Posts Tagged ‘invitation’

Tea for Two or Just You

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

inv_teapot_textThe chill of January is upon us all. Even those of us out west are feeling the drop in temperature and the days can’t get longer fast enough. The fires are burning and the tea is brewing.

Years ago, I came across the neatest teapot gift that I'd like to share with you. Blooming teas are made and sold by a little company in Georgia, Rariteas. You just have to see it to believe how beautiful these teas can be. The blossoms open when the steaming water is poured over them, into the glass teapot that comes with your teabags.

I think it's the perfect gift for someone to show how much you care and give them a little treat to enjoy with a friend or just by themselves.

The Letters from Lilly teapot design comes with flowers too. Even though our flowers are painted and not real, like those from Rariteas, you can still send it to bring friends together.

There is a Garden Party Coming Soon

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Spring is fighting to come into the yards and gardens this year, but I am told that even you in the Midwest and note_pinktableandchairs_texteast will find sunshine and warmth someday soon.  Until that day arrives, warm yourself with thoughts of entertaining your little girl in your own magical garden.

There are some fabulous ideas out there to get your ideas flowing for making up your own special day or making a special day even more special.

Here are some of my own ideas that I have used in the past.new-picture-1

- Use small tables of four to encourage guests to get to know one another.

-Print place card names on both sides so that names are easy for everyone to read .

-Use all white linens and all pink flowers so that your floral arrangements really pop.

-Tie your teacups with pretty grosgrain ribbons with polka dots, stripes and plaids…all the same colors but different patterns.

-Put a candy surprise in the teacup.

-Print tiny cards with a “did you know” about the guest of honor. Scatter them on the tables for conversation starters. Things that makes her wonderful like “Did you know Sarah ran her first 5K this year!”

-Get pretty keepsake containers and fill them with pink, white, fuchsia jellybeans for the guests to take home.

I hope this sparks some creativity in you. Our pink table and chair design would be perfect for the occasion you and I are planning together (above). Remember to email me a photo of your tea party so I can share it with our readers.

Rock On!

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

inv_rockinghorse_textThe rocking horse has been around for centuries, dating back to the days of ancient Egypt and Greece. While the first toys with horses were crude wooden heads on a stick, they developed into fabulously elaborate horses with rich manes of hair and shining glass eyes.

Did you have a rocking horse as a child? Does your child or grandchild have one now?

The horses on a stick, that were seen hundreds of years ago, developed into horses on wheels and then runners as time passed. The runners were favored simply because they took up less space to ride. Children were even taught to ride properly, preparing for the day when they could mount a real pony or horse.

These toy horses continued to be popular until the war when their production slowed for the mere reason that there were no men to produce them. Then the depression began and resources were used elsewhere.

Look at the largest rocking horse, as of today…

Our rocking horse is chosen for baby boys announcements or baby showers. The invitation above is for an expected little boy who will soon be rocking his horse for sure! The rocking horse is available on stickers, pads, stationery notes and any of the Letters from Lilly items offered.

We have a Sensitive Relationship

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

inv_pottedorchid_textOrchids are a sensitive subject to me. I have two beautiful orchids in my home right now. They were both gifts from dear friends, as I would never dare to purchase one for myself.

One is a stellar, white orchid donning seven perfect blossoms down it’s stem. The other is a yellow and red beauty that looks as perfect as the day it was delivered to me. See it in the picture below?

Both of them were gifts during Christmas. My secret is this; I’m afraid of them. Yes, I can hardly look at them. I have to steal glances of their perfection because if I even look at them, they will die.

I have a friend in San Francisco (who will remain nameless, but you know who you are) who has given me fabulous orchids and I’d tend to them,img_3253 but not often, knowing that they like to be left on their own.  I did invest in the special food for them. I kept track of when they might need the food or a tiny bit of water. They always died. She’d come to visit and I’d have lots of pots of green leaves, no flowers. I visit her and see her lush, amazing orchids with friendly blossoms dripping down their stems.

Why can’t I make an orchid bloom again? And with this being true, why are these two still living? I think because I do nothing to them. I have never fed them. I have never watered them. I have never even touched them. I only look at them when I am walking past them and even then, I walk quickly.

This weekend I’m going to San Francisco to see this friend. She’s taking me to The San Francisco Orchid Society’s Pacific Orchid Exposition. I’m very excited. I’m going to stare at all the orchids. I’m going to take pictures and dare them to die on the spot. I’m going to try to learn something about these fragile, mysterious flowers that are so gentle and beautiful.

Do you see how the yellow and red orchid, in the photograph, has a Christmas ribbon woven though it as part of the arrangement design? If I play my cards right, it will still be alive this summer, Christmas ribbon and all because I’m afraid to touch it!

The orchid I can really look at is the one on our papers. The potted orchid is shown above on our invitation and is great for a spring occasion you are planning in the near future.

Bouncing Baby Buggy

Monday, February 8th, 2010

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The history of the baby buggy goes way back 300 years. Even back then, every mother enjoyed a stroll in the sunshine with her baby, but it wasn’t always as easy as it is today.

It is said that William Kent, a garden engineer, invented the first baby buggy for the third Duke of Devonshire. It even had springs so the baby could ride in comfort while pulled by a goat!

The buggy used to be large and cumbersome. It wasn’t until a daughter complained to her father about lugging her stroller from America to England that a collapsible one was invented.

Our baby buggy is one of the original designs of Letters from Lilly and used for expected little boys and girls alike. It’s wonderful for the baby showers when you don’t know what to expect! Available on all our stationery products.

P.S. Yes, this photograph is Lilly, at 5 months.

Tea Time

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

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With the wind whipping and the snow falling (I know, I can’t see it, but it’s all we hear about from you that do), it’s the perfect time to pour a cup of tea and take a breather.

It’s tea time; anytime.

Earl Grey Tea Madeleines with Honey

There is actually ‘Afternoon Tea’ and ‘High Tea,’ both giving us the opportunity to enjoy a cup of hot tea with milk and honey.

Afternoon Tea is from 3:00 to 5:00 and High Tea is from 5:00 until 6:00 in the evening. Since High Tea has been replaced by our dinner hour, the Afternoon Tea allows just enough time to get in a bit of relaxation before the dinner hour is looming.

So light a fire, pour a cup of tea, and try some of these Earl Gray Tea Madeleines. Oh, and use your fine china. If you don’t enjoy it, who will?

The teacup design is available on all of our stationery products and is the perfect design to use when you want to have a tea party. Have fun, be a little formal,  invite some friends over for a cup of tea. You’ll be glad you did.

Have Fun over the Holidays

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Last weekend was the weekend that the holidays really began. Christmas parties are in full swing. They’ll continue tonight and through next week, and the following week as well!

Do I have enougann_door_texth outfits to get me through or will my husband tire of the same black outfits that are classic, comfortable, and get me through cocktail parties, dinner parties, and any holiday occasion that keeps me wondering… what am I supposed to wear?

Oh, is your holiday calendar not full?

If you aren’t having your own Christmas party, I’m not sure you can complain. When was the last time you entertained? Come on! Get in the spirit!

It’s easy to sit down and write a list of friends you’d like to see. Depending on the number, plan an Open House or an intimate dinner party. Entertaining in your home is “in” right now as we all pull in the reins (brings thoughts of Santa’s reindeer). I have 7 couples coming over next week. I’m throwing a roast in the oven, pouring some fine wine, and hoping to reconnect with friends I don’t see often enough. Plus, I love any excuse to set a formal dinner table, especially during the holidays.

I can hear you now, “But it’s too late to do something.”

Phooey, plan a New Year’s midnight brunch, a Valentine’s Sweetheart party, or a dinner for 6 or 8 with no holiday in mind.81171-main_full1

Make the list, order the invitations, start planning. That’s the fun part. If you need ideas on what to wear, there are a lot of great dresses right around the corner! And do dress up. It is the holidays after all.

And use the china? Absolutely, what are you saving it for?

The invitation I receive in the mail is how I decide to dress. Keep this in mind when ordering your own invitations. The invitation sets the tone.

A script typestyle will tell your guests it’s a more formal occasion. A printed, light hearted font will express playful, casual times. Whatever the typestyle, get going, have some fun and get together with friends you want to see.

When you open your home to others, they will remember to share special times with you as well. That’s what holidays are all about anyway. Sharing time with friends.

The announcement is shown above with a Merry Christmas tree trimming party. We recommend the holiday door design for any occasion this time of year. It absolutely is available with matching stickers for return address… and any of our other great stationery items.

Autumn Bouquet

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

inv_autumnbouquet_text1Field flowers are some of my favorites. I’m not a big fan of roses or other natural flowers that closely resemble their plastic immitators. Honestly, my favorite bouquets are the least expensive ones that can be found in the grocery store. Luckily for my husband, I never wish for a dozen roses. Nope, my heart skips a beat when he brings me a bunch of simple, yet stunning sunflowers.

 This bouquet, to the left, is perfect for any fall occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, rehearsal dinner or another occasion coming up for you and your family this fall.lindsay021

With autumn here, I’m reminded of the beautiful leaves that fall and line our streets with color. That’s all great until you get the autumn rain and with it comes… mud.

Thus the invention of the aisle runner in chuch for weddings! Did you ever wonder why they pull down the white runner just before the bride walks down the aisle? In the days gone by (and probably today) people drag in all kinds of things from the street.  To keep the bride’s dress beautiful, crisp and white, a runner is pulled down just for her.

Order a beautiful, linen aisle runner for your wedding for all the right reasons; it’s green (meaning green for the earth, not the color of green) so it can be shared. Donate it to your church.  It’s safer; you won’t get your heel caught in plastic (wouldn’t that be awful on the video), and it’s quiet. Have you ever been to a wedding where you can actually hear the bride swishing down the aisle on plastic… ohh. Get the linen, one of my high maintence requests for my own wedding day. But hey, I only ask for grocery store flowers so don’t get on me about the linen aisle runner decades ago! And the church is probably still using it today.

Let’s go to the Fair!

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

It’s the lascorr_merrygoround_textt week of the Del Mar Fair for the year.  The fair that has been happening every year since 1880. It was to be the greatest display of agriculture in California. 

Today you’ll find 80 different rides and a variety of food with over 100 booths offering all kinds of typical fair food.  It’s all sure to make your mouth water and your tummy grumble (how about a fried twinkie).

I don’t know a kid who doesn’t love the idea of the fair.  If they don’t want to bungie jump from the top of a crane, they can always enjoy an outdoor concert or take in the educational displays in the buildings surrounding the racetrack. The racetrack and the club within was established with the help of Bing Crosby. Horse racing begins when the fair wraps up later in July.

There is a fun website where you can get more information about merry go rounds, carousels and their history:  jandingo.com is complete with music to feel like you are really there!

The carousel at the fair has beautiful lights and looks especially enticing at night.  A carousel is larger and more permanent having a variety of animals on it to carry one around and around.  A merry-go-round, however traditionally has horses and is smaller than a carousel. How do I know?  I had to do a little research on the difference when I went to name the design we have called the merry go round, shown above.

Our correspondence card shown has the merry go round design and is used for birth announcements, birthday parties, stationery notes and a variety of correspondence for the special child in your life.

Packing my bags

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

It’s that time of year when I pack my bags and head east for the National Stationery Show. As I talked about (typed) earlier, it’s my fifteenth year attending the show.  It’s a great place to reconnect with the industry as a whole and get the creative juices flowing.  I always return home with a bag and brain full of ideas.

Don’t worry, it’s not all work.  I’ll be seeing high school friends and some college pals.  That’s the great thing about NYC, everyone knows someone in New York.  So tomorrow morning I get on a jet plane for my full day of travel.

Speaking of travel, below is our airplane design on a baby announcement.

The airplane is a great design not only for announcing the arrival of your little boy, but also for birthday parties and note cards.

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Letters from Lilly is proud to be shown in the latest Stationery Trends magazine.  Our bridal bouquet is on page 13 as one of their Fresh Picks!  Be sure to pick up a copy at the National Stationery Show or on their site www.stationerytrendsmag.com.

A great publication for our industry and we’re proud to be mentioned in the latest issue! Thanks Stationery Trends.

Safe travels and I’ll be back in touch upon my return next week.

Travel Tip: Give your child a drink during take-off & landing. It’s the best things for their ears and they will also be relaxed.
If your child is big, then carry cotton or ask for earplugs as soon as you board the aircraft. Make use of them for take-off then save them for landing as the crew may not have any fresh ones left by then. This helps the kids tremendously if they don’t know how to pop their ears. For more tips, go to flyingwithkids.com.