A bull, a bear and a birthday

Admittedly, we don't know much about tax-free municipal bonds or variable annuities (hey, I think that really is something!) but we do know about making your clients feel appreciated and like they aren't just a number.

For a team of financial planners at Merrill Lynch, we created custom designed and printed cookies (a bear, a bull, and a birthday cake with custom message) stacked in a clear, simple box. And so that everyone doesn't receive the same thing, we also put together a frosted Chinese takeout box filled with chocolate-dipped fortune cookies with custom messages inside. Of course, each gift was finished off with branded ribbon and a personalized tag.

All we know is: Buy low, sell high, and don't forget your clients' birthdays.

Bubbly Table Numbers

"Pop the bubbly, life is lovely" is what I hum every time I see this image. Okay, it's from some random Will Smith song, I'll admit. As you know we are crazy about our engraved bottles, especially used as table numbers. What is so sweet about them is that you can give them as gifts after the event, or save them to celebrate on anniversaries! In this example we also put the event date and location, which makes it a more personal keepsake.

Keep in mind that tables can also be named. For Nathan and my wedding in Central Park, we named each table after our favorite places in the park- "sheep meadow" etc. For Susan's wedding we alternated the numerals with the French and Italian translation....

Whatever you choose: numbers, words, images, make a beautiful statement (and a perfect toasting opportunity) when engraved on these bottles of bubbly.

Escort / Place Card Series: Chalkboard Garden Markers

As we mentioned before, we are smitten with chalkboards. Every size, shape and color. So when Jennifer Zabinski at the Wedding Library asked us to create these chalkboard marker escorts for garden weddings, we didn't let grass grow under our feet.

Sweet and handmade, these mini-slates make lovely little escorts, placecards, and / or table numbers and are a design element all on their own. We also love that they are eco-friendly, as they are easily re-used for their original purpose, marking new growth in the garden!

Ask us about customization; size, shape, slate color... you know we love that! Click here to inquire or purchase!

Escort / Place Card Series: Garden Markers

In the spirit of full disclosure: Susan and I fancy gardening. We love the idea of it and the accoutrements. Now the actual gardening - not so much. Luckily, both of our husbands have green thumbs and the will to garden.

So, when we saw these fabulous metal markers, we went gaga. Simple, beautifully designed and ready to calligraph, these could be presented in a million ways:

• On a large bed of moss (with or without flowers)
• In wheatgrass
• In sand and seagrass
• Poked into individual pots with plants
• At each placesetting tucked into a personalized seed packet

Viola, spring-inspired garden chic!

Escort / Place "Card" Series: Candy Apples

And speaking of apples...

We adore these petite red apple cinnamon lollipops! Perfect for a variety of events, we set these up as individual seating "cards" with personalized printed leaves.

Okay, a quick 101 on "escort" cards vs. "place" cards: Escorts direct guests to their table and place cards help them find their seat at the table. We are big advocates of escort cards (named "escorts" because they are typically for couples although Europeans generally split up couples when seating) because guests like directives! Also, if you do a fabulous presentation during cocktail hour, it get's the party started!

These would certainly make a sweet impression on guests as escorts or placecards that double as a a guest gift. They could be glammed on a slick mirrored surface or go country - presented on bales of hay or burlap. You can mix them up with other flavors pumpkin (spice) and green apple (caramel) for color contrast too. We also love them for candy / dessert buffets or as little pillow gifts.

For a NYC spin, the table assignment is the NYC street below the name; "Park", "Mulberry", "Mott" etc. - but they don't have to be associated with New York... that's just one avenue we went down.

The big apple in a little box

There's nothing like New York City. When we walked into our favorite conveyor-belt sushi spot at 10 pm last Wednesday night to a "packed crowd" jamming to Slim Thug and downing sushi by the pound, I looked at Susan's face and saw something like wonder....

Damn, this is a city so great it deserves it's own box. Maybe a couple dozen. We have a serious crush on New York City. It's a long term affair.

As we dreamed up this gift (which could work as a save-the-date, welcome, departure, or guest gift...) we thought about our favorite things - cookies and cocktails. As I was packing my son's lunch and chatting with Susan, we thought a "grown-up" tin lunch box would house these perfectly. This brainstorm gave us the giggles. And that is always good.

What is the quintessential New York cookie? Why, the black and white cookie, of course. We (heart) this heart-shaped riff on the classic cookie. We also love that our baker can customize the cookie in 10 different colors, with monograms, logos, etc. These delectables are kosher to boot!

And the cocktail? A Manhattan. We included a “Manhattan” mixer and a mini-brandy sidekick, and labeled the duo, "Make a manhattan". One of our favorite party accessories - the clear mini shaker - has mixing directions tucked inside.

The cover and itinerary are both magnets that can pop off and become refrigerator art. Our design pays homage to Milton Glaser's "I (heart) New York" and the New York Cab (a very good friend of ours.)

When Blossom Deary sings "The great big city's a wonderous toy...." in I'll Take Manhattan, we're singing right along with her.


-Heather

In stitches

It must be from watching too many Laverne and Shirley episodes, but we've always been smitten with having things personalized. We think it shows that you were thinking about the person when selecting their gift. That's why we're thrilled to share our line of personalized goods perfect for: bridal party gifts, birthday presents, wedding gifts (a new couple is excited to see their monogram!), and corporate gifts (shows personal attention).

We are excited to show our engraved compacts, cufflinks, jewelry boxes, embroidered apparel and linens, and engraved soaps and candles.

Next up: Embroidered apparel
Robe - This microfiber terry-lined white spa robe has a shawl collar, long sleeves, pockets, and stitched belt loop. It has a sueded finish that gives it that super-soft feel. We can embroider in any color in 16 different fonts, or from custom artwork. Fully machine washable and dryable. $75 each. Clients' custom artwork, $75 each + $75 one time fee.

Cosmetic bag - Cotton waffle weave large cosmetic bag with zipper is fully lined and comes in white, lavender, brown, purple, beige, lime, pink,
fuchsia, black, tangerine, aqua or blue. Can be embroidered in any color in 16 different fonts, $28 each or with clients' custom artwork, $28 each + $75 one time fee.

Inquire about our other accessories like slippers, lingerie bags, aprons, etc. You can never have too many personalized goodies, God knows Laverne had every sweater monogrammed!

In love with a box

A bride recently contacted us to help her with the crate that would hold welcome gifts for special out-of-town guests. Since a local winery would be creating her wine, the double wine box seemed to be a perfect fit. Her monogram is beautiful and intricate, so we wanted to make sure that it would get the detail in the crown.

When I opened the box today (with crossed fingers), I almost felt like they were for me! There is something so classic about the burned wood, flourished letters and old-world design - that it just looked like it was meant to be on that box.

Plus, her wedding isn't until November, but she's already got these done. She moves to the head of the class.

What we're working on...

Since we returned from our "research tour" of the Hamptons, it's been a whirlwind! We are totally inspired and absolutely preoccupied preparing for the event tomorrow night at the Metropolitan Club. We're putting the final touches on some items we'll be debuting:

• a sweet series of garden-inspired escorts
• an expanded line of our Hangover Helper sets (like the one shown here!)
• New welcome gifts

Hold tight, we'll have a bunch of Hamptons and City-inspired eye candy for you real soon!

You're invited...

The Metropolitan Club and Wedding Library are pairing up again for a chic cocktail party. What's more, special guests Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Weddings and Colin Cowie will be there. Plus, tours of the historical rooms, food, and preferred vendors (that's us!)

You had us at Cocktail Party.

If you'll be in the city on Wednesday, April 22nd, please stop by and see us, from 5-8 pm. RSVP to ido@theweddinglibrary.com

Charleston Tote

We showed you this hand printed tote as we were working on it, and thought we'd share the end product! We created these totes for a bachelorette party in Charleston. We love that the ink color matches the girl's dresses perfectly. Nice detail!

Calligraphy by Judith Ness.

Beautiful Treat!

This morning, my son Benny and I woke up, and went downstairs for a little Sesame Street. My son Mika was still soundly sleeping and Nathan was already at work printing. An hour later, Nathan came down and said that Mika had a surprise for me. I thought he had lost his first tooth, but as I made my way upstairs, I saw a red note attached to a red string. The "p.s." said "follow this string to your beautiful treat". I was intrigued and stepped lively up the stairs following the red thread. It lead right to Mika's finger (the ultimate pillow gift!) He was wearing this beautiful ring made in Romania, that he, his brother and Daddy picked for me!

Today is the day we celebrate the day we legally adopted Mika in Russia. Nathan never forgets anything! He knows that I love the story of the "invisible red thread that connects us all..." and made this special surprise for me with the boys help. I am such a lucky, lucky girl.
- Heather

Spring fling

We're taking a break from our daily blogging for the holiday weekend. Playing with our kiddies, indulging in great food, admiring cherry blossoms and relishing the spring weather. We'll be back at it on Monday with a fresh perspective!

Happy holidays!

Obsession: Splitsville

We'll admit it we are definitely going to "splitsville"- splits of champagne for everyone! This is full-blown infatuation, possibly true love! We are completely enamored with engraved bottles of bubbly (wine too). We love these small splits and the big magnums and the standard (which is anything but!) wine bottle size in between! What we love is that they are so unexpected, beautifully personalized and delicious.

There is something so sweet (and sexy) about this split size, made to be shared. We love the monogrammed firebranded box and the text engraved and filled with silver.

Perfect for: save the dates, invitations, escort "cards", welcome and departure gifts, wedding party gifts...

We can engrave on any smooth bottle, so you are not limited to our vintage selection. Plus, the custom firebranded boxes available at each size are perfect for shipping and presentation. Now, that's something to toast to!

Magnum Style: Revisited

"Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right" - Mark Twain

We've already declared our love... and the story continues with these magnum boxes we just designed. Beautifully crafted and firebranded these boxes really make a statement! Paired with an engraved bottle of bubbly, well, you can't go wrong.

We use them as:

• Table numbers - open each one on the appropriate anniversary or give out to special guests.
• A guest sign-in that you'll be happy to keep.
• A groom gift that will make him do a double-take!
• Cake table decor
• Anniversary or wedding gift
• Bachelorette party kick-off!
  

In the bag: a bit of fun!

We love this funny little burlap tote. Unprinted, it didn't look like much. Awkward really. But print a little design on there and it came to life! It practically filled itself with some fun stuff we had on hand- a split of Pop Rosé Champagne, some delicious taffy, two printed lollies. Which reminded us to stock up for summer hostess and guest room gifts. Just a couple of sweet things in this frog-turned-prince bag. Easy on the wallet, easy on the eyes and a cinch to pack!

In the bag: a bit of boardwalk!

First, forgive the alliteration! Spring has gone to our heads and we are dreaming of the sea!

What would we fill these muslin bags with to sweeten guests' arrival? We hoped you would ask!

• Colorful Taffy (or old-fashioned candies!)
• Tokens for the Penny Arcade
• Chocolate Seashells (suggest a good time to "shell"...)
• Mini Sunscreen / Aloe
• Travel Candle and Matches
• Mini Itinerary
• Custom Deck of Cards and Casino Chips
• Printed Golf Balls and Tees
• Mini Margarita Mixer
  

It's also fun to do a series of gifts throughout the weekend, each presented in it's own little pouch. Each pouch can be printed with the date and planned activities. At the end of the celebrations, guests can easily pack up their goodies and their memories!

In the bag: a bit of booze!

A "little" Vodka is perfect in the proverbial monogrammed "sack"! Or any other small shot of liquor for that matter! Always fans of miniatures, we love how a these burlap bags (mini) perfectly compliment the single serving size. This would be pretty perched on guests' pillows, as a little hair of the dog. That way, it is right there ready for their Bloody mary or Screwdriver morning cocktail!

Monogram by Nancy Howell.

It's in the bag!

These sweet little sacks come in burlap, jute, or cotton muslin and in a wide variety of sizes. Here we've silkscreened a favorite monogram by Nancy Howell, but most simple graphic images would work! A basic bag becomes oh-so-chic when you print something on them.

Over the next few days, we'll be blogging about a couple of variations on this theme and fabulous ways to incorporate them into gifts and events.... Can you say, "new obsession"?!

Clean and bright

Taking something that is inherently simple and adding a personal touch changes it completely. Instead of just giving soap or a candle that you could have picked up anywhere at the last minute, it becomes something that you put thought into and picked out just for them.

We were thrilled to find a company that carves soaps and candles with such perfection and detail that they are like usable works of art. Add to that the superb quality and that any design or text can be carved, and you're got some wonderful possibilities...

4" square engraved candle
100% palm wax tunneling candle engraved with name, monogram, or text. Clean scent, neutral color. 3" candles or pillar candles available. $30

Set of engraved soaps
3 triple-milled soaps engraved with name, monogram, or text. Scent: clean, color: off-white. $35

What we would do: put a monogrammed candle on a pedestal for a chic shower centerpiece... place a single soap at each place setting for sweet place cards... tuck into an embroidered cosmetic bag and add to a spa day for a great bridesmaid gift... send to clients to show personal attention...

*Can be engraved with custom design and are available in larger sizes or larger sets.