Momma Monday: Unique Mobiles

Modern mobiles are being made from a variety of materials these days including paper, wood and cotton. While many crib bedding sets now offer a matching mobile, I am personally a fan of really unique pieces like those made by crafty Etsy sellers. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Bright floral mobile
by TiptoeStudio

Nesting birds mobile
by TheGreenBird


Letters and numbers mobile
by BuggaLove

Scary Sophistication

Halloween is just two months away and now's the time to start planning your party. I am loving these party invitations because they scream Halloween without being overly spooky.

Chandelier invitation by Noteworthy Collection



Party invitation by Anna Griffin


Damask invitation by Noteworthy Collection

Are you hosting a halloween party this fall? What is your theme?

*All invitations available at FineStationery.com

Married Monogram Decals

Monograms are a wonderful way to show off your new, conjoined name as a couple, and these monogram decals from etsy seller DecalMonograms are great for decorating the walls of your new nest. The decals will adhere to any smooth, flat surface including walls, windows and doors, and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

Etiquette Wednesday

[If you've been following our blog for a while, you know that I used to do a number of posts focusing on etiquette. I've decided to make it a regular feature here on The Finer Things, so check back each Wednesday for a little snippet of etiquette expertise! If you have an etiquette question you would like to have addressed here on the blog, send me an e-mail at jprice@finestationery.com .]

What is the proper etiquette for replying to a party?

If a reply card is included with the invitation, mail it back with your response. If a telephone number or e-mail address is provided, you can contact the host by those means. If neither are provided, and you do not have access to the host’s personal information, use the return address on the back of the invitation envelope and respond with a simple note thanking the host for the invitation and giving your response. Whichever method you choose, be sure to reply in a timely fashion, preferably within a few days of receiving the invitation. It is only common courtesy to do so.

She's About to Pop! Take 2

As promised, here are a few ideas on how to use the "she's about to pop!" baby shower theme with the focal point being bubbles. I used champagne bubbles to give this shower a modern and sophisticated twist making it great for stylish mommas-to-be. 

• Hang this bubble chandelier over your food table for added ambience -- FemTalks

• Or, create a bubble chandelier of your own using these whirly candle holders from CB2 -- Apartment Therapy

• Send this bubble inspired invitation by Noteworthy Collection to guests to set the tone for the shower -- FineStationery.com

• Serve bubbly champagne as the shower's signature cocktail -- The Knot

• This gorgeous cake features handblown sugar bubbles -- Vibride.com

• Set these bubble glass votive holders around your party space -- Olive Barn
  

She's About to Pop! Baby Shower

I just love the new baby shower theme "She's About to Pop!"

Fete Fanatic wrote a great post on using popcorn for the theme last week, but you may also want to consider substituting bubbles as the main focal point. Below is an inspiration board for a bubble gum "she's about to pop!" shower and tomorrow I'll be sharing a board on how to use the same theme with the substitution of soap bubbles and bubbly, so stay tuned!

• Pink bubble invitation by Robyn Miller Design -- FineStationery.com

• Mini bubble gum dispenser favors for guests -- Beau-Coup

• Make a Bazooka bubble gum cocktail your signature shower drink -- Epicurious.com

• This invitation by Bubbles n' Bows features bubble-like colors and confetti -- FineStationery.com

• Instead of a cake, serve these adorable cupcakes topped with a a gumball -- The Kitchn

• Hang this pink beaded curtain in your doorway for added bubble appeal -- Amazon.com

• Decorate the room with oversized pink and white balloons as they could be representative of bubble gum bubbles -- The Little Things blog

Big Savings At FineStationery.com

Whether you're about to purchase big ticket items like wedding invitations and Holiday cards, or you need to stock-up on business cards, stationery or gifts, now's the time to order! FineStationery.com is having our first-ever site wide sale:


Happy shopping!

Apple Orchard Wedding

I've been daydreaming about autumn again today, particularly about our local orchard and its fresh apple cider and delicious apple cider donuts! I believe the little one and I will be taking a trip there later this afternoon.

Apple orchards are so beautiful in the fall and would provide a perfect venue for autumn brides looking for a rustic, yet attractive, atmosphere.

• Caramel apples are a must! Use them as favors or as edible place cards -- Country Living

• Crimson bridesmaid dress by Donna Ricco -- Nordstrom

• Tiny galvanized buckets filled with candy apples make for a mouthwatering favor -- Brides.com

• The orchard provides a perfect backdrop for pretty wedding poses -- Milburn Orchards

• Serve apple spice cake instead of the traditional tiered fondant -- Brides.com

• Set old apple crates around your party space for added orchard appeal -- Hibbitt.com

• A gold or red invitation like this one from Checkerboard will help to set the tone for your event -- FineStationery.com

• Set up a buffet of fresh apple cider and warm cider donuts -- Brides.com

• Fill the bride's bouquet with rich red and golden roses to reflect the color of the apples -- The Knot

Halloween Movie Night

I admit that I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat. Ghosts and goblins are just not my thing. So while we are thinking about hosting a Halloween party this fall, you can bet that it will be far from spooky. One of our ideas is to host a sort of movie night. Guests will be asked to dress up as a famous movie character and the decor will be based around an old theater.

• The top of this take one invitation by Meri Meri opens to reveal your party details -- FineStationery.com

• Roll out the red carpet for arriving guests -- Red Carpet Hire

• Hang vintage movie posters around your party space as decor -- MoviePoster.com

• Hang this personalized LED theater sign outside your front door -- Stargate Cinema

• Set up a screening place somewhere in your house or out on the lawn and play your favorite film -- Rachel Ray magazine

• Place vintage film reels around your party space and serve popcorn and boxed theater candy -- Sundance Catalog

The Magic of Mood Boards

I'm still working on furnishing and decorating our new home (an endless process, I've been told). So, while my hubby looks for things like drill bits and piping during our weekly trips to Home Depot, I slip away to the magazine aisle to soak in some inspiration.

I've been really loving the store's selection of British home magazines, especially Ideal Home. The magazine's Web site has a wonderful mood board gallery for home decorating inspiration, but I think the gallery could also be used as great starting point for planning a party or wedding.

What fabulous events do you envision after looking at these mood board snippets?

Little Lamb

I love a lamb theme for a nursery or baby shower, especially when done in the soft creams of a neutral palette. Perhaps it's because sheep, like babies, are just so sweet and snuggly. Whether you are decorating your little one's nursery or planning a baby shower for a friend, you can certainly count on sheep for a classic theme that is simple, stylish and gender neutral.

• Lamb mobile for the nursery -- Pottery Barn Kids
• Textured lamb invitation by Family Cards -- FineStationery.com
• Round sheep rug -- Pottery Barn Kids
• Snuggly, personalized cream blanket and plush lamb -- Red Envelope
• Cream cotton bouquets for table centerpieces -- White and Wander Blog
• Ecru lamb birth announcement by William Arthur -- FineStationery.com
• Curly sheep cookies for dessert or as favors -- Cookie Crumbs Blog
  
• Cover the tables in cream colored linens -- The Knot

College Prep

I really wish I knew a girl going off to college this year-- these cute message boards from Lilly Pulitzer would be the perfect addition to a college preparation kit!


Have a lovely weekend!

Tinted Bridal Gowns

Colored dresses were a trend for 2009 brides, and I am wondering if it will continue into 2010. How do you feel about colored or tinted gowns?

Amsale

Vera Wang

Romona Keveza Couture

Bellissama Couture

Gatsby Style Lawn Party

While browsing through our site I stumbled across this fabulous invitation by Vera Wang. I just love the concept of a Great Gatsby styled lawn party, especially as a theme party to celebrate Labor Day:

[Text on invite reads: Great Gatsby! It's a Lawn Party! Wear your whites and join us for brunch and a game of crouquet.]

Here's an inspiration board for just such a party. If you need more Great Gatsby party ideas be sure to check out A Cup of JO's Gatsby Going Away Party and the Art Deco Society Web page.

• Pair this dress from Anthropologie with flapper, double stranded pearls for a more modern art-deco style -- Couture Candy

• Invite guests to bring picnic blankets and pillows to lounge on the lawn and to drive their vintage vehicles -- Art Deco Society

• Serve mint juleps, just like in the Great Gatsby novel -- Rooster Talk

• Provide vintage crouquet equipment for lawn games -- Robert Opie Collection
  

• Hire a jazz band and designate an area as the dance floor by marking it off with hanging lights -- Photo by Michele Smith
  

• Decorate food buffet tables with Queen Anne's Lace in green glass vases -- Little Somethings

• I adore this green lace invitation by Vera Wang. It has such a lovely vintage feel -- FineStationery.com

• This leather and wicker wine tote is the perfect accessory for a 1920s styled picnic -- Ralph Lauren
  

Red Hot Fall Fashion

According to New York magazine, red is another hit hue for the fall. Crimson can be sassy, sophisticated or sweet depending on how you wear it, and is perhaps one of the most eye-catching colors you can add to your wardrobe for the season.

• This ruffle collar dress by Jay Godfrey is sure to stop traffic -- Saks Fifth Avenue

• A crimson umbrella would be beautifully paired with a sleek black coat -- Totes for Target

• These satin ballet flats by kate spade would be an adorable addition to an all black outfit (think Audrey!) -- Zappos.com

• Paint your pout with ravishing red lip gloss from Dior for glamorous appeal -- Sephora

• This flashy ruffle handbag by Idylle is quite fetching -- Neiman Marcus

• A flame red calling card is not easily forgotten -- FineStationery.com

• This note card by Boatman Geller puts a modern spin on a spitfire shade -- FineStationery.com

Chalk It Up Decals

Large Chalkboard Decal

Chalkboard paint is a huge trend for nurseries and kids rooms as of late, and has been featured on the biggest and best home design shows and blogs. Kids love chalkboards, and I personally love the idea of having a doodling space stabilized-- no large easel to get in the way and no fear of a framed piece falling off the wall. That being said, I cannot bring myself to actually paint one of my walls with it for fear of having to cover it up later on. For those of you who share my sentiment, let me introduce you to the best thing since sliced bread: Chalkboard decals. These vinyl stickers adhere right to your wall, but offer the flexibility of being removed or repositioned in an instant. Simply peel and stick!

Louis XIV Chalkboard Decal

House Decal



Cabinet Decal

* All decals shown from WallNuts.com and MyWonderfulWalls.com.

Stock the Bar Party

[While I'm on a sunny vacation at the shore, a few of the many talented staff members at FineStationery.com will be filling in here at The Finer Things. Today's guest blogger, Leanne, is our marketing assistant. She recently started designing our promotional e-mails, so if you are on the FineStationery.com mailing list, you'll already be familiar with her creativity and her lovely artistic flair.]

I have always adored the clever and stylish accessories that fill the barware department of any kitchen store. Almost all of my friends and family have, at one time or another, received “drinking” gifts from me; wine charms, novelty ice cube trays, exotic cocktail mixes and martini shakers. There seems to be no end to the chic beverage innovations that pack store shelves year after year. Because of this, I love the idea of a Stock The Bar party.

This gender-neutral theme would be ideal for a fun, co-ed bridal shower or engagement party. Include recipe cards with the invitations and invite guests to bring a copy of their favorite cocktail recipe for the happy couple. Cultivate an atmosphere of fun and celebration with colorful drink decorations and tasty finger foods. No matter what the season, this is a great way to toast the bride and groom.

• Retro Sippers Invitation from Inviting Company -- FineStationery.com
• Bacon & Onion Tartlets -- Design*Sponge
• Champagne Rimming Sugars -- Crate & Barrel
  
• Lemon Mint Marrakesh recipe -- CityFood.com
• High Five Low Five Drink Stirrers -- Hostess With the Mostess
• Citrus Sippers -- Amazon.com
• Mingling plate --Pottery Barn
• Recipe Cards from Exquisite Papers -- FineStationery.com

A Vintage Seashore Wedding

[While I'm on a sunny vacation at the shore, a few of the many talented staff members at FineStationery.com will be filling in here at The Finer Things. Today's guest blogger, Jennifer, is one of our graphic production specialists and also used to work in our customer care department as a wedding specialist. Not only does she have really stunning style, but with years of experience working with brides (and a bride-to-be herself), she has a wonderful breadth of knowledge about weddings.]

Take a step into the sand, and a step back in time. A vintage seashore wedding is the perfect alternative for brides and grooms who want the fresh feeling of a beach wedding, but with all the elegance and charm of an earlier era. Nostalgic shells, muted colors and lace evoke the feeling of a romantic yet cheerful day at the beach during the turn-of-the-century. This inspiration board is inspired by Cape May, New Jersey, a Victorian styled seaside town on the Jersey Shore.

• This wedding cake is full of grandeur with pearls and mini scalloped seashells -- Martha Stewart
  

• Guests will easily find their seat and will have a unique souvenir when you use vintage postcards with seascapes as placecards. -Postcards are from the blogger’s personal collection, but retail stores can be found here.

• Drape the tables in muted striped fabrics, which are reminiscent of old-fashioned beachside cabanas -- Warm Biscuit

• Green and white floral arrangements on tables filled with antique gold place settings add elegance to your venue -- The Knot

• A flowing lace bridal gown was the choice for many Victorian brides, and is still a beautiful and comfortable choice in a slightly modern style -- Martha Stewart
  

• Serve fresh hors d’oeuvres on oversized scalloped shell dishes -- Martha Stewart
  

• Send these seashell wedding invitations by Checkerboard to give family and friends the first glance at your vintage beachside wedding -- FineStationery.com

• Be sure to send guests home with a sweet treat. Salt Water Taffy, popular on the Jersey Shore since 1889, is a wonderful choice, especially when packaged in these adorable favor boxes -- SeaShoreTaffy.com and Martha Stewart

Dress To Impress: Tips for Job-Seekers from an HR Professional

[While I'm on a sunny vacation at the shore, a few of the many talented staff members at FineStationery.com will be filling in here at The Finer Things. Today's guest blogger, Kim, is the director of our Human Resources department but wears many hats at FineStationery.com. The following post is a little longer than our usual posts-- but with the current job-market I thought you might appreciate as much expertise from Kim as possible. Enjoy!]

As an HR professional employed at a stationery company – I feel I first need to confess - I can be a bit of a stationery snob. I’m extremely impressed by well-done, quality resumes, cover letters and thank you notes. Delivering an impeccable resume, presenting yourself flawlessly during your interview, and then following up with a thank you note is a 1-2-3 knockout! Don’t overlook the thank you note. It is not only a gesture of courtesy, and demonstrates your social and professional skills - it is also an essential job-seeking technique. In this economy, with so many talented people job searching, you need to project the best image and stand out in a crowd.

You Had Me At Your Resume…

I truly ooh and ahh over well-designed resumes sent by email. Even more so, I just melt over the hard copies, on thick, lush paper that the applicants deliver during their interview. Your resume and cover letter are your first impression and the image you are portraying to a company. Blah, out-of-the-box, template resumes with formatting issues and grammatical errors will bar your entrance to the job of your dreams.

Quick tips:

• Many of us are currently so inundated with resumes that we utilize search functionality and other technology solutions to whittle down to the most qualified candidates by keywords based on the required skills. Review the job description and be sure to include.

• Take another look at your resume and then have someone else proofread it! Computer checkers don’t catch everything. First impressions matter.

• We read cover letters. They set you apart. It proves you have researched our company, feel we are a good match and we aren’t just receiving the 150th resume you are blasting to everyone hiring.

• Newbies: How disappointing to see a great resume with an email address of lewdlewd@blah.com or to call you and have a really unprofessional greeting or song blaring in my ear, or to check you out on social networks and your content is completely inappropriate. Present a professional image.

Give Thanks and Stand Out in a Crowd….

An email can serve to express immediate gratitude, but should be followed up with a handwritten note for an interview. In How to Say It, by Rosalie Maggio, Maggio writes that “…email is suitable for quick thanks between longtime friends for the loan of a book, a small favor, a light lunch. It can also be used as a down-payment on a “real” thank-you note…”.

Absolutely send a gracious, handwritten, personal note to your interviewer(s).

Quick tips:

• Write the note immediately – that day if possible

• Note what you liked about the company, the interview, the position

• Reemphasize your qualifications and why you are the perfect candidate

• Address any concerns you may have felt during or after your interview and mention anything you may have not had the opportunity to discuss

• Keep it concise

• Close with “Sincerely”, start with “Dear”

Express and Impress - Choosing your stationery:

Choose something simple, classic and versatile for more professional industries and cards with pizazz, bolder designs and motifs for the design field or other appropriate industries.
Have a smaller budget in this economy? Choose a less expensive, but tasteful box of blank thank you notes. No matter, the gesture alone will not be lost on your interviewers.

Call Me!

Many job searchers are reaching out through LinkedIn and other networking sites, but don't neglect in-person networking. These encounters could occur at a ballgame, a dinner party, doing charity work, etc. Be prepared to market yourself to any potential opportunity at any time. Carry personal calling cards to hand out at a moment’s notice. Don’t fumble around for a pen and paper – exchange cards. How impressive!

Spice Things Up with Ginger

[While I'm on a sunny vacation at the shore, a few of the many talented staff members at FineStationery.com will be filling in here at The Finer Things. Today's guest blogger, Melanie, is a senior pre-press designer and has been with FineStationery.com for over five years. Melanie lays out the text on stationery and invitations for our customers according to their specifications in preparation to print. In her spare time she writes her own foodie blog Mel Mel Cooking.]

Ginger has been a mainstream flavor in recent years. What makes 2009 different is its use in an array of beverages. According to Epicurious.com “ginger is the new mint.” Add a new twist to your summer soirée by steeping fresh ginger into your brewed iced tea or by making your own homemade ginger ale. It’s sure to be a winner among your refreshment line-up.

• Make quick and easy homemade ginger ale. Go the extra step and garnish with fresh lime. – Mel Mel Cooking

• This summer refreshment invitation by Odd Balls works well for any informal get together. – Finestationery.com

• Carry the flavor throughout your meal by grating fresh ginger into marinades, sauces or dressings. Grilled Spicy Filet Mignon Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing is a great alternative to the usual grilled chicken salad. – Bobby Flay for FoodNetwork.com

• Fresh ginger is also known for its many health benefits. - Martha Stewart Living

• Satisfy a sweet tooth with dark chocolate covered ginger. I was skeptical at first, but now I’m hooked on the sweet/spicy combo. – Lake Champlain Chocolates

• Add an exotic twist to any flower arrangement with one of the many species of ginger flowers. – 1-800-Flowers.com

A Kid in the King's Court

[While I'm on a sunny vacation at the shore, a few of the many talented staff members at FineStationery.com will be filling in here at The Finer Things. Today's guest blogger, Jamie, is one of our pre-press designers. She lays out the text on stationery and invitations for our customers according to their specifications in preparation to print. I hope you'll enjoy her Renaissance Kids Party]

With the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire coming this August, what better way to get everyone excited for the event than by hosting a Renaissance Party beforehand.

Putting together a costume for the kids (and yourself!) is relatively easy. Simply find peasant blouses and layered flowy skirts for the girls and poet or pirate shirts and loose trousers cinched at the knee for the boys. Not only can you wear it to the party, but also to the faire itself.

Set up a craft table where the kids can make and decorate their own swords and shields or make flower crowns:

Flower crown Tutorial from One-Hour-Craft
Knight's shield Tutorial from eHow

Serve giant turkey legs, deli pickles on a stick, corn on the cob and other rustic finger foods like fruits and various cheeses. Remember to provide plenty of apple cider for the kiddies and fruity wine or tankards of ale for the adults.

• This natural Vine crown makes for a lovely headpiece -- etsy seller whichgoose

• Golden crown-topped cupcakes for dessert -- Kimmys Kakes

• Invite guests with this princess castle invitation by Bert & Harry -- FineStationery.com

• Costumed kids play ring-around-the-rosie -- Country Living

• Make tasty chicken drumsticks using this recipe -- MyRecipes.com

• A flag banner is a fast and easy decoration -- Martha Stewart

• Set up an apple cider stand complete with pewter goblets -- The Knot

• Carry this renaissance-style purse -- BuyCostumes.com

• Wear a crown ring to complete the look -- HJGreek