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

Best Way To Say :: How to Word the RSVP When You Need a Firm Response

Summer party planning is upon us.  So I thought I would share an invitation wording Q&A that came to us via email this weekend.

Q :: How do you word it when you need a definite RSVP?

A :: My suggestion is to include a respond-by date to prompt people to take your request more seriously + provide reasonable guidance. Simply include a line that says “RSVP by June 15th” or whenever you need the response by to best plan your party details.

Keep in mind, you might still have one or two invitees who miss the deadline. But if you include a date on your invitation, it’s more than ok to pick up the phone and/or send an email shortly after that date to prompt their response. {This is also an important consideration when you set the date. My suggestion is to give yourself a couple of extra days to allow for follow-up.}

I hope this helps with your party planning. Please email me at erin@redstamp.com or comment below with any wording/etiquette questions. You can also find me on Twitter :: @redstamp_erin. I’d love to help!

Shop :: Invitations | Memorial Day/Patriotic Invitations | Summer Party Invitations

And speaking of summer parties….We are thrilled to be apart of PartyBluPrints.com’s FREE Patriotic Party Eguide. Lots of great tips on everything from invitations to food to music! Party planning at it’s finest + easiest. {Thank you PartyBluPrints!}

How To Congratulate Newly Adoptive Parents

A close friend just found out friends of his {who have been trying to adopt for 2 years} were matched with a little girl in Columbia. They leave in a week to meet their little one for the first time.

As soon as he stopped well wishing the happy couple by phone, he placed an emergency phone call to me. What to say? How to say it? What’s makes for a good gift?

While there is no one way to celebrate someone else’s happy news other than being happy for them, there are several gestures that are appropriate when celebrating an adoption ::

1. Send a note. It can be short + sweet. Congratulate them, tell them a story that leads into why you know they are going to be amazing parents, and offer to help in any way you can. Babysitting…dropping off a homemade dinner…there are lots of ways to help new parents. And in the beginning, they are going to be long on love but short of sleep.

2. Give a gift. It can be homemade or store bought. If you go the store bought route, there are lots of little things that the parents-to-be will need during their trip to welcome their little one home. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can spring for anything from a set of simple white Gerber onesies to a gift card so the parents-to-be can have free reign to pick out what they need. Our pick for the one stop shop? Target. Because they make it easy for you to shop + easy for the recipient to return the gift as needed.

3.  Host a small party {or playgroup}.  What a great opportunity to celebrate together with close friends and introduce the newest member of the family.  

4. Share your knowledge.  If you are a parent already, you probably know your way around the local children’s classes.  A list of activites in the community for your friends to get involved in with their new son or daughter would be invaluable to them as they will most likely be overwhelmed at the thought of more research, but would love nothing more than to dive in with fun things to do.

5.  Give peace of mind.  As adoptions require new parents to spend extended lengths of time in the child’s country before they bring the child back with them, offer to check in on their house while they’re gone.

25 Ideas on How to Write Facebook’s 25 Random Things About Me {+ Valentine’s Day extra credit}

Okay, we admit it.  We’ve been staying up a bit too late reading everybody’s latest Facebook obsession ::  25 Random Things About Me {and we aren’t the only ones – check out today’s New York Times article}. Granted, we might not have spoken with our said FB Friend since high school, so why are we so intrigued by insanely random incidentals about them?  Who knows.  But we do know that if they’re well written, we’re even more enthralled.

Here are a few things we would love to know about you {and if you combine these questions with an extra dry martini, you’ll have THE list that everyone is talking about} ::

1.  What would you eat for your last supper?

2.  Your favorite purchase in the last 6 months?

3.  Your biggest pet peeve?

4.  Your best celebrity run-in?

5.  Your most embarrasing moment in the last two years?

6.   Your very first job?

7.  Your dream job?

8.  Your biggest regret {everybody has at least one! don’t believe those who don’t…}

9.  Your biggest success

10.  The very first cassette tape you purchased

11.  The last iTunes song you downloaded

12.  What did you do on your very first date? With who?

13.  The best vacation spot?

14.  One book that should be required reading in every school?

15.  The last time you were caught in a lie?

16.  Who would play you in a movie?

17.  Name the top three people {alive or dead} who you’d have over for dinner

18.  Who’s the funniest person you know? Why?

19.  Where was your first kiss?

20.  Your favorite game show

21.  Your top celebrity crush

22.  When is the last time you rode a rollercoaster?

23.  Who’s the most random person you’ve connected with on Facebook?

24.  Your last run-in with the police?

25.  The song you’d have played at your funeral…

Extra Credit :: 25 Random Reasons I’m Totally Into You

If you’re feeling the urge to get a little sappy, save it for the perfect Valentine ::  25 Random Reasons I’m Totally Into You. C’mon, write it about someone you’re crushing on – and you could even sign it from a secret admirer.  I mean, really, if you have the time to write about yourself, can’t you spare a few more minutes to honor your love?!

Here are a few perfect cards with plenty of blank space to fill with your list of 25 ::

I Love You More Than Me Greeting Card by Oplus D

Snowflake Love Die-Cut Card by Egg Press

Little Princess Card by Wiley Valentine

How to Write an Effective Letter of Complaint

Maybe you have already read it as it’s making its way across the web in rapid speed, but this is {hands-down} the most brilliant complaint letter we’ve ever read.  Read it in its entirety {trust us, it’s worth your time}…

The basic gist is a passenger on a Virgin Atlantic flight had “a series of unfortunate incidents over the last few years” and a horrific meal finally pushed him over the edge. 

Overall, we think what made this so smart is the author wrote with humor + general kindness {vs. anger or resentment}. You attract more bees with honey than vinegar, right? What could have been an angry tantrum turned into a delightful + constructive read.  AND it got a fabulous end result – Richard Branson himself called the author to apologize for the dreadful experience.  

We’ve spent some time at the office talking about what made this letter so engaging.  Here are a few reasons we love it ::

• The intricate level of description paints a very vivid picture of the entire situation, both physical and emotional, and conveys that the writer really does care about what he/she is writing ::

“Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking it’s more of that Baaji custard. I admit I thought the same too, but no. It’s mustard Richard. MUSTARD. More mustard than any man could consume in a month. On the left we have a piece of broccoli and some peppers in a brown glue-like oil and on the right the chef had prepared some mashed potato. The potato masher had obviously broken and so it was decided the next best thing would be to pass the potatoes through the digestive tract of a bird.”

•  A picture is worth a thousand words :: the use of visuals really compliment the written word.  It doesn’t have to be a picture, it could be another visual aid such as a memento from the trip {like the crime scene bag, for example} ::

• Using the name of the recipient throughout the letter gives it a much more personal touch, as if you are really involving them in your thought process ::  

“You don’t get to a position like yours Richard with anything less than a generous sprinkling of observational power so I KNOW you will have spotted the tomato next to the two yellow shafts of sponge on the left.”

• Starting on a positive note opens the reader’s mind and makes him/her more receptive to what’s to come {everybody loves a compliment} ::

“I love the Virgin brand, I really do which is why I continue to use it despite a series of unfortunate incidents over the last few years.”

Ultimately, taking the time to sit down and write a thoughtful, eloquent letter displays a level of care and concern that is not often expressed in a ranting phone call or a quick email.  The power of the written word is strong ::  it inspires, motivates and can often times get you the end result you desire.

What to Say :: Losing a Job

Everywhere you look there are stories upon stories of fantastic people who are losing their jobs courtesy of this horrific economic climate. Your good friends, your family members. You want to say something to make it all better, but what?

Well, in all honesty, there is probably nothing you can say to make it all better. But the bright side is, you aren’t expected to. You just have to be there for support. To let them know that they can count on you if they need help.

Emails are great. Handwritten notes are great. Phone calls are great. The point is, just reach out.

Keep your message short and make sure it includes:

1. A straightfoward acknowledgement of their current situation
2. Your unending support
3. Notice that you will be in touch soon. {And then follow through with it. Now is not the time to flake out.}

I’ve had to write a few of these notes myself recently…Here is the basic message. Of course, the finished note was changed up depending on the audience and the type of relationship I have with them ::

Dear xxx,

I just heard the news about your job. I am so sorry you were let go. I/we are here for you 24/7 if you need anything. I know you have lots of people to lean on, but please add me/us to that group. I’ll call you next week.

Take care,
Erin

{Have an etiquette question?  Just email me and I’ll send you an answer :: erin@redstamp.com}