A few weeks ago I received an email from ASC of Virginia, asking my opinion on what kind of stationery he should get - monogrammed, bordered, lined envelopes, font styles etc.
Growing up my sister and I weren't allowed to spend monetary gifts or use presents until the 'thank you' notes were written and checked by my father. So in a day of Facebook party invitations (guilty) and email correspondence (sometimes necessary) and electronic stationery (can't do it), it's good to see a college sophomore like ASC show interest in actual printed correspondence cards.
Growing up my sister and I weren't allowed to spend monetary gifts or use presents until the 'thank you' notes were written and checked by my father. So in a day of Facebook party invitations (guilty) and email correspondence (sometimes necessary) and electronic stationery (can't do it), it's good to see a college sophomore like ASC show interest in actual printed correspondence cards.
Humbled by his request, I threw him back an email explaining that I have three different, flat styles I prefer:
Navy Border Flat Cards by Crane via Fine StationeryFormal: Border, lined envelopes, monogram, Crane. I save these for special occasions, close relatives, birthday gifts, engagements, births, etc. Because of the cost of lined envelopes, return address, quality paper, I tend to buy less of these in smaller quantities and since they are saved for special occasions, in turn use them less often as well.
Embossed 'Banner Cards' via The Stationery StudioBasic: Ecru Cards, Embossed Name & Address. I stock up on these basic, but classic cards whenever The Stationery Studio has a buy-one-get-one offer. The paper is sharp, the name/address understated and the quality great for the cost. These are perfect for work, networking and quick notes.
Starboard by Boatman Geller via Fine StationeryNovelty: Small icon, color, quality paper. I've had a variety in the past, but in the future I am commissioning my cousin-in-law to do a series of watercolor bow ties with my monogram from her firm Presley-Greenberg Designs. I send these when I know the recipient will appreciate the image. To keep them formal and from being too juvenile, I keep the paper quality high and the image small.
Curious - what's your stationery/correspondence cards of choice? Do you gents still right notes as much as women? Did you grow up writing 'thank you' notes or just express gratitude over the phone/in person?
Let me know.
Let me know.
Wonderful post and sentiments.
ReplyDeleteI am a lover of Crane for all formal papers. I do keep a supply of fun personalized folded notes for quick notes to friends and such. My boys (who are 8 and 13) also have a supply of monogrammed flat notes for thank yous always on hand, though I am sure they would prefer not to have such! :-)
ReplyDeleteI write my 'thank-yous' on stationary, but unfortunately I've found that unless I send invitations through e-vite I don't get much of a response.
ReplyDeleteLilly Pulitzer has great stationary out right now, colorful and fun.
ReplyDeleteGreat post DAM. My parents were thank you note police as well. It took me about 15 years to realize what a great piece of parenting that was...
ReplyDeleteIn addition to monogrammed sets, I love Smythson and Jean Rouget stationary....as well as just about anything from Florence.
Thank you notes were a must in our house and to this day, I'm a stickler for sending a handwritten thank you note in the mail. I love fine stationery (Smythson-Bond, Crane, etc.), as well as notecards with my monogram. Hubby even has his own stationery with his full name on it as well. I just love the tradition of it.
ReplyDeleteAEV: The paper from Florence just feels better, you can tell from the weight and design the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
ReplyDeleteJMW: I love the tradition of it as well. Well put.
I still write 'em and I insist that LFG do so as well. I have Crane cards and Crane sheets as well.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thoughts on Thank You cards. It's much more meaningful and thoughtful to send/receive a hand written note. I too have different levels of Crane Cards from Engraved, Embossed and Printed, depending on the situation. My wife and I even have an additional joint set. It feels good to pick up a nice pen and a heavy card and write a heart-felt sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI wish thank you notes were more widely used. It's just polite! I love all four of my various monogrammed note cards:)
ReplyDeleteBunnyB: Time to get a vintage toast holder to organize them all on your desktop.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I am a new follower of this point and completely agree with these sentiments. My son is two and will be learning the same lessons about the importance of a hand-written note.
ReplyDelete