Christmas Card Etiquette

One of my favorite Christmas time traditions is helping customers select and design their holiday Christmas cards.  I truly enjoy seeing their family photos and making suggestions on what complements the photo, the colors and overall feel.  On a personal note, I also love preparing, addressing and mailing out my Christmas cards to family and friends. It is also great to anticipate and receive the daily delivery of cards everyday when the postman arrives. Although this seems a pretty obvious task, there are some specific rules that everyone should observe when mailing out Christmas and holiday cards.

 

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you put your best foot forward as you send a little bit of seasonal joy to everyone on your Christmas card list.

 1.      Wait for the season before you mail. It is true that it is a great idea to get your cards in the mail as early as you’re able, however, it is best to wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday. The ideal time for your cards to arrive is around the 2nd week of December. Try not to wait too long keeping in mind that the post office is extremely busy during the holidays and you certainly do not want your cards to arrive after Christmas day.

 

2.      Add your personal note or greeting and sign your name. Many families either make or order their cards from printing companies. These are all great and they offer the unique opportunity to send custom greetings that no one else will have. If you are ordering a large quantity of cards you may want to have your name printed on the card. This is certainly a fine alternative, but if it is possible you should use your own signature or penmanship wherever possible. This might include a personal note on the inside or the addressing of the outer envelope. Even better might be a short, handwritten personal note to each of your recipients. This gesture will show that you took the time to personally attend to and mail your recipients card.

3.      Always include a return address. The return address is a very helpful and important piece of information on any written correspondence. When your card is received the addressee will know right away who sent the card. The return address also ensures that they have your current and correct address for mailing out their own cards in return.

4.      Return the favor. Keep careful records of those with whom you are exchanging Christmas and holiday cards each year. If you have sent out a Christmas card to the Joneses for four years straight and have not received a card or greeting in return, it is perfectly acceptable for you to remove them from your card list. Their lack of response shows that either they are not interested in receiving the cards or do not participate in the exchange of greetings in that way.

5.      Send the hard copy. Opt for actual cards rather than e-cards as there really is no substitute for the real thing. Imagine hanging an email on the tree or mantle! A Christmas card is sent as an act of friendship and gratitude. The whole idea is to give and send a gift of blessing and joy to another. These are meant to be personal. This is the season to be jolly so buckle down and send out some cheer.

6.      Send co-worker’s cards to their homes. Handing out cards in the office may be easier, but you really should mail these to their homes. This adds a personal touch, while also eliminating the possibility that someone may take offense at being left out because you don’t have a card for him or her. Plus, Christmas cards equal tradition and the tradition demands that your recipient get to receive your beautiful greetings of glad tidings at the door—so take the time to mail the cards.


We have a beautiful selection of both personalized, custom and boxed holiday cards. I hope you found these suggestions and reccomendations helpful and we look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks to select your holiday cards.

The Art of a Hand Written Note

Many people underestimate the power of the hand-written thank-you note. Some think it is better to send an immediate e-mail or simply say thanks in person. But, a hand-written note is the ideal way to show your appreciation. With the ever-growing popularity of technology, the art of writing an “old-school” note is being lost. It may seem daunting and maybe a bit archaic to pick up a pen and a stationery card, but just remember these tips and you’ll soon be a pro.


Do's

• Handwrite the note.  Although it would be easier to send an e-mail or type a letter, a handwritten thank-you note is the most sincere and appreciated form of gratitude. The extra effort goes a long way.
• Buy stationery. Embossed cards with complementary envelopes look much better than folded notebook paper stuffed in a plain envelope.
• Personalize it. Not just in the personalized stationery, but in what you actually say. If you’re going to see the person in the future, refer to the event and say you’re looking forward to it. If the person gave you a silver picture frame, don’t simply thank them for it, but add, “I plan on using the frame for a wedding picture in my living room.”
• Even if it’s late, send a note. Don’t feel embarrassed. It’s better to send a late thank-you than none at all.
• Take your time. An illegible note won’t do much good and neither will one with scratch marks all over it. Use a nice, fine point pen, so the ink won’t bleed or smudge. Traditionally, thank-you notes are written.
• Send thanks for trivial things. Why not? Whether it’s for a casual get-together or for a neighbor who collected your mail and watered your plants while you were gone, a hand-written note is the best way to show your appreciation. It may also ensure that you’ll get the invite or extra help in the future.

Don’ts

• Don’t exaggerate. Of course you can rave about a gift, but don’t lie about how much you like something. It may be obvious if you say, “The monogrammed soap is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!” Most likely you’ve seen better, so simply say, “The monogrammed soap was very thoughtful and will be perfect for the powder room.”
• Don’t be stiff. Show your personality. It’s okay to use humor, sarcasm, or idioms to express yourself, as long as you’re not insulting the gift. If you’re questioning whether you should write a certain joke or phrase, ask yourself if you would say it in-person. Try to maintain the same tone with the person on paper as you would in-person.
• Don’t refer to specific amounts of money. These might seem like the hardest notes to write, but all you have to say is “I greatly appreciate your generosity. I hope to use the money to…” Just make sure the giver would support your money plans.
• Don’t ramble. You may want to go on and on about how your new job is going, a family friend you ran into, or that new movie you saw, but don’t. Be concise. It is a thank-you note after all, so stick to the thanks. If you feel like writing more, write them a separate note to fill them in on your life and see how they’re doing.                                   
• Don’t assume an in-person thanks is enough. If a person went to the trouble of hosting a party or purchasing a gift for you, you surely can take the time to write a note. Make sure to thank the host of a party in-person, but since your thanks may get lost in the excitement, a note is a great addition.

If you need additional help and guidance, stop by and pick up some very helpful books on correspondence, etiquette and messages for all occasions and most of all remember that your note stands out and touches the person in a way NO OTHER communication does!

Nothing Short of Bells and Whistles

Introducing all sorts of brand new packaging and party accessories!

hang tags - table numbers - banners - cupcake toppers - escort cards - glassine bags toppers - stickers - candy bags - candy cups - informals and more...

Buckle Up

Announcing Boatman Geller Belt Buckles!!

Our friends at Boatman Geller just announced a partnership with Buckles In A Snap. Now, you can wear your favorite Boatman Geller designs! We are very excited to offer our customers the addition of belt buckles from the boatman geller collections! The belt buckles are great gifts and a stylish addition to your "preppy" back to school look.  Stop by and take a look at the 15 designs.

In Defense of PAPER

Thoughts On E-Vites and Weddings

 

Why paper when digital is cheaper, faster and more eco-friendly? Read on.

Picture this: walking to your mailbox and pulling out a big pile of envelopes. Most of them are junk mail and sometimes you receive an odd catalogue that makes you wonder, "How did Kittens.com get my home address?" But then you come across a gem--an actual letter from a real person you know.
It's a satisfying feeling.
In our increasingly paperless world, there's something to be said about the heft and tradition of paper--especially when it comes to your wedding day.
Paper is no longer relegated to the mundane duties of informing you of an upcoming sale at your local drugstore or an overdue water bill. It has transcended into something that is appreciated for what it isn't: ephemeral.
Yes, nothing on the Internet dies. These words could be Googled and found 200 years from now by my great-great-grandchild, but will they be? Probably not. The ubiquity of digital is exactly what leads to its impermanence. The more there is out there, the harder it will be to sift and, before you know it, your Google Ranking goes from Page 1 to Page 6, which is basically the same thing as not existing.
Think about how your memories are collected now. They're collected in "albums" on Facebook or Flickr, or in email threads that span 20-30 back and forth messages. Imagine sitting with your grandchild years from now and saying, "Oh, my wedding day was beautiful, check out this e-vite."
Having a paper invitation provides you with tangible evidence of a memory, something you can refer to after years have passed.  When what you've served or what you wore is no longer something you can immediately recall, that saved invitation will be an invaluable artifact.
There's a reason why people keep love letters for decades, obituaries from newspapers and years and years of paperback journals documenting their lives. There's something definitive about these tiny pieces of existence--the ink on paper cries out: remember this. This is irreplaceable, important and should not be forgotten.
Our generation is so obsessed with documentation; updating our status to inform our friends of our newest acquisitions and experiences, but in doing so we're just trivializing these moments. When everything is of equal importance, nothing is.

(invitation provided by dauphine press and thoughts from Colin Cowie and Karrell Roxas)

Personalized Stationery Inspiration...The Making of!

This post is entitled - ‘The Making Of,’ in which we show our enthusiasts just how a design or collection is developed (the photos and collection are courtesy of Crane and Co.)

First up, the newest made-to-order collection is called, Crane Style Now.



For a while, Crane's offered collections that catered to the enthusiast who's big on style and small on time.

The idea being: a few choices — ink color, motif, font — instead of something completely customizable, which, while stunning and very personal, can be daunting for customers.

While they wanted to keep the process simple, they also wanted a collection that spoke to today’s trends. And so, the design team began with step #1: The Inspiration Board.....

Next, they asked the oh-so important question: Who is our target customer? and the team came up with this:

With inspiration and a customer in mind, it was time to start designing. The team wanted to create a collection that appealed to both masculine and feminine tastes, beginning with the color palette:

Then, the team agreed on a selection of motifs, including…

Houndstooth…

Chevron…

and a Herald Monogram…

With this collection Crane's picked up on a trend that is very neutral and allows for a colorful way to add your voice.  Black and white with accents of gold is a trend showing up through fashion, home design and art, and the accent color is purposefully bright to give  customer access to what’s happening now in stationery and to a great gift option that looks thoughtful and smart.

Stop in at Lettres and take a look at the entire collection and pick just the right combination that speaks to your TASTE and STYLE!

The Day of - Stationery Needs

Brides spend a great deal of time and energy designing their wedding invitations, working to set the right tone for their magical day. 

With just a little more time and effort, you can continue to pull the details together and continue to WOW your guests with your day-of accessories.

Below is a short list of things the make all the difference when putting the finishing touches on your wedding stationery suite…

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs will help to make your guests feel more included in your special day and provide a keepsake of the event.  As a general rule, programs include at least two components: a description of the wedding ceremony and a list of the members of the wedding party.

The program should contain an outline of the ceremony and the order of events. This often includes things like processional music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement of marriage, and recessional music.

The program should also identify and honor those who are participating in the ceremony. Be sure to list the members of your wedding party, your officiant’s name, as well as the names of any musicians, soloists or readers.

Some programs also include a thank-you message to family and friends, as well as a reference to loved ones who are deceased or otherwise unable to attend the ceremony.

You will want to order enough programs to equal at least 75% of your expected guests, since couples usually take just one program. Of course, if you choose to place a program at each seat ahead of the ceremony, you will want to order one for every guest.  Any extra programs can be placed at the reception near the guest book or gift table for guests who may have missed them at the ceremony.

Escort Cards
If your wedding reception includes a seated meal, you will want to consider escort cards to let guests know their assigned table. Escort cards are typically small tented cards that list the name of the guest {or couple} and the table number. However, the possibilities for getting creative with your escort cards are endless, incorporating the theme of your wedding in their display.

 

Seating Chart

A seating chart may be used in lieu of escort cards to let guests know their assigned table. Seating charts are placed in a decorative frame and/or on an easel at the entrance to the reception site. You may choose to list your guests by table or alphabetically. However, if you have more than 75 or so guests, listing the guests alphabetically will help guests find their table assignment easily and without significant delay.

Place Cards

Some people choose to assign specific seats for their guests and some opt to simply assign people to tables and let the guests select their seat at the table. If you choose to assign specific seats, you will need place cards to let guests know their specific seat at the table. Having assigned seats helps to relieve the pressure some of your guests may feel about where to sit, and shows that you put a great deal of thought into ensuring that guests are well matched and likely to enjoy the conversation at their table.

Table Cards

Table cards are used to designate the number or name for each table. Some people get very clever with the names of the tables, which can signify places or things that are important to the couple. Table cards should be fairly large so that they can be seen from across the room. They may be tented and placed on the table, or set up higher in a stand or incorporated into the centerpiece.

Menu Cards

Menu cards are most often used for seated meals at wedding receptions. They are not necessary for a buffet-style dinner, but you may still want to list the buffet choices and beverages that are offered. Having a printed menu card at the table adds a decorative element to the table and is another way to express your creativity.

Wedding Day Accessories

Napkins

Personalized napkins with a design or monogram and the bride and groom’s names and wedding date will create a wonderful accent for your wedding reception decor. You should plan to have at least 2-3 beverage/cocktail napkins per person ~ more if you are planning to use these napkins at the cake table as well.


Coasters

Personalized coasters, especially letterpressed coasters, have become very popular at weddings. These can be personalized with motifs, monograms, the names of the bride and groom, and/or the wedding date. The recommended quantity of coasters ordered is 1-2 per guest.

Favors

There is an infinite number of options for wedding favors. Traditional favors can range from the classic sugared almonds or individual chocolates to candles and scented soaps. Modern gift trends include CDs with the favorite music of the bride and groom, glassware, and picture frames. Candy bars {where the guests fill their own goody bags} have become very popular. Favor boxes or bags, or the gifts themselves, may be personalized with the couple’s names, monogram or initials and wedding date.

A more altruistic option that is gaining in popularity is for a donation to be made to charity in lieu of gifts.

Guest Book

The wedding guest book was once a necessity. Long ago, everyone who attended a wedding was considered a witness and was required to sign the marriage document. Today, even though the legal requirements for witnesses have changed, the concept of a guest book remains as a wonderful remembrance for the wedding couple.

The options for guest books also vary widely, from traditional books with lines for guests to simply sign their names, to pages that provide more space for guests to write longer messages and/or for photos, to wildly creative ideas like placing a vintage typewriter at the reception where guests get to type in their names “old-school” style.

Signs

More and more, couples are getting creative in their use of signs at their wedding reception. Perhaps you have concocted a signature cocktail for your wedding and would like to display a description or recipe for the drink. Or, if you’re having a buffet reception, you might want signage on the buffet table explaining each dish. You may also wish to have welcome or directional signs at your reception. And, of course, there is the traditional “Just Married” sign.

Whatever you choose to incorporate into your wedding ceremony and reception, your day-of stationery and accessories provide a perfect opportunity to infuse the decor with a bit of your personality and style in a way that pulls all of the pieces together beautifully.

Spring has Sprung...Or is it Summer?...

We were instantly inspired and excited for Spring when our "stationery shed" arrived here at Lettres.  Our friends from Dragonfly Events designed and constructed this beautiful display for a Bridal Show and we are delighted to be housing it at the moment.

The Spring 2012 Equinox officially begins on March 20th with the first day of Spring, however it seems as though we have headed directly into Summer this week and completely bypassed the Spring season.  Wow!

In any event, we immediately began day dreaming of blooming flowers, birds chirping, butterflies and longer days (especially with Daylight Savings Time having taken place).

Please come in and take a peek at the pretty pastels and soft sweet palettes.  We really love the adorable Peter Rabbit collection of paper goods which is sure to get you started planning your Easter Brunch.

I'm sure we don't have to push you very much, but peel away the darkness and enter of warmth of Spring...no wait...Summer?

Happy Easter

Paper Trends for 2012....

Now that we are well into 2012, I'd like to share some paper and stationery trends that are apparent in the marketplace and in other design arenas such as interior design for example.  They might not all appeal to you, but it's interesting to follow and understand where things are heading.  


 1 - Bold Colors - While there is still a place for a soft and sweet color palette, we will be seeing a lot more bright and bold colors this year…just take a look at Pantone’s Color of the Year (TANGERINE TANGO)

 

2 - Graphic Patterns - We saw some of the long loved graphic patterns like chevron and qua-trefoil making a big push last year and this year we can plan on seeing more of the graphic patterns making their appearance. These are the patterns we’ve seen in fashion and interior design, and this year you will see the same patterns making their move in stationery!

3 - Attention to Branding – The bar for creative branding and packaging design has reached a whole new level. From business cards to product tags, expect to be wowed by creative and unique branding and packaging. This is somewhere that paper counts…

4 - Creative DIYs - Last year we saw beautiful crafts made from paper...flowers to wreaths, to amazing backdrops. I am expecting to see a lot more coming up this year!

5 - Invitation Suites aren’t just for weddings anymore We have seen that people want “sets” for different kinds of parties from kid’s birthdays to baby showers, people are wanting to get the coordinating invites, note cards, stickers, address labels and more.  Deatils are what it's all about!

6 - Handwritten Notes - Yes, there isn’t anything that makes you feel quite like getting a hand written note in the mailbox and that feeling is catching! Handwritten notes are going to make a comeback because it feels as good to send one as it does to receive one!

7 - Shapes and Textures – Printed paper items will be offered in a wider variety of ornate shapes and papers, from shimmer to recycled, from rounded corners to ornate frame shapes.

8 - Custom Illustrations - People want to add personality to their paper and though monograms and personalized items will always be in style…we will be seeing more custom artwork. Expect to see more custom illustrations of the couple on their wedding stationery or even fun and stylish sketches of family pets included in personalized designs.

9 - Letterpress - What’s not to love this year (and every year) about the simple beauty of letterpress…letting the paper itself become the art.



10 - Typography - Creative and unique typeface is much more in vogue with the vintage influence and it has the ability to take an invitation or stationery anywhere you'd like it to go.  From setting off names in a fanciful font to introducting your guests to the great gatsy-style theme, play with the fonts to fit your style and the tone of your event.





Photo Credits:
Envelopments - Dauphine - Pinterest - Celebrations at Home

Something worth talking about!

It seems like we are obsessed with our cell phone and have a hard time putting them down...now you just might have a reason not to!

We couldn't be more excited to announce a collection of new personalized cell phone cases available for the iPhone, iPod, Blackberry and some Android phones by Boatman Geller. 

Boatman Geller was founded by Jane Boatman who's approach to stationery and design is to create a "sense of a lifestyle".  Her designs combine her love for the classics, while taking on a fresh approach to traditional patterns, and whimsical illustrations.  Jane's inspirations come not only from her cherished memories of beach vacations to Nantucket, her young years as a designer in Manhattan, and her move to Seattle, but also from the births of her three daughters.  It is these experiences that create the simple elegance of the Boatman Geller collections and make them perfect for celebrating the special occasions in life, as well as everyday moments that inspire our dreams.

So without further ado, here are most of her designs priced at $58 each ...  Come in and see!

 
1. Cameron Raspberry
2. Coral Repeat
3. Bright Floral
4. Alex Houndstooth Black
5. Madras Patch Blue
6. Rugby
7. Stella Pink
8. Suzani Teal
9. Madison Damask
10. Lucy Chocolate
11. Kate Red & Teal
12. Espadrille Bright

Be aware...

Lettres Stationery just received the word from our friends at the avon post office wanting to make sure we were aware of the postal rate increase going into effect this Sunday, January 22.

Because anyone mailing wedding invitations (or anything else, for that matter) needs to avoid the nightmare of having things come back for postage, I wanted to pass on the information from the US Postal Service about the new rates. 


The first class postage rate is going up one cent, so the new stamps will be 45 cents. The good news is for the second ounce (the amount required for mailing most wedding invitations) it will remain at 20 cents extra, so the new rate on those will be 65 cents. For those of you doing postcard Save the Dates or Response Cards, the new rate for postcards is a 3 cent increase, going up to 32 cents.

You are now armed with the information you need to go forth and mail. The only information I don't yet have is when the new wedding themed stamps will be available. It seems there's always a bit of a lag between when the new rates kick in and when those are available. But for those of you having custom stamps made for your invitations at least now you know the rates.

As a side note for those doing custom stamps for your invitations, I always recommend not ordering them until you've actually received your invitations, so you can take a fully assembled ensemble to the post office and have them weigh it and tell you exactly how much your invitation's postage will be. There are several things beyond weight that come into play, such as odd shapes (squares of any size), whether there is a ribbon on the invitation causing bulk, etc.. It is better to be safe than sorry!

As they say, forewarned is forearmed.

keep sharing the LOVE!

How adorable are these!  We designed these treat boxes for a Valentine's Day treat.  ONLY $7 each and filled with pink, red and white milk chocolate mm's.  Too cute to resist...Give me a call at 860.676.1330 or email rosemarie_belo@yahoo.com and place your order today.

The Deals Continue

For those of you who never got around to sending a holiday card, now is your chance!  One of our favorite designers, stacey claire boyd is having a 2 for 1 sale.  Buy 25 and get 50.....Double the fun.

Make up for it by sending a valentine photo card....so nice to get something like this in the mail after all the holiday hustle and share a little love and friendship.  If you're like me and can't resist the sale even though you sent a holiday card...go for it!

Take a peek at a couple of ideas and design:

Afforable Luxuries

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to restock our shelves!  Something we love doing...
We've just received a great selection of letterpress greeeting cards -
Snow & Graham and Elum to name a few.

I would call these "affordable luxuries and splurges" and a gift with a little piece of luxury at a lower price is always a great find.  They are also especially timely as Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Stop by and take a look at other new arrivals from Kate Spade (fresh and modern) and Jenny Sweeney (sweet and perfectly embellished) and the always "eye catching" designs from Lilly Pulitzer.

THE FAB BUY 75 GET 25 FREE:
The official kick off the the promotion is now underway and it's a great opportunity to save, save and save.  Both William Arthur and Crane's are extending this on any order from all their personalized albums.  It has been a great beginning for the 2012 wedding season...all albums are included from wedding to stationery and all other invitation and party albums.
So, inventory your stationery drawers and take a look at your entertaining needs and come and take advantage of the savings.  See you soon!
www.williamarthur.com
www.crane.com

Here it is!

hello to all my loyal customers, friends and family

This is the first post for the Lettres blog.  Yeh.... I'm so excited to be sharing about things and issues that I'm so passionate about....most especially stationery and paper.  The industry and business is changing (like many others) and I want to be able to provide you with trends, advice and ideas for your life's events and occasions.  My attempt will be to post new topics and merchandise updates as they relate to Lettres and importance of writing and sharing using paper.

Looking forward to sharing our love for paper, personalization and fine gifts to you...
Rose Marie