Sep
10
The time for holiday festivities is fast approaching. Along with lots of gatherings and parties comes the need for special hostess gifts. Of course, hostess gifts are given all year long, but I find holiday time is when I really need clever and reasonably priced gifts. A bottle of nice wine or a baked goodie from your kitchen is a “tried & true” gift. If you are going to the trouble of selecting a hostess gift, let’s make it something that stands out. I have a favorite that I give frequently. A small vase filled with cut flowers is always good any time of the year. However, I always bring the flowers already arranged in a vase so the host does not need to hunt up a container for the flowers while tending to his/her guests. You can find cute, inexpensive glass vases at a craft store. Since this is the season for parties, I have some holiday specific gift ideas for you. A fun assortment of holiday cocktail napkins is always a good option. Add some matching coasters and you have got it made . . . a happy host/hostess!!! If you are going to a very special gathering...Read More
Sep
7
Everyone needs an organized, comfortable space to work. Also, there are a few accessories they may need at any given time while writing their invitations, grading school work, or blogging. Here is a list of things I believe you may need to keep on the desk and within reach while working on your craft. Computer A computer is the number one accessory you need on your desk. Rather it be a desktop or laptop, this is the main key to your job or hobby. Without a computer, you will be unable to post your work on time or save it for a reference. Also, if you write stories or articles, you will need this as well since it is the main stream tool of our time. A lot of writing markets allow writers to submit their query letters and other works through e-mail, and it is one of the most popular ways to relay important information in a timely manner. Writing Utensils Even if you do most of your writing on a computer, pens or pencils are another accessory you need on your desk. You don’t know when you may need to jot down a few notes, or write a...Read More
Sep
5
It can be difficult for some children to meet new people. Adjusting to any new social scene isn’t always easy. Having all new classmates, transitioning to a new school or most of all moving to a whole new community can be tough. This is an exciting and emotional time for everyone involved. You’re trying to keep them interested in the new school year and the new friends on the horizon. Let’s face it, as much as we’d love to, we can’t instantly wipe away their pain because their best friends are left behind or they can’t fit in quickly with the new crowd. But we can ease their discomfort by making the transition a bit smoother. We can help them find ways to make new friends. I think it’s important to teach kids the value of writing handwritten notes. Later in life they’ll be better equipped to send thank-you notes after an interview. They might really enjoy writing if you start encouraging them to write early on. No matter how simple their first notes are, they’ll be bringing smiles to someone’s face. Choosing stationery is one of the most fun parts of the process, and if your kids have a...Read More
Sep
3
When writing your thank you note or card it is nice to include an individual reference to your gift and some kindness or memory it has evoked. This will go a long way towards letting them know how special they are not only in their gift giving, but in your life. You can also elaborate on how nice it was to spend time with them, or that you missed seeing them at your event. Just let your personality take over, and make your message sincere and from the heart. It is always nice to include that you will think of them every time you use their gift, or that you will include them when you use their gift. Whatever comes to mind to include them in your future plans, parties and life. So, be sure to keep your thank you notes, pens and stamps on hand. You should keep a close inventory, and consider giving them as gifts to others. They will be well received, because even in this busy time of email and text messaging a personal hand written note means more than ever! Be considerate and thoughtful; write your thank you notes! Read: Part 1 | Part 2...Read More
Aug
31
Whether it is your wedding shower, wedding day, birthday or another special occasion you will probably become the proud recipient of gifts, gift cards, cards or money. Since someone has found you special enough to “gift” you, you should automatically train yourself to try to automatically find a pen, an appropriate thank you note card and begin writing your appreciation to those who have blessed you with their gift giving. Not only is it caring and personal to write a thank you note, more importantly, it is very extremely inconsiderate not do so. Instead of calling all your gift givers and thanking them verbally, you should utilize the easier and thoughtful gesture of sending them their own thank you card.. If you have received a gift card, or gold old hard cold cash, be sure to let the gift giver know how you plan to spend it, whether is be on something for the house, the yard or a luxury you wouldn’t have been able to indulge in without their wonderful gift. It should make them happy to know that their gift was not only appreciated, but put to good use. When sending your thank you, although it is never...Read More
Aug
29
Once your guests begin arriving be sure to great them warmly, and place their cookies in their “star” position. When everyone has arrived you can proceed with introductions and whatever type of entertainment you desire. It is usually a good ice breaker to play a game, to start the laughter and chatter flowing. One suggestion of a game that works well with the holidays is to simply have one guest ask the person next to them a personal question about the holidays….when they answer they can in turn ask the person next to them a question. Questions, for example, could be what was your best Christmas, or what is the best Christmas present you ever received, etc. This type of game involves everyone and also shares heartfelt personal memories. Once your have broken the ice and spent some time with one another you should also begin serving your refreshments….any finger food and light appetizers would be appropriate. During the last forty five minutes or so, you should start the actual cookie exchange. Provide everyone with boxes, baskets or something to fill with cookies…have wax paper and plenty of plastic wrap on hand…Then instruct them to move from station to station...Read More
Aug
27
Do you love offering and sampling homemade cookies, but find your schedule doesn’t allow the time you need to bake a large variety? If so, you are probably surrounded by friends and relatives with the same problem. Why not have some fun and initiate a Cookie Exchange Party? What could be more fun to host, or attend, then something that allows you to visit, and walk away with a freshly baked large variety of favorite cookies? A Cookie Exchange Party is normally held close to the holidays so that you will be able to enjoy your take home stash with family and loved ones. Once you have decided on a day that will best fit your schedule, and who you would like to attend, you can begin shopping for your party invitations. American Stationery has a large number of invitations that can be personalized in a variety of styles and ink colors. They even have photo invitations…an inviting platter of cookies could be your intro. Whatever you choose be sure you include the date, time and what each guest should provide. Typically each guest is asked to bring a dozen cookies for all attendees. So, if you have eight cookie...Read More
Aug
24
We’ll begin with ideas for all the lucky FEMALES on your list. The first mention is a lovely array of Fashion Memos that arrive in their own acrylic holder, and are tied with a stylish bow. They can be coordinated with any décor, and used by anyone for lists, notes and quick reminders. There is also the Executive Desktop Memo Set, a larger desktop memo set that includes varying sizes of memo pads in a nice assortment of ink colors. In this day and age a personal note still means a great deal to the receiver. There are some beautiful notes available and our recommendations range from a basic embossed monogram (Timeless Embossed Notes), a traditional thermograved Embossed Triple Border Note, a floral motif embossed design that frames your embossed name (Cherish Embossed Notes), a traditional Debossed Panel Informal Note, or a colorful hand written Calligraphy Note for starters. If you want something with classic elegance any of the following correspondence cards should fit the bill, and they can all be enhanced with any of a large selection of envelope linings available. These popular correspondence cards are 6 ¼” x 4 ½” in size and allow for ample correspondence room....Read More
Aug
22
A few other all-purpose gift suggestions are coordinated Design Your Own cups and napkins. These will allow you to personalize the perfect hostess gift with a large variety of designer icons, cup size choices and ink colors. Personalized colorful party napkins can also add some cheer to your holiday gift giving in colorful red, green or blue. For the bridge players in your life consider a set of personalized playing cards and bridge pads. There are also a nice assortment of holiday shipping labels, and address seals for those on your list that don’t fit anywhere else. Lastly, one of the newest products on the market place is personalized designer tape. It comes in five attractive color/design choices and can be phrased as you desire, better yet this tape is repositionable, so you can use it again and again. We hope this provides you with a lot of quick and easy picks for all your gift giving occasions throughout the year. American Stationery provides a truly personal quality product, at a moderate price. It should be your first stop for a gift with “WOW” appeal!
Aug
20
If you have male or female EXECUTIVES on your shopping list there are a number of items that are sure to meet with their approval. Executive Stationery is perfect for corporate correspondence, and is works with laser printers. There are Deluxe Business Memos that are great for quick notes, and provide all pertinent contact information on one sheet. One should also consider the Classic Bordered Calling Cards in a wonderful array of colors and/or the Slender Hand Bordered Single Panel Cards in a choice of Navy, Hunter or Wine. These are the perfect size for a business note.