So how does etiquette enter into our daily lives? We have social interaction every day with family, friends, neighbors, business colleagues, clients, service staff— the list goes on and on. Think of etiquette as a “how to” navigate life and the application of common courtesy in the sticky situations that may occur. It is true that times have changed to a more casual lifestyle with lots of electronic communication (see Writing Letters in an Email World Part 1 and Part 2). However, the general principles of social interaction have stayed pretty much the same. Basic etiquette can prevent embarrassing situations and help build self confidence socially and professionally. Knowledge of the proper way to handle most situations will prove valuable in all phases of one’s life.

Whether you have two green thumbs and want your stationery to look just like your prize roses or can’t keep a fake plant alive there is a floral inspired stationery that’s perfect for you.

• The Chocolate and Lime Hand Bordered Stationery is a bold color choice and with it’s botanical envelope lining, it’s a less feminine choice in floral stationery.
• The elegant Garden Notes with their green stripes and sprinkling of roses and leaves are a perfect choice for the floral enthusiast.
• If classic and timeless are more your style then the understated elegance of our Secret Garden Stationery Set will be a great addition to your stationery collection.

Stationery has come a long way in the past 50 years. With endless shapes, styles, designs and customization options, your stationery will do more than contain your personal message. . . it will say something about you and your personal style.

Custom stationery is a great format for communicating with friends and colleagues, but its advantages don’t stop there. Stationery and personalized paper products can make meaningful gifts for almost any occasion. They can also simplify and add a little joy to your everyday life. Custom stationery might also be the next sensible step in building your small business.  See our wide variety of custom personalized stationery.

• When choosing a stationery get personal. Your stationery choice should reflect your personal style. Even if you’re buying it for business purposes the stationery should still reflect who you are.
• Think about the purpose for your stationery. Deciding how you’re going to use the stationery will help you decide what kind to get. Fold notes or embossed notes are a good choice if you’re looking for something to use for shorter letters. They are also good for thank you’s. You might also consider one of our correspondence cards. They are good for business or personal use and come in a variety of colors and designs. Letter sheets are a stylish choice for either personal or business needs as well.
• The next thing to consider when purchasing stationery is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? The more intricate your stationery choice the more expensive it will be. Make sure that you don’t go overboard when making your choice. Simple stationery is sometimes a better choice than a more elaborate one.
• The last thing to consider when buying stationery is the company you’re buying it from. Make sure you choose a stationery company that guarantees their work. If you order online make sure you write down the number for the customer service department in case you have to call about something. If you’re ordering from a catalog be sure to keep it for the same reason. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to know what you’re buying so there are no surprises when you receive the order

But, what is personal about that? Nothing. You want to keep a memory of that person so that you are likely to contact them. Whether it is a social contact or business. Putting Jack Greene into your phone isn’t really doing anything. You’re unfortunately likely to forget until one day you’re scrolling through your contacts, can’t remember who that was and delete them.

Business cards do more than just give out information regarding your occupation and phone number. They often divulge a lot about your personality. Gone are the days when you have little choice as to their appearance. One thing technology has done for the business card, is make it endlessly customizable.

Most often a business card will include the following information: The person’s name, company they work for and or personal title, address of business, phone number (work or personal), email address, and or website. The important thing here is to tailor it to your personal needs. What a blogger needs to list may not be the same as an insurance salesman. Try to give all the information your new possible client, or friend will need. Nothing more, nothing less.

Traditionally business cards are sold in the approximate size of 3.5″ x 2″ and are cut into a rectangular shape. They are then printed in a landscape fashion. However, in recent years the customizing of shape and layout has advanced and people are purchasing cards printed longways otherwise known as portrait and even in perfect square shapes such as dimensions of 3″ x 3″.

At American Stationery we offer so many different selections, you will be hard pressed to not find one that not only meets your needs but your personal style as well.

A terrific choice for the young professional is our black band card. The Black Band Calling Card showcases a dramatic black and white band that simply and elegantly decorates these functional calling cards. The size is the traditional 3.5″ x 2″ and is printed on a durable medium-weight white card stock.  You may choose any typestyle that we offer and any ink color as well. However, the band stays in the black and white. All printing is down in flat ink and the format is only as shown. These cards are sold in sets of 40 and start at $20.95.

The Pink Leopard Calling Card is a digitally printed calling card. The design is in vibrant hot pink and black leopard print. This card is printed straight up and down and so the dimensions read 2″ x 3.5″. This card is printed on durable medium-weight white card stock. You can choose your ink color and typestyle. However the design and formatting will stay as displayed both in color and layout. This makes a terrific choice for the up and coming party planner or a seamstress still working from home. The card says fun and funky while still maintaining a business like appearance. The cards are sold in sets of 100 for $33.95.

Looking for a great card to hand out mostly for social engagements? Try the elegant Melrose Calling Card. These perfectly square calling cards showcase a stunning black and white vine pattern border accented with cheery Lemon Yellow. The 3″ x 3″ size is still small enough to fit in a wallet or billfold but not without leaving a lasting impression. Order yours in your choice of ink color and typestyle with as always the format as shown.  This item has matching but, separately sold desk accessories which would really pull your desk together. Many of our 3″ x 3″ calling cards feature matching accessorized for purchase.

These three are just a sample of the many different cards that we offer. So take a look around you are sure to find something that blends functionality with fun.

One of those products are luggage tags. Personalized luggage tags are a luxury that virtually anyone can afford.  They come in handy, as luggage tags are the number one thing that people realize they forgot when they arrive at the airport. They also make terrific gifts, especially for your favorite jet setting friend.

Luggage tags are so important when traveling. Not only do they help you in identifying your luggage but, personalized ones aid in getting lost luggage back to you.

Many articles suggest that you should use two luggage tags per piece of luggage. One on the outside of the bag and one placed inside the bag on top of your belongings. Whatever you choose, it’s always a good idea to be a bit overly prepared and have your luggage stand out than have them blend in with everyone else’s.

Need help deciding what items you should use them on? That’s easy all of them! You will want to place tags on pretty much everything. Both checked and carry-on bags. As it is possible that what you had hoped would be carry on will become a checked piece because of compartments filling up quickly.

Also go ahead and place them on things like strollers, and children’s bags such as small totes or diaper bags. This way if (heaven forbid) your child gets separated from you, you will be easy to contact right away. Place your name and cell phone number on those bags. Some places even suggest a recent photo of yourself so you will be easily matched. Keeping everything color coordinated will also assist in locating your belongings in a timely manner and keeping them together.

Worries about your safety and security raise a lot of questions for what you actually want listed on your luggage tags. Many experts suggest putting just your last name or first initial and last name on the outside tag. Along with your cell phone number, work number or phone number of the hotel at which you will be staying. But, not your home phone as worries arise that thieves could reverse look up your phone number and find your address. With that said many experts also suggest that you list your work address or email address instead of your home address. Worried about using your real email? An easy solution to that would be to create a free email to use for travel purposes only.

When it’s time to select what tag you want, the options are plentiful.

A quick search on our website for just the word “luggage” will return about 30 different options. There is certainly something for everyone.

Competing for the top seller position here at American Stationery are definitely the Big ‘N’ Bright luggage tags and the Engraved luggage tags.

The Big N Bright luggage tags are yes, you guessed it brightly colored. They are also made of durable heavy plastic. These tags will help you spot your luggage right away. The front of the tag is engraved with your last name in large, White block letters. The back has room for your first and last names and 2-line address. Of course, you do not have to use your address. Whatever you would like in those two lines is fine such as an email and phone number. The character limits are as follows: Front side for last name is a maximum 12 characters and spaces. The opposing side for name and address has a maximum of three lines with 36 characters and spaces per line

They come with sturdy clear or white plastic ties (our choice) for affixing to bags.

Your color choices are black blue or red and a set is made up of one large tag and two smaller tags. The large tag measures at: 1 3/4″ x 6″. The small tag: 1 1/4″ x 4″

The engraved luggage tags come in your choice of solid brass or matte black. These are durable and shiny tags they will definitely stand out amongst all the other bags. They are secured with leather straps and come in one size:  3″ x 1 1/4″.

These tags are personalized on just one side and have a maximum of three lines with 30 characters and spaces per line. They are sold in sets of two so we do suggest ordering more than one set.

Not to be outdone by our best sellers, we also offer a vast selection of laminated luggage tags which come in so many different designs there is sure to be one style for every personality. These tags are fun and the best option if you are someone who must have everything personalized to your specific taste.

The tags come fully laminated for long time use and have a removable clear loop to hang on your personal property. They come in a set of four and in just one size of: 3 1/2″ x 2″. They are printed in matte ink on sturdy paper before being laminated.

Hopefully it will make it easier to remember your luggage tags when you know you have sturdy and stylish tags to show off.

Several years from now your child can look back and read the letters they have received.  Likewise someone else can look back and read the letter that your child wrote. What a fantastic way to remember old friends, grandparents, or relatives. Letter writing leaves a personal record of your child’s past. Inspire your kids to write today so they can leave a written legacy for tomorrow!

Read Parts:  1  |  2  |  3

To help your child rediscover the art of letter writing, first have them select a handful of people that they would like to start a correspondence with. Depending on the age of the child, you may want to help them with this. Encourage them to write to a variety of people, whether it is a friend from camp, a cousin, a pal that has moved away, or a grandparent. What a great way to get to know a distant family member better and gain insight from an older generation!

To really get a child inspired, select the perfect materials for the correspondence. Consider using personalized stationery. Children’s stationery comes in a variety of colors and themes. There are options for sports fans, little princesses, camouflage, dump trucks, or even just really bright and fun colors. Having a special type of paper and envelopes to use will make this an activity they can hardly wait to begin. When your child sees his or her name on the top of the paper it will make this project definitively set apart from school related writing. You can also select matching stickers, envelopes, or address labels to make letter writing something they will really embrace!

Read Parts:  1  |  2  |  3

Letter writing should not be a thing in the past! When you delete an email or text message it is gone. A letter can be saved and read later, by you or your great grandchildren. There are countless number of books and great historical insight that has been gained from reading old letters. This is because letters are more reflective. They are personal. Handwritten notes reveal deeper feelings and emotions and are generally thought out. They take longer to write than any electronic correspondence, so they are more introspective than the traditional email. Sadly, some kids do not even contemplate these things outside of the occasional homework assignment.

There is something to be said for patience and waiting. Life is not about getting exactly what you want when you want it. Delayed gratification is a good thing, sometimes. Text messages have provided kids with a way to get answers to questions immediately. Cell phones provide communication regardless of where you are. Letters are a great way to teach patience to children. When you write a letter you do not get an answer instantly. You can go to the mailbox each day in anticipation. Amongst the junk mail and bills there might actually be a note in response. What a feeling to get something good in the mail! They give that feeling of excitement and surprise to someone else when they send a letter. If they get one in response, they get to see their name and address in print. They also get that good feeling of knowing that someone took the time to think of them and sit down and personally pen a letter, in return.

Read Parts:  1  |  2  |  3

Most mothers don’t care what their gift is. It’s nice to just be thought of. A visit from their loved ones is typically a sufficient way of letting them know we love them and appreciate their unconditional love.

But, if you are in the market to purchase a present for your mother, or grandmother or aunt. Think about a gift of stationery. At American Stationery, we pride ourselves in offering a vast assortment of stationery. Available in many styles and designs there is definitely something for everyone.

Take a look at our website or browse through our full color catalog. Mother’s day is quickly approaching but if you order soon you should have plenty of time to receive your personalized order.

For the loved one who has a passion for gardening, Consider purchasing a set of the Zinnia Notes. These are a delightful and vibrant fold over note card that comes with envelopes. They are perfect for the family member who loves to send notes out to friends. Especially the one who is always preaching to you that “Texting is so impersonal.” (which let’s face it, it is)

If your mom’s house is the gathering place, why not purchase some personalized napkins for her to have on hand? Item 8530 is a good choice if you really want to take personalizing to the next level. You can choose your ink color, type style, and design. This will ensure that they match her personality perfectly. Don’t forget to purchase an acrylic holder to keep them nice and neat. Item 9593 is a whimsical houndstooth holder that is sure to stand out on the corner of the buffet in the dining room.

Aunt Sierra, that has the pool, will love having some personalized frosted tumblers at her poolside bar. Our frosted tumblers come in a few different sizes. Choose from 10, 14, or 16 ounces. You can personalize them with your choice of ink color, typestyle and design. What’s wonderful about these? They can be re-used multiple times and are very durable. So all those accidental drops on the cement should be no big deal.

Recipe cards are always a treat. What’s better? Ask her to fill a couple of them out and return them to you. That apple cobbler recipe that everyone begs for at Easter? How could she say no after you just gave her such a lovely gift?

Busy women will appreciate receiving a stylish calendar set to help contain their hectic days. With constant garden club meetings, and attending tennis lessons at the garden club life can become hard to keep track of. Item 9953 is one of several different designs. There are also matching book labels, calling cards, fold notes and address labels to choose from as well.

Presenting the gift is half the fun. Most of our items come in our beautiful American Stationery blue boxes. That can be given simply in the box alone or you can opt to pay for gift wrapping.

If your mother lives near why not, take her to brunch on Mother’s day or offer to have a big Sunday dinner at your home instead of hers?

For a mother that lives far away, you can have the gift mailed directly to her with a gift message included.

Remember it isn’t about how much you spend it’s about expressing your gratitude to the woman in your life who always stood by your side.