What’s the Best Way to Say “Happy Valentine’s Day?”

Hmmm…The best way to say “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Ask around RedStamp HQ + you’ll get a dozen different answers. Personalized petite valentines delivered by mail to friends + family…greeting cards hand delivered to your sweetheart…personalized stickers artfully applied by art-loving-kids to scalloped card stock…virtual valentines you can post on facebook or twitter…

We embrace all kinds of stylish correspondence around here these days.  Which is why we think this decision making tool from Hunch is pretty cool. Check it out!

Valentine’s Day Cards – get personalized recommendations at Hunch.com

Best Way to Say #37 :: Thank You for Hosting A Casual Yet Spectacular Night!

Last night a group of us gathered at the home of one friend to toast the future of another friend. It was a fun night worthy of a quick note to let the hostess-with-the-mostess know how much I appreciated her hospitality. {Thank you, Rebecca!}

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: A cozy yet spectacular gathering
2. Re-live a very fun part of the exchange :: Seeing Rebecca’s new gorgeous new remodel
3. Reveal what comes next :: Getting our kids together soon

Rebecca_Thanks for the lovely evening. Your home is stunning ~ gorgeous & warm just like you! Let’s definitely get the kiddos together soon. Great to catch up! xoxo_Erin

A Gift from the Grocery Store {Why Not?}

I think the best gifts are the ones that make people feel good about who they are + appreciated for what they do. And if you can demonstrate how well you know that person…it makes it all the more personal. I never know where I’m going to find the perfect gift, so I’m always on the lookout. My latest inspiration happened while grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s. And it was all about my colleague and dear friend, Renee. Why? Because she always has treats + is very good at sharing.

The note can be on anything from a sticky note to an index card to a note card. {Personally, I always keep a tin of Cavallini & Co. postcards on hand for this very reason…they make great gift tags!}

R_Enjoy! And thank you for keeping RedStamp in chocolate. E

One Thought Note #36 :: Holiday Thank You Notes

A topic trending close to my heart…the dreaded holiday thank you note. From holiday party praise to thoughtful gift thank yous, there’s still time to get a quick, yet thoughtful sentiment out there to express your gratitude. Need some help with the best way to say thank you? Here are the 3 elements to the perfect note.

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: Fabulous holiday gift
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: Why I love the gift…pure indulgence!
3. Reveal what comes next :: A killer year

Dear Laura, You are far too good to me! Love spa day & Juut. Thank you so much for such a fabulous & generous indulgence. Can’t wait to book my next appointment. To all good things in 2010! Erin

5 Elements of the Perfect Tree Trimming / Caroling Party Invitation

This week, we are dedicating daily posts to all the various holiday party themes along with some wording suggestions. Yesterday, we reviewed 5 Key Elements of the Perfect Cookie Exchange Invitation. Today, thought I’d show some of my favorite wording ideas for the festive tree trimming and /or caroling party theme. Questions? Comments? Let us know how we can help you craft the perfect invitation for this year’s festivities. We are here to help!

5 Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation ::

1. A festive introduction sets the tone + gets people excited about your party
2. Clearly state the when, who + where by including the names of the party throwers, the date, the time + the place
3. Put people at ease by including clear dress code and/or special instructions. Invitations are often referenced multiple times as the date grows closer.
4. Include RSVP information :: name, phone/email, respond by date. Careful not to fall into the Regrets Only trap if you need to know how many people are coming. People often times forget to RSVP when they aren’t coming.
5. Send invitations 2-4 weeks before the event

Straight from the pages of a Charles Dickens novel, the tree trimming and/or caroling party invitation is best finished with tree, tree trimming or evergreen imagery.

Personalized Green Leaves + Vines :: Starting at $39 for 10

This invitation design brilliantly modernizes a traditional party theme. I also love mixing fonts to enrich design + clearly call out what kind of party you are throwing.

Using the 5 Elements, here are my comments ::

1. Starting with the hosts’ names is such a warm way to invite people into your home.
2. This is a great example of weaving the logistics throughout the invitation in an effortless manner.
3. Celebrate past success + tout your can’t-miss party by calling out tradition! “Our Fourth Annual Tree Trimming Party” is a wonderful promise for the fun ahead.
4. The RSVP information is detailed beautifully. Giving people multiple methods to respond + a date to respond by.
5. This party is on Saturday, December 5th + responses are being requested by November 30th. Invitations should be in the mail the week of November 9th.

Special Delivery Ornaments Imprintable Invitation :: Box of 10 :: $15

Do-It-Yourself with one of our imprintable invitations!

Using the 5 Elements, here are my comments ::

1. Sometimes it’s best to just tell it like it is. This introduction is clear + to the point.
2. Again, the use of a name to invite others into your home is warm + personal. All of the details are clear. The lack of an end time indicates that there is no set end time. And that your guests should arrive as close to 7pm as possible…or make other arrangements with you before the party starts.
3. I love the detail of what to expect from the party :: “toast the season with food, wine and the laughter of good friends and family” is a wonderfully rich snapshot into what to expect the minute you walk in the front door.
4. Regrets only is a popular method for RSVP-ing, but not one I recommend. Keep in mind it’s very easy for people to forget to RSVP if they are not planning on attending. Which is why I personally don’t love this method because as a host, I want to make sure I have enough space, food, drink, etc.
5. If this party is during the third weekend of December, the invitations should be in the mail right around Thanksgiving.

**GREAT FIND! Looking to Do-It-Yourself? Try this fabulous imprintable caroling invitation. On sale $18.99 for 10 invitations. **

5 Elements of the Perfect Cookie Party Invitation

This week, we are dedicating daily posts to all the various holiday party themes along with some wording suggestions. Yesterday, we reviewed 5 Key Elements of the Perfect Classic Cocktail Party Invitation. Today, thought I’d show some of my favorite wording ideas for the fun-loving cookie exchange party theme. Questions? Comments? Let us know how we can help you craft the perfect invitation for this year’s festivities. We are here to help!

5 Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation ::

1. A festive introduction sets the tone + gets people excited about your party
2. Clearly state the when, who + where by including the names of the party throwers, the date, the time + the place
3. Put people at ease by including clear dress code and/or special instructions. Invitations are often referenced multiple times as the date grows closer.
4. Include RSVP information :: name, phone/email, respond by date. Careful not to fall into the Regrets Only trap if you need to know how many people are coming. People often times forget to RSVP when they aren’t coming.
5. Send invitations 2-4 weeks before the event

Personalized Red + Green Large Letters :: Starting at $39 for 10

Personalized Red Modern Embroidery :: Starting at $39 for 10

Cookie exchange invitations tend to get more lengthy as there is more information to include. So it’s important to be concise + group like information together. It’s also important that the design of the invitation contribute to the overall message. Using the 5 Elements, here are my comments ::

1. I love how the designs of these invitations convey so much about the parties. The lead line also warmly extends an invitation + tells guests exactly what to expect upon arrival.
2. All of the logistics are grouped together + leave nothing to chance :: At the home of the hostess, her name, her street address, the time, date, day of the week.
3. Special instructions are key to the success of a cookie exchange. Usually, there are lots + lots of details. These invitations do a wonderful job of concisely + attractively explaining what you need to arrive with, what you should do when you are at the party {great for newcomers!} + what you will have when you leave.
4. I personally love invitations that provide {a} multiple ways to RSVP and {b} a deadline to RSVP by. Typical rule of thumb is to RSVP within 3 days of reciept, but let’s face it. Life happens + things get out of whack. Knowing that you have until a certain date puts everyone at ease. And allows for the unexpected.
5. Given that these parties are planned for the first week of December + guests need to RSVP by the end of November, invitations should be in the mail the week of November 9th. If your party is on a Sunday or weeknight {vs. an in-demand Friday or Saturday} and it’s early in the season, there probably won’t be many competing parties. Meaning you have a little more leeway with your send date. 2-3 weeks should suffice.

5 Elements of the Perfect Classic Cocktail Party Invitation

This week, we are dedicating daily posts to all the various holiday party themes along with some wording suggestions. Yesterday, we reviewed 5 Key Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation. Today, thought I’d show some of my favorite wording ideas for the classic cocktail / open house holiday party. Questions? Comments? Let us know how we can help you craft the perfect invitation for this year’s festivities. We are here to help!

5 Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation ::

1. A festive introduction sets the tone + gets people excited about your party
2. Clearly state the when, who + where by including the names of the party throwers, the date, the time + the place
3. Put people at ease by including clear dress code and/or special instructions. Invitations are often referenced multiple times as the date grows closer.
4. Include RSVP information :: name, phone/email, respond by date. Careful not to fall into the Regrets Only trap if you need to know how many people are coming. People often times forget to RSVP when they aren’t coming.
5. Send invitations 3-4 weeks before the event

Personalized Red + Sky Bubbles :: Starting at $39

So simple, yet warm + inviting…and informative. This is a wonderful invitation choice for hosts wishing to welcome diverse holiday traditions + religions. Using the 5 Elements, here are my comments ::

1. “Cheers and Cocktails” is the perfect opener. It’s bubbly, fun, appealing. Perfect for an evening fueled by cocktails! Your guests will instantly know it’s an event centered around cocktails vs. food.
2. I particularly love how this invitation gives the address for the restaurant so that the guest doesn’t have to look it up on their own. Even if you are 100% sure everyone knows where the location is, it’s always a good idea to include the street address. Live in a big city with multiple suburbs? It’s never a bad idea to include the city in addition to the street address, although the zip code isn’t necessary.
3. By having the party at a local, public place, you are providing subtle information about dress code. Just make sure that your party honors the typical dress code of the chosen location.
4. Multiple options for how to RSVP make it easier for your guest to respond. Some people like to RSVP by phone; others love being able to dash off a quick email.
5. Given that the party is planned for December 18th, this invitation should be in the mail the week of Thanksgiving {Nov 27th} at the latest. Around the holidays, nights book up quickly. Ideal timing would be November 19th or 20th. {Allow for 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

Personalized Winter Blooms :: Starting at $39 for 10

A bit more traditional in design and wording, this invitation works nicely for a more “Christmas-y” party. Using the 5 Elements above, here are my comments ::

1. “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” tells your guest that there will be food + drink at your party. The second line elaborates to let your guest know dancing will be a part of the equation.
2. As with the Red + Sky Bubbles invitation, this host leaves nothing to chance. Love the detail on date, time, name + location.
3. If you are inviting mere acquaintances or colleagues, I would add a line to let everyone know what kind of attire you require. Dancing hints that the evening might be formal, but I’ve been to plenty of parties where dancing means loud, popular music + impromptu dance floors. Both kind of nights are only fun if your guests are dressed appropriately.
4. Multiple options for how to RSVP make it easier for your guests to respond. And giving them a deadline is never a bad thing even if your preparation allows for last minute planning.
5. Given that this party is planned for December 5th, this invitation should be in the mail the week of November 9th. {Allow for 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

Personalized Red + Green + Blue Ornaments :: Starting at $39 for 10

We love the Holiday Open House for large guest lists as the natural comings and goings are a wonderful way to balance out attendance at all times. Using the 5 Elements above, here are my comments ::

1. “Holiday Open House” is a wonderful option for a very straightforward, yet warm, opening.
2. The combination of the “Open House” title plus providing the start and end times give guests the freedom to come + go anytime during 6pm + 9pm.
3. A Sunday evening open house suggests a more casual dress. If you are thinking black tie or even slightly dressy party attire, make sure you clearly indicate this in your invitation.
4. Clear direction on how to RSVP lets guests know to call only. This is a perfectly acceptable alternative if you don’t actively use email to correspond.
5. Given that this party is planned for December 6th, invitations should be in the mail the week of November 9th. {Allow 1-2 weeks to create your invitation.}

The 5 Elements of a Perfect Holiday Party Invitation

You can cross Halloween off your list. {Success!} Thanksgiving invitations are already in the mail. {So fabulous!} Next up? Holiday Party invitations. {’Tis the Season! Almost…}

This week, we dedicate daily posts to all the various holiday party themes along with some wording suggestions. Today it’s all about the basics. Questions? Comments? Let us know how we can help you craft the perfect invitation for this year’s festivities.

Elements of the Perfect Holiday Party Invitation ::

1. A festive introduction sets the tone + gets people excited about your party
2. Clearly state the when, who + where by including the names of the party throwers, the date, the time + the place
3. Put people at ease by including dress code and/or special instructions. Invitations are often referenced multiple times as the date grows closer.
4. Include RSVP information :: name, phone/email, respond by date. Careful not to fall into the Regrets Only trap if you need to know how many people are coming. People often times forget to RSVP when they aren’t coming.
5. Send invitations 3-4 weeks before the event

One Thought Note #34 :: Holiday Party Thank You

In hopes of inspiring more handwritten notes, I occasionally share one of the many notes I write {and my 3-part mental checklist} behind each note. Handwritten notes are a snap to send when kept light + focused. The ensuing praise? So worth it…

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: Holiday Party kick off…The first of many I hope {I love the holidays!}
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: The signature red holiday punch {recipe below…yum!}
3. Reveal what comes next :: Hot chocolate at our house after Christmas Tree hunting

Today’s choice of stationery shows off one of our favorite Holiday 2009 designs…which also happens to be free with any order!

Dear Jen + Gregg, Holiday 2009 is off to a fantastic start thanks to Saturday night! So fun to get together; thank you for having us. Everything from the decadent dishes to the red holiday punch was oh-so-festive. Next holiday get-together is our house for hot chocolate, Christmas tree in hand. xo, Erin + Chris

Red Velvet Cocktail Recipe
6 cups 100% cranberry juice {chilled}
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
6 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate
6 oz. frozen pineapple juice concentrate
2 cups water
2-1/2 cups brandy
2 bottles dry champagne {chilled}

Mix together juices and water until concentrate is dissolved. Stir in brandy and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add champagne. Stir. Enjoy!

One Thought Note #28 :: Thanks for Coming!

In hopes of inspiring more handwritten notes, I occasionally share one of the notes I write {and the 3-part checklist} behind each note. Handwritten notes are a snap to send when kept light + focused. The ensuing praise? Amazing.

A little background…Sara is a wonderful fashion reporter who is also just an all-around lovely person. While at our sample sale this weekend, she left me a little unexpected note that made my Monday morning. {I love unexpected correspondence most of all!}

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: A visit to our sample sale
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: The handwritten note Sara left. So thoughtful!
3. Reveal what comes next :: Reading her amazing blog

Dear Sara_Your note was so sweet! Sorry I missed you at the sale, but thank you so much for all your kind words + praise. Glad you had a good time. Here’s to keeping up on all things amazing at PopFizzDaily.com! Erin x