Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… Jack Frost nipping at your nose…
Some of us are hardly thinking of the above, considering we are still experiencing summer heat waves. However, it is beginning to sneak up on you; tiny holiday displays set up at your favorite stores… and children starting to dream up their holiday lists. Maybe you are thinking about this year’s shopping list. You may have even already bought a few gifts. After all… the sooner you buy, the better the deal when it comes to the holiday season, and the same applies to your holiday cards!
Some people underestimate the importance of sending a holiday card, but research shows over 1.9 billion cards are still sent through the United States Postal Service each holiday season. We all have those family members and friends that we look forward to receiving a card from each year. These people know the secret of getting their cards early so they not only get a good deal, but also have enough time to make sure their card is creative and memorable enough to be placed in the “keep” pile. For some friends and family on our address lists, a holiday card is the only form of formal communication for the year.
At Annabelle’s , there is a card for every style and price point… boxed , formal, traditional, modern, whimsical, custom, engraved, letterpress, digital, photo cards, and the list goes on and on. And the best part is… if you place your order before October 30th & mention this blog post (in store only), you will receive either 20% off of your order, or a free printed return address on your envelopes (whichever offer is greater). No time to go to the store and peruse? You can browse just as easily online at http://www.shopannabelles.com/ (card selections will vary).
So, show up your cousin Edna this year and make a great impression by sending a spectacular card. Those of us at Annabelle’s (http://www.shopannabelles.com/) can’t wait to help you start your holidays off by choosing the right card with you!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Holiday Cards in September ?!?
Why should I think about holiday cards in September? The kids just started back to school, its hot outside and I cannot bear to think of gift giving yet! We understand, however many vendors often have holiday card specials which expire by the end of September. Inside the store at Annabelle's, we offer free return address on your envelopes thru September 30. The best reason is so that you find the best style of card. Many vendors print limited quantities per style and once a style is sold out it is gone for the year. As a matter of fact, beginning in October in the store, we take down your top 3 card choices so if one isn't available you do not have to come back in to find an appropriate replacement.
Ordering online should allow you to know at the immediate time of order if the card is available. However, please know not all styles offered online can be found in the store and vice versa. Many vendors will offer 'similar' styles but in different paper weights online, allowing them to advertise lower prices.
As always, we are happy to educate you in the store. If you are interested in online only shopping please know we do our best to make sure all of our offerings come from quality vendors at www.shopannabelles.com, we are happy to work with you however we can!
Custom holiday cards are a great option, because we never run out of ideas and can create a card based on your family photo or interests! We print custom throughout the entire holiday season.
Ordering online should allow you to know at the immediate time of order if the card is available. However, please know not all styles offered online can be found in the store and vice versa. Many vendors will offer 'similar' styles but in different paper weights online, allowing them to advertise lower prices.
As always, we are happy to educate you in the store. If you are interested in online only shopping please know we do our best to make sure all of our offerings come from quality vendors at www.shopannabelles.com, we are happy to work with you however we can!
Custom holiday cards are a great option, because we never run out of ideas and can create a card based on your family photo or interests! We print custom throughout the entire holiday season.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Anatomy of a Thank You Note
Date - upper left corner - one should send a thank you note within 6 weeks of receipt of a gift; one should send a note no later than 2 weeks for a kind gesture, dinner or good deed
Dear ___________ - the note should be written to all the givers of the gift. I.E. Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Susie and John, Jones Family (if you interact with the children)
Gift Item - Make a direct reference to the gift by name, ...thank you for the lovely vase... if more than one gift is given list all of them.
Use - State your intentions of using the gift, especially a cash gift - Thank you for the generous cash gift, we will be contributing it to our honeymoon fund.
Personalize to gift giver - We enjoyed seeing you at the wedding and really appreciate your kind words during the toast.
Closing - a simple closing is fine. It is most traditional that a thank you note is sent by one person. If sending the note to Aunt Martha who is a stickler for formality close with: Truly, Mrs. John Jones; for more casual relationships it is acceptable to sign on behalf of your spouse: With Love, Susie and John
A thank you note is a sincere appreciation for a kindness received. One should always hand write a note, an email is acceptable to inform one of the receipt of a gift. Monogrammed or personalized stationery are a staple for sending thank you notes; are now available in many price ranges.
Example:
August 14, 2009
Dear Annabelle,
Thank you so much for the lovely crystal vase you gave Jim and I at the wedding. We have displayed it on the dining room table, and I hope my groom continues to fill it with fresh flowers! We enjoyed visiting with you at the wedding and appreciate your travelling so far to spend the weekend with us in celebration. We look forward to sharing wedding photos with you soon.
Truly,
Ann
Dear ___________ - the note should be written to all the givers of the gift. I.E. Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Susie and John, Jones Family (if you interact with the children)
Gift Item - Make a direct reference to the gift by name, ...thank you for the lovely vase... if more than one gift is given list all of them.
Use - State your intentions of using the gift, especially a cash gift - Thank you for the generous cash gift, we will be contributing it to our honeymoon fund.
Personalize to gift giver - We enjoyed seeing you at the wedding and really appreciate your kind words during the toast.
Closing - a simple closing is fine. It is most traditional that a thank you note is sent by one person. If sending the note to Aunt Martha who is a stickler for formality close with: Truly, Mrs. John Jones; for more casual relationships it is acceptable to sign on behalf of your spouse: With Love, Susie and John
A thank you note is a sincere appreciation for a kindness received. One should always hand write a note, an email is acceptable to inform one of the receipt of a gift. Monogrammed or personalized stationery are a staple for sending thank you notes; are now available in many price ranges.
Example:
August 14, 2009
Dear Annabelle,
Thank you so much for the lovely crystal vase you gave Jim and I at the wedding. We have displayed it on the dining room table, and I hope my groom continues to fill it with fresh flowers! We enjoyed visiting with you at the wedding and appreciate your travelling so far to spend the weekend with us in celebration. We look forward to sharing wedding photos with you soon.
Truly,
Ann
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wedding Invitations 101
Wedding invitations are the first impression your guests receive. Often the paper hints to the style of the occasion. Today's bride has multiple options with her invitations; paper size, color, shape and printing methods. While the invitation should not give away all the elements of your special day they subtly inform the guest of how formal or festive the day will be.
Invitations should be ordered at least three to four months before the wedding, however many brides begin shopping one year ahead of time. Depending on how elaborate the invitation is the production time could be as much four months alone. Annabelle's has many brides who choose to mail three dimensional invitations requiring several months to produce.
Annabelle's is known for our fabulous custom invitations. However, a standard invitation from an album can be personalized to reflect a brides style. Allow yourself time to look and determine what works for you visually and monetarily. There is an invitation for every bride, sometimes it takes time to find whats right for you!
Invitations should be ordered at least three to four months before the wedding, however many brides begin shopping one year ahead of time. Depending on how elaborate the invitation is the production time could be as much four months alone. Annabelle's has many brides who choose to mail three dimensional invitations requiring several months to produce.
Annabelle's is known for our fabulous custom invitations. However, a standard invitation from an album can be personalized to reflect a brides style. Allow yourself time to look and determine what works for you visually and monetarily. There is an invitation for every bride, sometimes it takes time to find whats right for you!
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