Champagne Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com
12.31.2010
12.30.2010
Wedding Trend: Whimsical Balloons
Over-sized balloons seem to be floating around the wedding space as a prop for photos. Brides and grooms are taking hold of gorgeously colored balloons for their engagement photos, wedding photo sessions, and even for decor during their ceremony or reception. They add a certain whimsical and carefree look, and go along with the huge smiles on the newlywed's faces, dont' you think?
12.29.2010
Easy DIY for New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is quickly approaching, and you might be wondering how to decorate your tabletop before guests arrive. This tabletop decor, spotted over at Celebrations at Home, is inspiring, glamorous and easy to recreate on your own!
Dress your table with gold linens (silver or black would also work, for a more dramatic look), and use candles, assorted clocks, bottles of champagne and hourglasses to create a centerpiece that is unique from every angle. For a neat place setting, set out patterned or metallic chargers with clear glass salad plates on top. Between the plates, place a cut-out circle with Roman numerals or numbers printed on it. How easy!
I've created a clock design that you can print from home, cut out, and use for your own New Year's Eve tabletop. Simply click on the image below to open it in a new window, then right click to save it to your desktop or desired folder. Print as many copies as you like, dressing your table in style!
Dress your table with gold linens (silver or black would also work, for a more dramatic look), and use candles, assorted clocks, bottles of champagne and hourglasses to create a centerpiece that is unique from every angle. For a neat place setting, set out patterned or metallic chargers with clear glass salad plates on top. Between the plates, place a cut-out circle with Roman numerals or numbers printed on it. How easy!
I've created a clock design that you can print from home, cut out, and use for your own New Year's Eve tabletop. Simply click on the image below to open it in a new window, then right click to save it to your desktop or desired folder. Print as many copies as you like, dressing your table in style!
12.28.2010
Holiday Cheer at FineStationery.com
FineStationery.com loves the holiday season! During the month of December, the FineStationery.com office received a little holiday make-over... A few of the departments decorated their space, showing off their creative talents and spreading a little holiday cheer. We all had a lot of fun setting up our decorations after work, and seeing our co-worker’s faces when the displays were complete!
Shannon, from our Business Development group, is lucky enough to work inside the Gingerbread House -- We are all a little jealous of his seasonal accommodations!
The Merchandising Group doesn't want to take the Gingerbread House down after the season ends. They are thinking about turning it into a tiki-hut for the spring and summer!
Welcome to The Merch Pole -- This is where the Merchandising Group (Marketing and Graphics Production) spent the holiday season!
The Merchandising Group hung their stockings with care above the "fireplace" near the "tree"!
"Santa's Home Office" was constructed by the creative Pre-Press Designers, IT Group and some of our In-House team members.
Santa is planning his holiday journey with his PC, iPad and iPhone!
Hand-painted murals brighten up Santa's desk area!
A little friendly competition shows up with Santa's "list"!
As you can see, the FineStationery.com family had a very happy and fun holiday season. We hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday as well!
12.27.2010
Sitewide Savings at FineStationery.com
Shop beautiful stationery for correspondence in the New Year, birthday party invitations, shower invitations, wedding stationery essentials and more with sitewide savings at FineStationery.com. The sale ends tonight at 11:59 p.m., ET! Happy shopping!
12.25.2010
12.24.2010
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
12.23.2010
Unique Wedding Gift
If you're looking for a unique and very personal wedding gift, look no further! Lori Danelle, paper cut artist and creative mama, creates one-of-a-kind paper cut designs using actual fingerprints. She provides instructions for getting a clear finger print, and hand cuts them for each customer. Consider gifting this unique and special creation to your favorite couple -- they are sure to cherish the art for years to come!
A big thank you to Jamie, one of FineStationery.com's Pre-Press Designers, for pointing out this idea!
A big thank you to Jamie, one of FineStationery.com's Pre-Press Designers, for pointing out this idea!
12.22.2010
Swanky New Year's Eve Soiree
Host a swanky soiree this New Year's Eve with dazzling reds, dramatic black and sparkling silver.
Left-over tinsel garland? Turn it into a "2011" decoration with some wire and ribbon -- Martha Stewart
As the hostess, dress in bright red, and accent your hair with a sparkly and dramatic headband -- Dress via ModCloth, Headband via Etsy seller belindawen
Decorate the tabletop with black linens, shining silver, and lots of red sparkle -- Hostess with the Mostess
As an alternative to champagne in a flute, serve cold Champagne Granita to guests -- Martha Stewart
Let your invitation set the scene -- Invitation by Noteworthy Collection, available at FineStationery.com
12.21.2010
Tuesday Treats: Mrs. G's Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
{We've been keeping the holiday season extra sweet this year at The Finer Things! For the last few weeks, we've been dedicating Tuesdays to delicious holiday cookies and treats. Today's recipe is from Jennie, FineStationery.com's Senior Merchandising Specialist, and her mom, Mrs. G. Jennie and her mom are both incredible bakers, leaving our mouths watering every holiday season with the hope that cookies will be brought into the office. This year, Mrs. G created a new recipe, tweaked to perfection. Without further adieu, I present today's treat to you!}
My mom is an avid baker who loves to invent new recipes and improve on existing ones. Her husband often wakes up to the whirring of the mixer first thing in the morning and a trip to her house usually involves a taste test of her latest creation. Each batch is usually numbered so her friends and family can vote on which one they like the most – a task that no one ever complains about! It is no surprise that everyone gets excited when she makes up her annual cookie boxes to give out for the holidays. Even my health-conscious friends will forgo their diets for my mom’s treats! The brand new, original recipe for this holiday season is Mrs. G’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. Bon Appétit!
My mom is an avid baker who loves to invent new recipes and improve on existing ones. Her husband often wakes up to the whirring of the mixer first thing in the morning and a trip to her house usually involves a taste test of her latest creation. Each batch is usually numbered so her friends and family can vote on which one they like the most – a task that no one ever complains about! It is no surprise that everyone gets excited when she makes up her annual cookie boxes to give out for the holidays. Even my health-conscious friends will forgo their diets for my mom’s treats! The brand new, original recipe for this holiday season is Mrs. G’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies. Bon Appétit!
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Place a sheet of parchment on large cookie sheet.
Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars together until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add egg yolks, then vanilla. Mix until combined.
In separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, peanut flour, salt and baking powder. Add to butter mixture just until combined. If using electric mixer, finish by mixing with spatula or use your hand to make sure everything is evenly combined.
Using one-half of dough at a time, roll dough ¼” thick on floured board. Cut with 2 inch diameter linzer cookie type cutter with holes or cut-out design for the top cookie and a matching cookie cutter without holes for the bottom cookie. Place on parchment covered cookie pan. Sprinkle top cookies only with additional granulated sugar. You can also sprinkle additional colored sugar on top cookie, if desired.
Bake about 10 minutes until cookies are golden brown, but not dark brown. Remove immediately from parchment onto cooling rack. Cool completely. Fill with peanut butter or chocolate peanut butter filling as instructed below.
Fillings
Peanut Butter: Mix ¾ cup peanut butter with 1 cup confectioner’s sugar. If it is too thick to mix with spoon, use your hand to knead it together.
Or -
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Mix ¾ cup peanut butter with 1 cup confectioner’s sugar and 1/8 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa. If it is too thick to mix with spoon, use your hand to knead it together.
Roll about ½ tablespoon size balls to match number of sandwich cookies made and place on parchment until all filling balls are made. When cookies are ready to fill, slightly flatten filling ball, place on bottom cookie and gently push top cookie onto filling (pushing in middle, not on edges).
Makes 30-32 sandwich cookies. Store in airtight container.
12.20.2010
Christmas Craft
If you've got some time off from work this week, and the shopping is all finished, try out this Christmas craft -- It's sure to make your home look festive for the holiday weekend!
12.17.2010
A Heart-Warming Hot Cocoa Party
Warm up this winter with a party inspired by a warm and cozy treat -- hot chocolate! Invite friends to gather for a hot cup of cocoa, sweet marshmallows, decadent chocolate treats and lots of cheer.
To accompany the hot chocolate, serve cocoa treats like Chocolate Charm Cookies and Cocoa Popcorn. A dessert buffet is another great addition to the party, with other sugary confections -- Cookies and Popcorn recipes Martha Stewart, Candy display via Hostess with the Mostess
Both topped with marshmallows, Hot Chocolate Cookies and Hot Chocolate Cake are perfect for the event -- Cookies via Land-O-Lakes, Cake via Fine Cooking
To dress up the cups of cocoa, create snowflake shaped marshmallows to float on top -- Martha Stewart
Send guests back into the snow with cocoa mix tied up with a pretty ribbon -- The Sweetest Occasion
Choose a winter-colored and whimsical invitation, like this design by Jasmine & Woo -- FineStationery.com
To accompany the hot chocolate, serve cocoa treats like Chocolate Charm Cookies and Cocoa Popcorn. A dessert buffet is another great addition to the party, with other sugary confections -- Cookies and Popcorn recipes Martha Stewart, Candy display via Hostess with the Mostess
Both topped with marshmallows, Hot Chocolate Cookies and Hot Chocolate Cake are perfect for the event -- Cookies via Land-O-Lakes, Cake via Fine Cooking
To dress up the cups of cocoa, create snowflake shaped marshmallows to float on top -- Martha Stewart
Send guests back into the snow with cocoa mix tied up with a pretty ribbon -- The Sweetest Occasion
Choose a winter-colored and whimsical invitation, like this design by Jasmine & Woo -- FineStationery.com
12.16.2010
Fun & Bright Engagement Party
If you know a recently engaged couple, or a couple that will be getting engaged over the holidays, now is the time to start planning an engagement party. Honor their happiness and upcoming wedding with a party that is fun and bright -- just like them!
This invitation by Vera Wang is so full of color and style, from the bright green ribbon to the patterned envelope liner -- Invitation by Vera Wang, available at FineStationery.com
This invitation by Vera Wang is so full of color and style, from the bright green ribbon to the patterned envelope liner -- Invitation by Vera Wang, available at FineStationery.com
In the party space, hang lanterns in shades of purple and green for a festive atmosphere --The Knot
Create a signature cocktail for the event, and consider serving it again at the wedding -- The Knot
For easy décor, dress up chairs with pieces of shiny satin fabric - all in one color, or in coordinating colors -- The Knot
Accent napkins with paper or fabric poms, and place a bottle of champagne in the center of the table. Place a note on each bottle of bubbly telling guests to save the bottle for a toast -- The Knot
Brightly colored cupcakes make a great dessert, and look pretty on a table with other sweets -- Hostess with the Mostess
12.15.2010
Special Mail for Santa
These adorable felt envelope creations were spotted over at Twig & Thistle. Wouldn't they make a wonderful keepsake for writing letters to Santa each year? The front of each envelope has a clear vinyl pocket that "to:" and "from:" cards can be slid into. Imagine pulling out the special envelope each year, and placing your child's letter to Santa inside. Perhaps Santa could write back, leaving the special envelope below the tree on Christmas morning!
12.14.2010
Tuesday Treats: English Toffee
{We're keeping the holiday season extra sweet this year at The Finer Things! Each Tuesday, until December 21st, will be dedicated to delicious holiday cookies. Be sure to check back each week for a yummy recipe that you can bake for yourself, your family, your friends or co-workers. Today's recipe is from Melanie, FineStationery.com's Senior Pre-Press Designer. Melanie is an extremely talented baker, cook and cake designer. Be sure to check out her work on her blog, Mel Mel Cooking. Thank you for the yummy recipe, Mel!}
Put butter, sugar, water and vanilla in a heavy pan or skillet over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Remove spoon from pan, and cook to a very brittle stage (300 degrees to 310 degrees F on a candy thermometer). Or, make a cold water test: candy will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold water. The toffee should be a creamy caramel color when ready.
Remove from heat and pour onto prepared cookie sheet. Cool completely.
Gently wipe the top and bottom of the toffee with a damp paper towel to soak up excess oil. Put toffee on a clean piece of foil, parchment or wax paper and allow a few moments to dry.
Melt chocolate chips and spread evenly on top of the toffee. Top with almonds and refrigerate about 20 minutes to set the chocolate. Break into 2 inch pieces and store in an airtight container. Yields 30 to 40 pieces.
Good Luck!
Traditional Christmas cookies have never really tickled my fancy. As of late, I’ve had a taste for Heath toffee bars. It must be due to all those raids in my niece’s candy bowl this past Halloween. I probably ate them all single-handedly. The buttery toffee combined with chocolate, nuts and a little saltiness makes my tongue do back flips! Since I’m an avid home cook I decided to try making my own English toffee for the holiday season to wrap in cello bags and give to friends as gifts. The following recipe is a combination of Paula Deen’s from FoodNetwork.com and Martha Stewart’s from MarthaStewart.com with my own twist. For someone who rarely ever makes candy I found this surprisingly easy. I may never eat toffee any other way again.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons (1 stick, plus 6 tablespoons) salted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Put butter, sugar, water and vanilla in a heavy pan or skillet over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Remove spoon from pan, and cook to a very brittle stage (300 degrees to 310 degrees F on a candy thermometer). Or, make a cold water test: candy will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold water. The toffee should be a creamy caramel color when ready.
Remove from heat and pour onto prepared cookie sheet. Cool completely.
Gently wipe the top and bottom of the toffee with a damp paper towel to soak up excess oil. Put toffee on a clean piece of foil, parchment or wax paper and allow a few moments to dry.
Melt chocolate chips and spread evenly on top of the toffee. Top with almonds and refrigerate about 20 minutes to set the chocolate. Break into 2 inch pieces and store in an airtight container. Yields 30 to 40 pieces.
Good Luck!
Please note: I have an electric stove at home so temperatures and times may vary as my stove tends to run a bit hot. I didn’t have a candy thermometer but the cold water test and a watchful eye worked like a charm. I also used a large cast iron skillet which worked wonderfully to keep the heat evenly distributed.
12.13.2010
A Pink & Grey Girly Baby Shower
A baby shower for a little girl is always lovely in shades of pink. To mix it up just a little, add gorgeous grey to the palette for a look that's chic, sophisticated and feminine.
This tabletop is inspiring with a pink patterned tablecloth, pink cloth napkins, and grey pom-pom napkin rings. Using grey cut-out letters and pink ribbon, create a sign welcoming the expected baby -- Couture Parties
This layered invitation with a scalloped edge and silver ribbon is simply stunning -- Invitation by Checkberboard, available at FineStationery.com
The mama-to-be will look chic in a pewter grey party dress -- Gap
Serve pretty pink cupcakes with a dusting of silver shimmer, along with macaroons and candy in the color scheme -- Cupcakes via Hostess with the Mostess, Desserts via Amy Atlas
This grey striped onesie with pink accents is the perfect gift for a snuggly baby girl -- Restoration Hardware
Glasses of strawberry milk or pink lemonade make a fun addition to the dessert table -- Amy Atlas
This tabletop is inspiring with a pink patterned tablecloth, pink cloth napkins, and grey pom-pom napkin rings. Using grey cut-out letters and pink ribbon, create a sign welcoming the expected baby -- Couture Parties
This layered invitation with a scalloped edge and silver ribbon is simply stunning -- Invitation by Checkberboard, available at FineStationery.com
The mama-to-be will look chic in a pewter grey party dress -- Gap
Serve pretty pink cupcakes with a dusting of silver shimmer, along with macaroons and candy in the color scheme -- Cupcakes via Hostess with the Mostess, Desserts via Amy Atlas
This grey striped onesie with pink accents is the perfect gift for a snuggly baby girl -- Restoration Hardware
Glasses of strawberry milk or pink lemonade make a fun addition to the dessert table -- Amy Atlas
12.10.2010
2011 Color of the Year: Honeysuckle
Flat card with border from Crane & Co., Flat card with pattern from Boatman Geller, Baby shower invitation from PiPo Press, Bridal Shower invitation from Mindy Weiss for Inviting Company
12.09.2010
Winter White & Cranberry Wedding
Perfect for post-holiday weddings, a winter white and cranberry palette is simply stunning. The crisp white mimics snow, while a rich cranberry color adds warmth to the overall style.
Assorted vases and jars filled with cranberries, as well as cranberry pomanders make gorgeous and bright centerpieces -- Weddingbee
Fill a larger vase with cranberries, and sit the bride's bouquet in it during the reception -- Martha Stewart
Dress the groom in a sharp black or grey suit and a red and white striped tie -- Brooks Brothers
The bride will look gorgeous in a subtly patterned winter white gown and red heels -- Gown by J.Crew, Shoes via Martha Stewart
Bridesmaids will stand out in crimson cocktail dresses -- J.Crew
In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, opt for cranberry-infused goodies, like white chocolate cranberry blondies -- Taste of Home
This invitation in shimmering pearl and red is perfect for the season -- Encore Studios, available at FineStationery.com
Serve warm cranberry cider to guests during dessert -- Martha Stewart
Assorted vases and jars filled with cranberries, as well as cranberry pomanders make gorgeous and bright centerpieces -- Weddingbee
Fill a larger vase with cranberries, and sit the bride's bouquet in it during the reception -- Martha Stewart
Dress the groom in a sharp black or grey suit and a red and white striped tie -- Brooks Brothers
The bride will look gorgeous in a subtly patterned winter white gown and red heels -- Gown by J.Crew, Shoes via Martha Stewart
Bridesmaids will stand out in crimson cocktail dresses -- J.Crew
In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, opt for cranberry-infused goodies, like white chocolate cranberry blondies -- Taste of Home
This invitation in shimmering pearl and red is perfect for the season -- Encore Studios, available at FineStationery.com
Serve warm cranberry cider to guests during dessert -- Martha Stewart
12.08.2010
Displaying Holiday Cards
Your mailbox is probably starting to fill up with holiday cards -- isn't it wonderful? Every year, I love choosing a card to send to friends and family. I look forward to signing each card and addressing them to each recipient. The whole process of selecting and sending holiday cards is such a joyful tradition. Each card received is like a small gift sent from the ones you love.
After receiving holiday cards, do you display them for all to see? I'm always searching for a way to creatively display the holiday cards that my friends and family carefully selected and sent. Looking at the beautiful designs or smiling photos each day throughout the holiday season is so wonderful. After searching for a few new ideas this year, I found a few fun ways to display holiday cards in your home:
After receiving holiday cards, do you display them for all to see? I'm always searching for a way to creatively display the holiday cards that my friends and family carefully selected and sent. Looking at the beautiful designs or smiling photos each day throughout the holiday season is so wonderful. After searching for a few new ideas this year, I found a few fun ways to display holiday cards in your home:
Tack cards onto a fabric-covered covered cork board that sits inside a frame -- blueprint bliss blog
12.07.2010
Tuesday Treats: Buttery Oatmeal Crisps
{We're keeping the holiday season extra sweet this year at The Finer Things! Each Tuesday, until December 21st, will be dedicated to delicious holiday cookies. Be sure to check back each week for a yummy recipe that you can bake for yourself, your family, your friends or co-workers. Today's recipe is from Meredith, one of FineStationery.com's Merchandising Specialists. Thank you for the wonderful recipe, Meredith! Enjoy!}
Several years ago my mother came across a recipe in one of her Better Homes and Gardens magazines for a crunchy, chocolaty cookie called the “Buttery Oatmeal Crisp.” It quickly became a family favorite (my late grandmother even requesting it year after year). My family typically reserves this treat for the holidays only, but it really could be made at any time of the year. So, without further adieu, I give you the “Buttery Oatmeal Crisp!”
Several years ago my mother came across a recipe in one of her Better Homes and Gardens magazines for a crunchy, chocolaty cookie called the “Buttery Oatmeal Crisp.” It quickly became a family favorite (my late grandmother even requesting it year after year). My family typically reserves this treat for the holidays only, but it really could be made at any time of the year. So, without further adieu, I give you the “Buttery Oatmeal Crisp!”
Easy to make, this recipe will make around 60 cookies (plenty for yourself, and plenty for sharing!). Here is what you will need on hand to get started:
Chocolate Announcement by Crane & Co., available at FineStationery.com
Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with foil; set aside. In a large bowl combine oats, sugar, flour, and baking powder; set aside. In another bowl combine melted butter, corn syrup, and cream. Add butter mixture to oat mixture and stir until combined.
For each cookie, drop dough by rounded teaspoons 3 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
Cool cookies on foil. Carefully lift edges of cookies, and then peel cookies off foil.
In a small heavy saucepan heat chocolate pieces and shortening over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally. Dip one half of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on waxed paper to cool until chocolate is set.
Happy Baking!
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