Send little love notes to the cherished people in your life.   Designed and printed by Elizabeth Evans, these letterpress cards by Wildhorse Press feature cheerful, colorful illustrations with charming messages like Be Mine, You Make Me Smile and Something Beautiful is About to Happen.  Individual cards are $4.50 each.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Wildhorse Press

Greeting your guests at the door is an example of good hosting etiquette.  For a client’s holiday party in Chicago, Jung Lee of Fête went one step further and staffed three “cigarette girls” to welcome party-goers as well as present escort cards.

Dressed in 1920′s costumes, the flirty girls addressed guests as, “Dollface,” and then asked them to look on the tray for their names, which were printed on customized packages of candy cigarettes along with their table number.

What a ingenious way to convey the party’s theme right from the moment guests arrived at the Supper Club!  Because it’s all about first (and lasting) impressions….

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Fête

Make your mark.  The next time you send out a mailing of party invitations, take a moment to turn a drab envelope into something special. Our latest find on Etsy reinvents one of the oldest forms of printing with original modern designs for your return address or any message you wish to send.

These rubber stamps are made from maple wood blocks and high quality red rubber that can be used with any color of ink.  We love the look of white or metallic ink on a dark or colored envelope.  Check out some of our favorite styles from their current collection of stamps, which all retail for $19.95 (plus shipping and handling).

All custom orders can be placed at the 2impress shop on Etsy.  Allow 6-8 days for production and shipping once design proof is approved.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of 2impress

The patterns chosen for the social stationery are some of Derian’s most iconic and graphic illustrations.  The exquisite floral Maze pattern comes with a gold bordered card while the playful Red Letters print comes with a red bordered card.  Other whimsical designs come with a small motif such as Water Lilies which features a shaded frog and Sea Urchin which has a seashell.

Each boxed set retails for $60 and comes with 10 cards with 10 lined envelopes.  The cards can be personalized with an engraved name in a complimentary color.  Proceeds from the sale of Derian’s cards will benefit The Children’s Storefront, a tuition-free school in Harlem.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Dempsey and Carroll

Our latest discovery on Etsy reminds us of vintage textiles and wallpaper.  Neapolitan’s shop sells a collection of  chic notecards and paper boxes that are beyond pretty.  We are crazy for the peach, lilac and gray Chevron patterned folded note cards (so Pucci!) and the Love card printed with the snakeskin pattern.  Each of the sets ($9) comes with three note cards and matching ivory envelopes.

Another elegant set offers three messages that would work well in any social situation.  Packaged in a pale pink box adorned with a white and gold rope flourish, the Three Greetings box set ($29) comes with six charcoal colored cards hand-calligraphed with chalk white ink with the sayings – Many Thanks, Best Wishes and Cheers to You.

Check out the assortment of handmade paper boxes which for $5.00 each are a great way to organize all of your jewelry, letters or precious mementos.  All items may be purchased at the Neapolitan Etsy Shop.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Neapolitan

No more rushing to Kate’s Paperie for a last minute holiday, birthday or thank you card.  Tiny Prints, the online retailer of premium, personalized stationery, has launched their new greeting card offering which lets members design, customize and ship right from their web site.  Members can choose a charming design, upload a photo and add a verse from the extensive library or come up with a personal message of their own. Conveniently, the envelope can be addressed and postage can be applied right from the site before Tiny Prints handles the mailing of the greeting card to the chosen recipient.

Other helpful features for the eternally forgetful or chronically Type-A are the auto-reminder about upcoming occasions and the advance scheduling option which allows for all cards for all occasions to be created up to one year in advance and mailed out on a specified date. Genius!

Tiny Prints is currently waiving the first year of membership as well as offering the first three greeting cards for free.  Cards start at $1.99.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Tiny Prints

Made of Japanese paper, these memo pads are shaped in the form of a green pear and a red apple.  To transform the flat pads into gorgeous 3-D fruit, simply fan out the delicate sheets of paper and secure with a paperclip.  They could be used together to create a conversation-starting centerpiece in a table setting or given as a clever party favor for guests. Each memo pad comes with 150 sheets and arrives with a cute white foam protector to resemble real fruit from the market.

The memo pads can be purchased via Lemon Tree’s Etsy shop for $5.80 each and shipped from South Korea to major countries around the world.  The shop also carries unique ink pads, rubber stamps, stickers and decorative tape.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Lemon Tree

Make an impression at your next night of networking with Brooklyn Social Cards, the latest venture from Breck Hostetter of Sesame Letterpress and Rebecca Kutys of Moontree Letterpress.  Created out of a demand for their elegant business and social cards, the two designers streamlined the ordering process by putting it online.

The designers have edited the collection to feature the best options for layout, paper stock, ink color and decorative icons.  There are 15 card designs in total that can be printed in one or two colors on either bright white or natural white stock.  Icons range from a playful bird and bicycle to designs that might connote one’s profession including a whisk and a camera. A variety of ink colors from lilac to orange to black are available or custom inks can be created from Pantone colors.

Sized at 3″ 1/2 x 2″, the one color cards come in bundles of 250 for $250 or 500  for $325. The two color cards are $350 for 250 and $500 for 500.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Brooklyn Social Cards

In this digital age filled with instant texts and tweets, a beautifully handwritten note sent via snail mail is to be cherished.  To express your love and adoration this Valentine’s Day, Neither Snow is offering one-of-kind calligraphed letters with vintage postage for your special someone.  The stamp combinations are selected for their complimentary color palettes and miniature narratives such as Football Hero or Blue Moon (with Audrey Hepburn).

Addresses and personal messages (up to 20 words) are hand calligraphed in Neither Snow’s signature organic script.  Only 100 signed and dated valentines will be created this year.  Each valentine ($45) is available via Mara Zepeda’s Etsy store, Marasz.  Order by February 6th, 2010 in order to have valentines sent on time for this year’s holiday.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Neither Snow

Holiday hostesses looking to make a sophisticated impression on their loved ones and party guests should make the mad dash to Mr. Boddington’s Studio to pick up some of their exquisite seasonal cards and invitations.  Boxed holiday cards come in a variety of charming designs letterpressed on heavy eggshell card stock with red envelopes and a choice of six printed liners.

Their collection of party invitations is just as luxurious but conveniently can be run through a home printer.  Perfect for those who desire a bespoke touch but one that is considerably lighter on the pocketbook than custom orders.

Sets of holiday cards and invitations come in boxes of 8 cards and envelopes for $20 (or $30 with the hand-lined envelopes) or 25 cards and envelopes for $40 (or $70 with hand-lined envelopes).

PHOTO CREDIT:  Mr. Boddington’s Studio

Related Post: Call Me

Who says pop-up drawings are just for kids?  These exquisite laser-cut cards and place mats by artist Lian Ng are inspired by children’s books but definitely have a place at the adult table.

Made from recycled paper, the folded cards ($4.50 each) are  4.25″ x 5.5″ and come blank on the inside with a matching envelope in either white or kraft paper.  A variety of styles for all types of occasions are available including images of a fireplace, birdcage, safari and balloons.

As for the place mats, which come in 19″ x 13″ rectangles ($26 for 10), the delicate pop-up images of a pram and crib make for charming table settings for a baby shower.  There are 15 other styles including a cake, carriage and dinner feast and most have room for a name to be inscribed.

The entire collection of PopArt cards and place mats are available online at Publique Living.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Publique Living

Celebrity shutterbug Patrick McMullan has chronicled the social scene’s most fashionable and fabulous since the decadent days of Studio 54 leading some to comment, “It’s not a party if Patrick isn’t here!”

While it might be tough to get the world’s most famous society and nightlife photographer to attend your next event, now you can at least have his iconic work featured on your invitation.

In the latest installment of their Designer Series, pingg has joined forces with McMullan to feature some of his artistic images on their online invitations and ecards.  Images range from backstage snaps at the tents during Fashion Week to still life decor shots from A-list parties.

Another featured designer in the series is artist Erni Vales, best known for his 3D graffiti style and large scale murals that have graced both New York nightclubs and the Warner Bros film set. Recent collaborations have included work with celebrated photographer David LaChapelle and video director Hype Williams.

One of our favorite designers on the site, photographer Ben Watts needs no introduction in the fashion world having shot campaigns for Nike and The Gap as well as editorial for New York Magazine, Esquire and Conde Nast Traveler.  His collection on pingg includes summer and surf-inspired imagery as well as bold, rock-and-roll pics that capture his fascination with street and club culture.

For a complete list of all of the designers in the series, visit pingg.com.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Patrick McMullan, Ben Watts and Erni Vales

It seems that all of us are crazy for sample sales and, if you love letterpress stationery, this one should definitely not be missed. Bella Figura, one of our favorite stationers (who produces exquisite and eco-friendly invitations), is hosting an online sale of their design samples starting today.  All proceeds from the sale will be donated to American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization that aims to protect the country’s trees.

If you are planning a wedding or anniversary party or sending out birth announcements, ordering samples of their gorgeous invitations will help you get a feel for their luxurious paper, letterpress and inks before you confirm your final design.

Visit BellaFigura.com to plan your next invitation and to shop the sale.  All samples of their letterpress invitations will be sold for just $1 each (regularly $5). The sale will run through August 31, 2009 while supplies last.

As any social butterfly will tell you, sometimes the most memorable evenings come out of accepting a last minute invitation.  But, attending a spontaneous dinner party or cocktail soiree will leave you little time to wrap a hostess gift, let alone find an appropriate card.

Sesame Letterpress offers a charming solution to this social predicament with their new collection of gift tags that feature designs appropriate for every possible occasion and recipient.

“Often a big folded card is too much for a small hostess gift, but a simple tag is perfect and can serve as a calling card as well,” explains Breck Hostetter, founder of Sesame Letterpress.

The little tags (2 ¾ x 1 3/16”) are printed with Victorian era imagery of silhouette profiles representing each member of the family including, a man in a hat, a fancy lady, a young girl (actually Hostetter’s daughter’s profile), a young boy, a cat, a dog, a rabbit and a bear (perhaps your Uncle Toby?).

Each tag is printed one at a time by hand on a 19th century letterpress.  A  set of the silhouette tags (which includes one of each of the profiles) is available for $10 at the John Derian store in New York.

Custom silhouettes of your most cherished loved one – either human or animal – can be commissioned by sending in a digital photo of the subject in profile and in front of a light colored background.  The price for 100 gift tags with a custom silhouette is $150.

To contact Sesame Letterpress, visit their web site or send an inquiry via email.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Sesame Letterpress

CECI New York Social Stationery is a new collection of high-end boxed stationery by celebrated designer and artist Lisa Hoffman, who is best known for her exquisite bespoke wedding invitations that have been featured in New York Magazine and Brides.

The new collection features six unique styles, each telling a story. Kimono (shown here) is inspired by classic and colorful Japanese fabrics while Resort embodies the essence of tropical destinations.

Each collection is comprised of two boxed sets each with four designs and retails for $39.95 per box. The stationery is available at the new CECI New York showroom (130 West 23rd Street, 2nd Floor, New York) or by phone at 212-989-0695.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of CECI New York

Related Posts:

Stationery Sophisticate / Modern Manners: RSVP / Modern Manners: Attendance

Let’s face it…somehow we always find time to procrastinate on the things we need to do in life. However, when it comes to party invitations, delaying your response can be seen as inconsiderate. No matter how large or small the event, sending in your answer as soon as possible is always the polite and best way to go.

It not only helps the organizer plan accordingly but, it avoids any hurt feelings with your host who may think you’re simply waiting for something “better” to come along. Consider it an honor to be invited and, if you have nothing already booked in your social calendar, accept the invitation with pleasure.

Of course, I understand, last minute things come up that require your social calendar to shift. However, there is a fine art to doing this right. You never want to offend your host, so here are my 4 basic rules to follow:

1. Changing an “accepts” to a “regrets” is only admissible in the event of an illness or injury, a sudden inescapable business conflict (that your boss won’t allow you to get out of in risk of losing your job) or a family emergency. If something like this should happen to you, notify your host right away.

2. Changing a “regrets” to an “accepts” is considered doable and always a possibility but, only if it will not mess up your hosts’ plans. Check with them as soon as you know to see if they can accommodate you.

3. Canceling because that “better” offer came along is never OK. It’s rude and a fool proof way to get your name dropped from everyone’s guest lists. Stick to your original plan – better things will come your way in the future.

4. Being a “no show” is unacceptable. If you said you would be there, let your hosts know they can always count on you. Anyone who receives an invitation has an important obligation to attend.

Lisa Hoffman, Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York (22 West 23rd Street, Fifth Floor Penthouse, 212-989-0695), is a world renowned graphic artist and award winning designer of invitations. To set up an appointment, contact info@cecinewyork.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ceci New York

Modern Manners is an ongoing series with experts in the industry who share their tips on how to be a polite guest and a gracious host in today’s social scene.

Related Post: Modern Manners: RSVP

Whether it’s a wedding, a dinner party get together or a fabulous gala, when you receive an invitation it means it’s time to R.S.V.P.

From the French phrase, “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” R.S.V.P. simply means, “Please reply.” These four letters are signaling your host’s need to know if you’re attending or not. Your head count matters, so make sure to reply as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two of receiving an invitation.

At Ceci New York, we always create reply cards and envelopes, that match the design of the invitation, to make it easy for our client’s guests to respond on time. The wording used to solicit a response can range from classic to modern. Some of our favorites include (see examples in the photo gallery above):

Kindly reply by (enter date)

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please join us for the following festivities.

We hope you can join us to celebrate.

Remember, when there is a reply card, make sure you include the full names of you and your guest so your host has that information for the event. But, how should you respond if there is no enclosed card?

Below is an easy guide that will ensure your name stays on the guest list!

RSVP is on invite but no separate response card included:
- send a personal handwritten response to the host to the return address on the mailer envelope.

RSVP by phone number:
- call and make sure to speak to a person – answering machines are typically unreliable.

RSVP by email:
- it’s totally acceptable these days to save time money (and a tree) to accept or decline electronically through email.

Regrets only:
- this means reply only if you cannot make it. If your host doesn’t hear from you, they are expecting you to show up.

No reply requested:
- Not typical and remember, it is always polite to let someone know your intentions!

Lisa Hoffman, Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York (22 West 23rd Street, Fifth Floor Penthouse, 212-989-0695), is a world renowned graphic artist and award winning designer of invitations. To set up an appointment, contact info@cecinewyork.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ceci New York

Modern Manners is an ongoing series with experts in the industry who share their tips on how to be a polite guest and a gracious host in today’s social scene.

Housed in an old factory in upstate New York, the Smock print shop may do things the old fashioned way but, as the only printer in the country to offer luxury bamboo paper, they are also one of the most progressive.

Being one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, bamboo is a renewable resource that needs no pesticides to grow. The bamboo artisan paper that Smock has developed, with a historic European paper mill, is unbelievably soft and thick with an elegant texture which is perfect for their deep and intricate letterpress designs like their Engadine collection (shown top right). All of their inks are vegetable oil based or low VOC and their retail packaging is biodegradable, tree-free and petroleum-free.

Custom orders for social and wedding invitations are available at fine stationery stores across the country or via the Smock web site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Smock

Related Post: A Beautiful Impression

More Stationery + Invitations: click here

Founders Debbie Urbanski and Harold Kyle had a love for letterpress that led them to seek out the most talented designers and unique typefaces from around the world for their shop. Using 100% cotton (tree-free) paper from a historic European mill (that has been creating artisan paper for 500 years), the invitations are printed with low VOC and vegetable oil based inks in a wide range of colors. Custom icons, one-of-a-kind illustrations and original monograms are also available.

All of Bella Figura’s materials are super luxurious yet sustainable. The printing shop is powered by wind energy and donates 1% of sales to environmental organizations such as the NRDC or The Conservation Fund.

For more information about Bella Figura letterpress, call 315-473-0933 or order through the web site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Bella Figura

Eco-Chic Entertaining is a special series for the month of April that is dedicated to the best green vendors, products and services.

Founded by award winning graphic designer Mel Lim, the conscientious company makes every effort to select materials and production processes that are eco-friendly. Greeting cards contain 30% post consumer fibers. Wrapping paper is printed with soy based inks on uncoated linen paper and is chlorine free.

The letterpress collection, which uses only cotton paper, features charming animal prints such as Giraffe Thinking (right) or Butterfly Sassy. Available online as well as at upscale stationery stores across the U.S., a set of 10 5″ square flatcards and envelopes are $15.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Mel Lim

Eco-Chic Entertaining is a special series for the month of April that is dedicated to the best green vendors, products and services.

While Emily Post may dictate that a handwritten printed invitation is de rigueur, Lazy Hostess says, “If it’s gorgeous and makes your life easier, go for it.” Not only is it a convenient and inexpensive (if not, free) alternative, but sending a digital invite is très eco-chic.

To begin, give your event a name and then choose an image from the pingg gallery (which includes artwork from renowned artists and photographers found in their Designer Series) or upload your own. Next add your event details and choose your delivery method via their proprietary software surroundSend™ which allows invitations to be sent via email and Facebook or, for a nominal charge, via SMS ($1.50 for 20 text messages) or print ($1.50 per card including postage).

For your flaky or forgetful friends (you know who you are), we suggest sending reminders the day of your party with date, time and address right to their mobiles. For unresponsive guests, we like sending personal messages to encourage (or coerce) them to attend. All events can be downloaded into iCal or Outlook and maps are provided for easy reference.

Extra perks include the ability to upload a video or photos to the event web page or to set up a charity gift registry with Changing The Present.

While the idea of sending a digital invitation or managing your RSVPs online isn’t new, using pingg is certainly an upgrade. And, as we’ve found with all of the finer things in life (first class, Louboutin heels and Apple iPods), once you experience the best, there’s no turning back.

Eco-Chic Entertaining is a special series for the month of April that is dedicated to the best green vendors, products and services.

How do you capture the personalities of your clients in their wedding invitations?
Every invitation is a blank canvas and each client is a new opportunity to create something fresh and outstanding. For a destination wedding in Mexico, a laid back couple wanted something “beachy” but with luxurious materials and fine printing. We created a custom pocket folder that was lined in bamboo woven rattan paper. The cover was ivory letterpress with a Mexican tile pattern print and embossed with their logo printed on a pebbled textured paper. We used a tropical color palette mixed with lighter sandy tones. All elements said “beach” without the expected seashell motifs that you so frequently see. The three panel RSVP card was perfect for giving guests all the proper information – easy and convenient – just like they wanted it to be.

And, for a non-traditional couple?
A punk rock couple wanted their invite to reflect their love for DADA art. We printed on smoky grey plexi-glass so the DADA art collage showed through from the back when the guests took the invite out of the envelope. The back of the invite was full of personalized phrases and words with hidden meanings that were significant to the couple and their relationship. Bold pops of hot pink, including the calligraphy on the envelopes, were sprinkled throughout the invitation. Guests said they felt like they were receiving an award when they opened it!

You are known for your bespoke invitations. What is the most luxurious invitation you have created?
We created a romantic invitation for a couple who were married at their beach home in the Hamptons. The save-the-date was a custom molded aluminum pebble engraved with their wedding logo and details which was hand delivered to each guest in a custom made sage green suede box. The invites were hand calligraphed with a personalized message from the couple instead of traditional wedding invitation wording. They even hand signed each invite with their names. This couple wasn’t afraid to break tradition and do something original. And, it was completely appropriate, tasteful and elegant!

If you can’t afford the bespoke treatment, how can you incorporate small details to make your invitation more special?
Simple does not have to be boring. No way! That’s my challenge – to really create something fantastic within those limitations. Some great ideas are to bring in a quote that’s meaningful to you or lyrics from your first dance song. Use your venue as inspiration or play up a theme.
For a couple who were getting married in a Broadway theater, we designed save- the-dates after old movie tickets and theatrical posters. They were flat and in one color but what was lacking in features, we certainly made up for in creativity!

When are digital invitations appropriate to send?
Weddings are momentous occasions so, in my opinion, you shouldn’t skimp on the actual invitation. Use digital invites for informal save-the-dates when timing and budget are tight. You won’t have to worry about the long lead times for design and printing or the cost of mailing and postage. Another good tip is to put together a wedding website. One of my favorites is the Wedding Window which looks custom designed yet is inexpensive. Send out the link, update with info along the way and your guests will never think you’re not on the ball!

Lisa Hoffman, Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York (22 West 23rd Street, Fifth Floor Penthouse, 212-989-0695), is a world renowned graphic artist and award winning designer of invitations. To set up an appointment, contact info@cecinewyork.com.

Notes on a Party introduces the Wedding Special, an entire week of editorial dedicated to fresh ideas, invaluable tips and interviews with the leading experts in the industry.

Bold geometric prints from designer brands including Jack & Lulu, Hello! Lucky and Snow & Graham look much more Marimekko than Hallmark.

One of my favorites is the black and white charm print by Eieio which is both feminine and edgy at the same time. The layered look of charms reminds me of the eternally chic Alhambra clover necklaces by Van Clef & Arpels.

One 19.25″x 27″ sheet of matte coated paper is $3.50 and is large enough to wrap a medium sized shirt box.

Every year, the pressure mounts to find the cutest, sweetest, most captivating photo of your babes for this seasonal ritual. Just don’t let your cherished offspring be sent out surrounded by tacky clip art or generic graphics.

If you want a holiday card as stylish and cool as your family, try Brooklyn based company Paper + Cup. Choose from a variety of clean, fresh designs in non-traditional colors like mint, teal and coco. Of course, red and green are available too.

Cards are flat printed on heavy weight, white paper. $58 for 25 cards and envelopes. For those in the mood to match, you can customize your photo cards with matching thank you notes and mailing labels. Note: orders are shipped from California by UPS so add on a few days for delivery. If you order by next week, there is still time to get your custom cards here before the holidays.

Paper + Cup sells an assortment of paper goods including some of the most charming and original stationery, invitations, journals and desktop products for the office and home. You’ll definitely be tempted to pick up a gift or two for family, friends and colleagues.

Thankfully, your “to do” list is getting shorter by the moment.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.