31 Days: Day Sixteen

As I mentioned yesterday, I am doing a little two part series on tables. Yesterday was all about place settings and tablescapes. Today, is all about simplifying the way you set a table. I have found a few diagrams I found very helpful; hopefully you will find them helpful too!

Figure 1: Just you average table setting.

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Figure 2: Setting up a buffet table.

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31 Days: Day Fifteen

Today is the beginning of a two part series of Tables (Trust me, there is enough on tables to be split up into two parts). Without further adieu, let's take a look at some glorious tablescapes and place settings!  

I absolutely love the vibrant nature of these colors, especially against the black and white table cloth. 

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Now, this is something that is different from my natural tendency toward vibrant colors, but I think this is executed wonderfully. 

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This next image is of a place setting that would be perfect fit for a rehearsal dinner. 

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Note the great use of layering and variety of style and color. Just lovely!

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31 Days: Day Fourteen

It is always important to make your guest room feel warm and welcoming. These are just a few ways to go the "extra mile."

A few essentials...

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I am often the one to get chilly at night and there is nothing worse than not seeing any spare throws to put on the bed. I love how these blankets are wrapped with a little ribbon.

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No one wants to go sneaking through there host's pantry and fridge when they get a sudden burst of hunger. Solution: cute little midnight snack box (would also make a cute out of town guest gift for a wedding).

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31 Days: Day Thirteen

Just a few of my favorite party themes...These pictures are sure to inspire! 

In honor of football season, these treats would be great for any game day affair...tailgating or house party.

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For all those wanting to create a unique and oh so girly bridal shower. Take inspiration from this Gelato Bridal Shower. 

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And now one for the little girls in your life...A cake decorating party. I may be partial to this idea as I had one of these when I was little (my mom is the ultimate hostess and party planner). 

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Though these are some of my absolute favorite colors I cannot help but think anyone would be inspired by those pictures. 

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And one for the little boys in your life...A Mud Run birthday party (inspired by the warrior dash).

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31 Days: Day Twelve

Well, we've covered...
The lost art of a handwritten note and a proper way to write a note, thanks to Southern Living.

Now, for some eye candy with these lovely paper products. Grab something similar to these and you are sure to get the itch to start writing some letters!

If you are a paper lover like myself check out this website: Oh So Beautiful Paper

I am a big sucker for letterpress and Smudge Ink does a fabulous job. 

Lastly, I would like to give a little plug for my own business: 521 Designs.

31 Days: Day Eleven

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Now that we have talked about the importance of a handwritten note, I wanted to share with you this great guide written up by none other than...Southern Living.

The Lost Art of the Thank You Note: 

Do’s

• Handwrite the note. Don’t just apply these tips to your e-mail thank-yous. Although it would be easier to send an e-mail or type a letter, a handwritten thank-you note is the most sincere and appreciated form of gratitude. The extra effort goes a long way.
• Buy stationery. Embossed cards with complementary envelopes look much better than folded notebook paper stuffed in a plain envelope. You don't have to splurge on embossed or monogrammed stationery from a specialty store. You can find decent sets at office supply stores and online.
• Personalize it. Not just in the personalized stationery, but in what you actually say. If you’re going to see the person in the future, refer to the event and say you’re looking forward to it. If the person gave you a silver picture frame, don’t simply thank them for it, but add, “I plan on using the frame for a wedding picture in my living room.”
• Even if it’s late, send a note. Don’t feel embarrassed. It’s better to send a late thank-you than none at all.
• Take your time. An illegible note won’t do much good and neither will one with scratch marks all over it. Use a nice, fine point pen, so the ink won’t bleed or smudge. Traditionally, thank-you notes are written in cursive. Sometimes this can look like a mess if your cursive is not up-to-par, so use your best judgment and do what you think looks best.
• Send thanks for trivial things. Why not? Whether it’s for a casual get-together or for a neighbor who collected your mail and watered your plants while you were gone, a hand-written note is the best way to show your appreciation. It may also ensure that you’ll get the invite or extra help in the future.

Don’ts

• Don’t exaggerate. Of course you can rave about a gift, but don’t lie about how much you like something. It may be obvious if you say, “The monogrammed soap is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!” Most likely you’ve seen better, so simply say, “The monogrammed soap was very thoughtful and will be perfect for the powder room.”
• Don’t be stiff. Show your personality. It’s okay to use humor, sarcasm, or idioms to express yourself, as long as you’re not insulting the gift. If you’re questioning whether you should write a certain joke or phrase, ask yourself if you would say it in-person. Try to maintain the same tone with the person on paper as you would in-person.
• Don’t refer to specific amounts of money. These might seem like the hardest notes to write, but all you have to say is “I greatly appreciate your generosity. I hope to use the money to…” Just make sure the giver would support your money plans. Your great-aunt may not support a weekend getaway to Vegas, but she would understand a “much-needed vacation.”
• Don’t ramble. You may want to go on and on about how your new job is going, a family friend you ran into, or that new movie you saw, but don’t. Be concise. It is a thank-you note after all, so stick to the thanks. If you feel like writing more, write them a separate note to fill them in on your life and see how they’re doing.
• Don’t assume an in-person thanks is enough. If a person went to the trouble of hosting a party or purchasing a gift for you, you surely can take the time to write a note. Make sure to thank the host of a party in-person, but since your thanks may get lost in the excitement, a note is a great addition.

31 Days: Day Ten

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When I think of hospitality I understand that as a Christian it really should be a way that we live our lives. Hospitality isn't just something that is about being friendly when you have guests over, but something that is seen when you are outside your home. Often, others welcome us into their homes, or take us to lunch, or even just do a little something to make our day better. When that happens, nothing says "thank you" better than a simple handwritten note.

In this age of emails, texts and everything in between, it's easy to forget about the lost art of a handwritten note. Let's be honest, who can honestly say that their heart doesn't skip a beat when sorting through the mundane of junk mail, only to find a note on pretty stationary with your name written on the envelope? Maybe you are not that extreme, but there is nothing better than being given a handwritten note!

On this day, I challenge you to put down the keyboard and the cell phone, pull out your pen and write a lovely handwritten note. A little bit goes a long way!

Coming up I'll give some great tips on how to write a great thank you note AND some great places to find cute stationery!