty of shopping at the adorable boutiques of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. One of my first stops will be Blair Elizabeth, a tiny store specializing in fashion accessories, home décor and original jewelry designs. The jewelry line is a favorite of mine, full of fresh, fun and often beachy designs...

Freshwater Pearl & Starfish Necklace

but I’m also really taken by the store’s new line of handmade handbags by Bosom Buddy:

Brown Medallion Handbag

While I’m away, I’m leaving The Finer Things in the hands of a few talented guest bloggers, straight from the floors of FineStationery.com. These incredibly creative and stylish gals have put together some really lovely posts for next week including an inspiration board for a vintage seashore wedding, helpful tips for submitting job applications and a no-fail recipe for using ginger to spice up your next dinner party.

So check back next week for a real treat—and I’ll be back to blogging the week of August 10. Until then my lovelies…

Flourishing Family Tree Wedding

I love learning about personal histories, of where families have come from and how they've grown and flourished over the years. A family tree showcasing ancestry lines may just contain a long list of names, but to think of all the "life" that lies within the many branches can be quite fascinating.

Whether you can trace your family tree back to your great-grandparents or even ancestors from long ago, each name written in your history holds a story. These stories inevitably contain new beginnings, trials, victories, and perhaps even great adventures. And though the individuals that make up your family tree may have departed this world, their stories, and your family history, continue on through you.

A marriage is a wonderful addition to your family tree, and a unique opportunity to celebrate your roots. Consider planning a family tree themed wedding-- it's the perfect way to toast the past, present and future.

• Send an invitation illustrated with a tree or branch motif like these cards from William Arthur and Crane & Co., and be sure to use the phrase "as two families join" somewhere in your invitation wording -- FineStationery.com

• Consider performing your ceremony under a giant oak tree -- Brides.com

• Wrap tree saplings in burlap and place one at each place setting as a wedding favor for your guests -- Snippet & Ink

• Have two of these beautiful family trees made to display at your ceremony and reception (one should display the bride's side, and the other the groom's family) -- Etsy seller SimpleSweetDesign

• This gorgeous, golden tree necklace would be a great accessory for the bride, or a great embellishment for the bridal bouquet -- Max and Cleo

• Finally, use a wish tree as your guest book at the reception. Guests can write words of encouragement and wishes for your new, wedded life, on decorative cards, then hang them from the branches of your wish tree -- The Knot

Back to School Party by Poca Cosas

Susan over at Poca Cosas hosted the most fabulously creative back-to-school party for her son and a few of his friends. I've re-posted a few of the highlights below, but be sure to check out Susan's blog to see the rest of the snapshots from the party.

Susan scheduled the party into "periods" which included subjects like art (craft time), Home Ec (cooking edible crayons) and everyone's favorite, lunch:

Use a lunch box as a food display

Cute lunch trays

Sundae School

Planning your own back-to-school bash? Check out FineStationery.com to find the perfect invitation!

End of Summer Eyelet

Fall may be on the fringe, but that doesn't mean you can't savor summer's finest now. Eyelet designs scream summertime and are the epitome of casual elegance. By infusing your wardrobe with a few eyelet pieces now, you'll easily stay stylish for the remainder of the season.

• Green scallop note card by Vera Wang -- FineStationery.com

• Purple, strapless eyelet dress by Shoshanna -- Saks Fifth Avenue

• Delicate eyelet paper lanterns by Martha Stewart -- Walmart.com

• Lavender swirl eyelet card by Vera Wang -- FineStationery.com

• White eyelet sundress by Lilly Pulitzer -- Saks Fifth Avenue

• Eyelet table cloth -- Country Living

Fireman Birthday

Every little boy dreams of being the hero. Help his dream come true by hosting a fireman themed birthday party that's sure to sizzle.

• Hang this personalized wooden sign on the front door of your house for a festive entrance -- Rosenberry Rooms

• This adorable fire truck invitation by Me & Mine has a movable ladder and fire-hose embellishment -- FineStationery.com

• Hang these black and silver tissue pom-poms by Martha Stewart around your room for a safe "smokey" effect -- Design Is Mine Blog

• Perch this plush pooch next to the front door or the candy buffet table -- Melissa and Doug Toys

• Have several of these fire engine pedal cars on hand for imaginary play -- Posh Tots

• Provide each guest with their own fireman kit complete with hat, costume and fire extinguisher -- Store for Knowledge

• When arranged correctly in a clear glass, these red and orange rock candy sticks can look like little flames -- Candy Warehouse

• This five-alarm flame cake is sure to satisfy their sweet tooth -- Sweet Elizabeth

Just Peachy!

It's prime time for peaches here in Maryland. I have such great memories of taking trips to the local orchard with my Nanna, walking down the rows of abundant peach trees, gathering baskets-full of this lavish fruit-- stopping here and there to take a juicy, but delightful bite. When we would return home, she would slice the peaches up and store them in the freezer so we could enjoy them throughout the winter months, and of course set a bowlful aside for our dessert.

While peaches are great served plain or lightly dusted with sugar, they also make a great addition to a multitude of dishes, and even drinks. Here's a recipe for a Peachtree Punch cocktail that sounds simply mouthwatering! I hope you'll have the chance to enjoy one this weekend!

1 medium fresh peach, peeled, pitted and quartered
1 1/2 ounces silver rum
2 ounces orange juice
1/4 ounce coconut syrup
1/4 ounce peach liqueur
1 1/2 cups crushed ice, plus additional ice cubes
1 sprig mint, for garnish
Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Red wine or double old-fashioned glass

Reserve one of the peach quarters. Combine the remaining three peach quarters, rum, orange juice, coconut syrup, peach liqueur and crushed ice in an electric blender and pulse for a few seconds, just until uniformly combined.

Pour into the glass and add ice cubes to fill. Garnish with the remaining peach quarter, skewered on a cocktail pick, and the mint sprig. Dust with nutmeg.

* Recipe and image via iVillage.com.

Have a lovely weekend!

Autumn Wedding: Copper & Plum

While silver and gold metallics have been in style now for a few years, the more rustic but still polished copper is just starting to see a rise in popularity. This warmer, more subdued tone is perfect for an early autumnal wedding and looks positively regal when paired with a dusky shade of plum.

• Copper monogram invitation by William Arthur -- FineStationery.com

• Fiery floral centerpiece containing hues of copper and plum -- The Knot

• Trade in a copper cake stand for the standard silver (I love this cake and think it would look great with a plum colored ribbon!) -- The Knot

• This hair comb would be a beautiful accessory for the bride -- Etsy seller WhichGoose
  

• Dress the bridesmaids in these sophisticated copper-colored frocks by Jim Hjelm -- Jim Hjelm

• Drop-earrings made of amber for the bride or her maids -- Etsy seller AnnaArtiste
  

• Copper and plum invitation by Checkerboard -- FineStationery.com

• Copper damask table settings for the reception -- Macys.com

• A boutonniere for the groom crafted from lavender and rosemary -- The Knot

More Buzz on Bees...

I apologize for bumbling on about bees, but I just had to pass along this link to a bee-autiful shopping spread by Candy Pratts Price of Vogue magazine. It seems bees are not just for babies this season-- they are popping up on everything from beauty products to home and fashion accessories. With this new found knowledge, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of our more sophisticated bee items (and don't forget to check out Style.com for more great bee finds):



Clockwise from top left (all items available at FineStationery.com):

• Blue bee calling card by Prentiss Douthit

• Golden bee note card by Crane & Co. (my personal favorite!)
  

• Sophisticated bee stamp by PSA Essentials

• Modern pink bee calling card by kate spade

Attention Artists and Designers: A Unique Opportunity!

From The Crane Insider, official blog of Crane & Co.:

Crane & Co., Inc., the premier maker of fine stationery since 1801, is seeking artists, illustrators and designers who can create sophisticated, cutting-edge art for our new STUDIO collection. Known as a leader in the stationery category, Crane is an iconic brand that delivers uncompromising quality and classic designs. For the new collection, we’re looking for a fresh, modern aesthetic targeted at consumers who are artistic, design-savvy and stylish.

A partnership with Crane & Co. offers designers:

• Crane’s unequaled brand recognition
• Crane’s uncompromising quality and craftsmanship
• Crane’s state of the art manufacturing and production
• Crane’s powerful distribution capabilities
• Crane's on-line and in-store electronic ordering system
• Crane’s influential marketing and collateral support

Each product category will feature several different designers. Selected designers may have products in one, or several product lines.

Crane’s STUDIO collection will showcase a group of designers, each with their own unique look. Independent creatives and small stationery studios have the opportunity to combine their design talents with the unparalleled strength of the Crane brand.

Crane’s STUDIO will include boxed and custom printed products in the following categories:

• Boxed Stationery
• Personal Correspondence
• Thank You Notes
• Holiday Cards
• Custom Printed Stationery
• Wedding Invitations
• Holiday Cards
• Social Invitations
• Personal Correspondence

Artists, illustrators, and graphic designers interested in being considered for STUDIO are invited to submit examples of their work using the guidelines provided. We are looking for each artist’s style as it applies to stationery. Ideally, we’d like to see three samples of your work for each product category you are interested in. The samples may have the same style, or showcase different design styles. They may be newly created or samples of your previous work.

Feel free to blog/tweet/share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues. We welcome submissions in a wide range of design aesthetics.

Deadline for submissions is August 1.

Click here for more information about Crane's STUDIO and the submission process.

What's New for Newborns?

Some of the most popular nursery and baby shower themes over the past year have included sailboats, grown-up sophistication (think damask prints) and safari. But the buzz is that bees are the next big thing for babies. From pet names like "honey-bee" for little ones to a play on words such as "B is for Ba-bee," it's easy to see why bees suddenly seem to be swarming the baby market.

• This adorable birth announcement by Jasmine and Woo will have friends and family buzzing over the cuteness of your new addition -- FineStationery.com

• A diaper cake featuring Bert's Bees baby products makes for a great shower gift -- Too Cute Baby Gifts

• Have this metal wall art personalized with your baby's name for a unique nursery decoration -- etsy seller RustyRoosterMetal

• Place this bee-colored ottoman at the foot of your baby's crib for a soft, yet stylish, place to lounge -- Anthropologie

• These cute bee-inspired Mary-Janes are perfect for protecting your little one's toes -- Posh Tots

• Serve bumble bee cupcakes at your shower for dessert -- Icing and Ink

Keeping in Touch (Friday Linkfest!)

Me with friends and family at a Fourth of July Gathering

Finished our big move and beginning to feel a bit more settled now, my husband and I have finally started to reach out to our old friends again. It is very easy to get out-of-touch when building a new house, particularly when you are acting as your own general contractors. Thankfully, our friends are some of the very best in the world, and have welcomed us back with open arms, and I am thankful that we now have our own own home to open to them as well.

Things are very similar in the blog world, relationships are just as much about keeping in touch and giving to one another-- which is why I like to post a Friday Linkfest every now and then. It not only gives me the opportunity to peruse the blogosphere for great finds and lovely bloggers to share with you all, but a Friday Linkfest also gives me the chance to give a great shout-out to some really talented blogger friends of mine. On that note, here are a few of my favorite finds from the last few weeks:

• Beautiful and summery hydrangea and linen wedding inspiration board at Snippet and Ink

• A creative and charming birthday party inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar at *Stem* Fabulous Parties Start Here

• Eco-friendly, re-usable snack and sandwich pockets featured by elefantitas alegres (scroll to end of the post)
  

• Great tips for the art of food styling and rustic tabletop from At Home with Kim Vallee

A Modern Fairytale Wedding

Woven from luxurious cotton pulp, this heavy weight card from Crane & Co. feels as luxurious as it looks. The satin, peacock blue ribbon combined with a regal monogram makes it appear as if it has come straight from a royal court, the perfect invitation for the day you marry your prince charming.

• Keep your color palette simple in calming creams and champagne, then add pops of majestic peacock blue as an accent color. Possible places to pick up the peacock blue include the wedding cake and sashes for the flower girls -- The Knot

• These cream colored feathers lighten up the atmosphere while also adding a touch of renaissance era charm -- The Knot

• Like the invitation, this monogram necklace shows family pride and would be an excellent gift for the groom to give his bride at the close of the ceremony -- Posh Jewels

• Ancient cathedrals are incredibly beautiful and would be a fitting place for your ceremony -- Canterbury Cathedral by Flickr user kurlvink

• A ball gown is a must for a modern fairytale wedding. This bride looks ravishing in Rivini (I love how she wears her hair down--quite romantic!) -- The Knot

• Finally, the invitation that built the board -- FineStationery.com

Summer Savings

There are some great promotions happening over at FineStationery.com right now. Several of our most popular brands are extending fabulous offers to our customers. I've mentioned just a few of them below, but be sure to visit FineStationery.com's promotion page to see the list in it's entirety.

Purchase a minimum quantity of 75 pieces per item and receive 25 additional pieces of that same item FREE. This promotion applies to select kate spade items. Sale Ends 09/30/2009.

Purchase a minimum quantity of 75 pieces per item and receive 25 additional pieces of that same item FREE. This promotion applies to select Crane items. Sale Ends 09/30/2009.

Purchase a minimum quantity of 75 pieces per item and receive 25 additional pieces of that same item FREE. This promotion applies to select Checkerboard items.
Sale Ends 07/26/2009.

Also:

Free Return Address Printing on select Checkerboard Items.
Sale Ends 08/09/2009.

Be a Pink Lady

If you're preparing to be fashion forward this fall, you may want to consider adding splashes of hot pink to your wardrobe. According to fashion experts at InStyle magazine, the hue is set to be a big hit all the way in to 2010.

• Striped ribbon announcement by Crane & Co. could be re-purposed as a charming invitation -- FineStationery.com

• These slingback heels by Jessica Simpson would look fabulous paired with a sophisticated black dress -- Zappos.com

• A unique pink bangle from kate spade makes for a rather eye-catching accessory -- kate spade

• Decorate your events with fresh pink flowers until the summer season ends -- The Knot

• Cocktail napkins are always more chic when personalized -- FineStationery.com
  

• This fun and flirty calling card is sure to help you stand out from the rest -- Robyn Miller Design at FineStationery.com

• A bold pink scarf is a great way to revitalize a cream or black coat -- Amazon.com

• Finally, this dress by Nicole Miller would look lovely paired with pearls and an elegant black jacket -- Nordstrom

A Girly Barnyard Bash

My little cousin Olivia has always been in love with horses and one of her favorite places to be is at the barn. But Olivia is a pretty unique gal, because while she doesn't mind getting dirty, she's still a girly-girl at heart. The party board below is for just such a girl. Filled with fun patterns and feminine colors, this party proves that you don't have to be a cowboy (or adhere to cowboy style) to enjoy a barnyard bash!

• This pink pony polka dot invitation by Inviting Company is the perfect way to invite guests to her party -- FineStationery.com

• Set picnic tables and your refreshment table with feminine flowers and hang pretty patterned flag banners around your party space -- Country Living

• Dress the guest of honor in a cute frock and cowgirl hat. This dress from Jennifer Paganelli is perfect for a summer gathering -- Sis Boom Day Dreams

• Don't forget to invite your furry friends! Consider hiring a petting zoo service to bring farm animals to the event -- Dallas Party

• These cute cow cupcakes are handcrafted from fondant -- Blue Cupcake by Julie

• Finally, use these adorable, quilt-inspired plates from Lilly Pulitzer for lunchtime -- FineStationery.com

Swirl...Sip...Savor

If you're looking for a relaxed activity or theme for your next summer soiree, consider hosting a small wine tasting party in your home. Decanter.com offers a wonderful (and free!) wine tasting kit download complete with a how-to on taking methodology notes, an aroma chart and a score card print-out to give to each of your guests. Below is an inspiration board to help you get in the mood for mingling and merlot.

• Arrange the wine bottles in a row and be sure they are properly labeled -- Uncorked29

• Select a wine oriented invitation such as this beautiful letterpress invitation by William Arthur or a charming cutout from Stevie Streck -- FineStationery.com

• These metal plaques offer a stylish way to label a selection of cheese -- Neiman Marcus

• In addition to cheese, serve your guests a variety of finger foods such as french onion crostini and stuffed figs. They make for a beautiful presentation and are pretty easy to make -- Rachel Ray

Share the Love On Your Big Day

If you're planning your wedding, consider making event choices that will help others. By incorporating charitable giving into your big day, you can continue to share your love with the world long after you dance the last dance at your reception. Here are just a few ways that you can pay it forward:


1. Buy invitations from stationery designers who donate a portion of their proceeds to a charity. Bonnie Marcus Collection, for example, has a variety of stylish invitations for rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. The company donates a portion of each sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Purchase your dress from a charity based sale. The Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation hosts a variety of Brides Against Breast Cancer bridal gown events nationwide. Most gown prices range from $99 to $799, including hundreds of beautiful new designer gowns valued up to $8,000. More than half the gowns presented at the sales are new designer dresses, straight from the designer. The proceeds from the sales help the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation grant wishes for terminally ill cancer patients. Click here for a calendar of sale events.

3. Finally, instead of giving your guests favors at the reception, make a donation to your favorite charity in their honor. Then, place a small card at each place setting explaining your reasoning behind choosing that particular charity.

* Bridal attire invitation by Bonnie Marcus Collection available at FineStationery.com

** Charitable favor card via The Knot.

Better Your Business with Fine Stationery

Many of my blogging pals are also small business owners. Whether you own a small shop on Etsy or operate a booming brick and mortar business, it is important to always put your best foot forward, especially when it comes to the paper you use for operations.

What kind of stationery do I need for business?

Every business should have business cards, letterhead and matching envelopes bearing the company’s logo for day-to-day mailings and business interactions. However, there are other forms of stationery that are just as important in terms of communicating with your customers. For example, it would be an excellent idea to have personal correspondence or note cards bearing the company’s logo so that you can send a handwritten correspondence card after a meeting or business lunch. This will make a lasting impression with clients and colleagues alike.

What is the proper way to fold a business letter?

To ensure that your company’s image remains flawless, it is a good idea to instruct your staff on how to properly fold and insert business documents into envelopes.

To fold a standard letterhead sheet, fold the bottom of the sheet up until there is about a third of the letter remaining at the top and crease. Then, fold the top of the letter down to meet the first fold and crease.

To stuff a correspondence card or note into an envelope, insert so that the front of the card is facing the back of the envelope. This way, when the flap is opened, the recipient will first see the design or message. It is much like greeting some one in person. You would certainly not keep your back to them, and so is the same with a card—the front of the card should “greet” its recipient.

When writing business correspondence, what is the best way to sign a letter or card?

There are a variety of complimentary closings to choose from, including “Best regards,” “Yours truly” and “Respectfully yours,” however, the best closing to use for a letter that is strictly business is “Sincerely.” Whichever complimentary closing you choose, make sure that you hand-sign each letter. Typed signature blocks make it easy for the recipient to see whom the letter is from, but they will surely appreciate seeing that you took the time to also hand-sign your signature.

When is a thank you note warranted in the business world?

Thank you notes in the business world are sent for a variety of reasons. Whether you are thanking someone for a favor, gift or meal, a thank you note is a great way to show your appreciation to clients, colleagues and executives alike. It would even be a wise move to send a note to those you take out for a meal, thanking them for taking the time out of their busy schedules in order to meet with you.

Dressing for the Occassion

If you're like me, the first thing you think after receiving an invitation to a cocktail party or wedding (other than "oh how nice of them to invite us," of course) is "what shall I wear?"

While J.Crew and Nordstrom are always my first stops when shopping for a great dress, I've been longing to find a few new and interesting frocks that take a small step out of my neatly pressed and preppy box.

One day as I was browsing through Facebook, I noticed an advertisement for Modcloth, a vintage inspired retailer offering a unique collection of clothing and accessories. The closest thing in my closet to vintage would be my Audrey Hepburn little black dress and my Jackie O pearls, but I must say that I found several of Modcloth's dresses to be simply stunning.

Here are a few of my favorite finds. If you're looking for
unique and fun attire for your next event, I encourage you to add Modcloth to your shopping list.

Watercolor poppy dress via Modcloth

Grass is greener dress via Modcloth

* Layered cake dress can be found here.

Surfs Up! Party

Earn the reputation of coolest momma on the block by hosting a surfing party to ward off the summer heat. A surfing party is a great way to celebrate summer birthdays and is sure to make waves with the kids in your neighborhood.

• Surf shack sign for decor --Bungalow Beach Designs

• Surf board cupcakes for dessert -- Blue Cupcake by Julie

• Serve fruity, non-alcoholic smoothies in a variety of colors -- Trevi Beverages

• Set the tone for your bash with this colorful surfboard invitation from Starfish and Dreams -- FineStationery.com

• If you don't have a pool, consider setting up one of these surf and slide activity centers -- Hut Pools

• Provide plenty of beach towels for the surfer dudes to dry off after a long day of riding the waves -- Pottery Barn Kids

• These personalized surf board chairs would be the perfect as spectator seating -- Pottery Barn Kids

Fireworks invitation by Noteworthy Collection
available at FineStationery.com

Love Letter Bridal Shower

I can't think of anything sweeter than receiving a love letter. So often today, we send our love by text and e-mail, but there is something so dreamy about receiving a tangible, handwritten note that you'll be able to treasure for years to come. Today's inspiration board is for a love letter themed bridal shower.

• Ask the groom to write his bride a sealed love letter that you can present to her at the close of the shower. His words to her should remain private

• Love signs for decor -- SuperWholesaler.com

• Send this vintage envelope invitation by Checkerboard -- FineStationery.com

• Decorate the room in shades of pink and red. These red poppies would be perfect as centerpieces -- The Knot

• Ask family and friends of the bride-to-be to bring along a love letter they once received to share or purchase vintage letters to set around the room (the purchased letters hung from string would make a really gorgeous garland) -- Ebay

• Set out these heart-shaped letter openers at each place setting as a party favor -- ChicFavors.com

• Print famous love letters onto high quality paper to set at each table. You may want to consider placing the table number on the reverse side so that the card serves two purposes -- FineStationery.com

• Even the dessert can be a canvas for infamous love quotes as demonstrated by this pink and red cake -- Martha Stewart

Wording Wednesday: Summer Parties

Looking for a unique party idea for your next summer gathering? How about a Margaritaville styled bash or a soiree by the sea? Here are two invitations just right for these occasions, complete with creative invitation wording.

Margarita invitation by Checkerboard

Seashell invitation by Inviting Company