Mother's Day

Like the daffodil and hyacinth, the shop is blooming with delights. Mother's Day is just a couple weeks away, so we thought we'd let you know a bit about our annual and perennial favorites.

Two of our most recent jewelry arrivals are textile-based, achieving a bold look with delicate materials. Bracelets, necklaces and pendants in black and metallic European couture lace are light as air and lovely as oh la la. If mom loves color, necklaces of vibrant red and sweet pastel silk polka dots offer dramatic statements that hail from Argentina where they are handcrafted.

At On Paper, we're fond of gifts with meaning. Our bronze and silver talisman pendants are imprints of antique seals chosen for their symbolism, such as the Winged Heart, which signifies "never look back" or the Stag representing peace and trusted instincts. And what's not to love about wax seals (which are also best sellers).

Locally made, personalized family necklaces with hand-stamped silver charms (for initials, names and dates) combine with birthstone rondelle and briolette beads are a wonderful way to remind mom of the people who adore her. And, because they are made near the shop, even procrastinators can have a beautiful custom-made gift to give.

On Paper is purveyor fine stationery. If your mom, grandma, wife, or aunt writes letters (or she'd like to), we have a fantastic selection that includes handmade Italian letter sheets, fun floral note cards and monogram stationery. While time is of the essence to order personalized sets, we have certificates to inform your recipient that something has been ordered for her.

We also feature some truly scrumptious fragrances. Eau my, are they devine! We've got your floral, fresh, sweet and earthy bases covered in perfumes, lotions and bubble bath. Our personal favorites include Tokyo Milk Dark in "Bulletproof," Library of Flower's "Root" and "True Vanilla" and Lollia's "Wish." Handily enough, just for Mother's Day, On Paper is offering Tokyo Milk gift sets (one of which includes a rose print parasol. A parasol!) in "Gin and Rosewater" and "Honey and the Moon."

 

It's a beautiful spring day and we've got the door propped open. Come on in and get ready to celebrate Mom.

Day of Accessories

Greetings paper connoisseurs, calligraphy fans and the betrothed! Sorry for the long spell between posts, but we've been busy bees in the shop helping our summer brides and grooms select truly stunning wedding invitations and accessory pieces; we're talking vibrant yellow painted edges, violet foil accommodation cards and gold wax seals!

What are "day of" accessories (you know, besides the ring)? At On Paper, we mean programs, menus, place cards, seating charts, table numbers, coasters and any other personalized information you'd like to provide guests (signage near the guestbook or tabletop instructions for guests to post to your online album).

While there is some wiggle room when it comes to selecting and mailing your invitations (our recommendation is placing the order 6 months before your wedding and sending them off 6-8 weeks before the big day), your "day of" accessories are just that. To make sure you have all your parts and pieces in time, we recommend you order these 4-6 weeks ahead.  This is an excellent time to order your thank you notes, too. It guarantees your guests receive a timely expression of gratitude.

Accessories reflect the style and palette of your invitations. If you've chosen an elegant letterpress invitation, it's possible to letterpress a number of your accessories as well (flat printing in the same color family and type style will create a cohesive look that's less expensive).

 The cover of this program is letterpress, while the interior details of the ceremony are flat printed.

Script initials and the motif near the center create a romantic program.

After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate with toasting and a delicious meal! Reception accessories are a great way to debut your new monogram. Let's start with coasters, since many of your celebrations include a cocktail hour.

 

Whether you choose foil or letterpress, personalized coasters can suggest merriment, sophistication and a second round of good cheer!

 

Similarly, the typically utilitarian napkin can be gussied up with a monogram and/or your wedding date.

Once the cocktail hour concludes, guests will be ready to find their seats. This can be accomplished via a seating chart, escort cards or place cards. A seating chart or escort card informs your guest of his or her table number (or name). It's up to your guests to arrange themselves, whereas a place card assigns a specific seat.

For a formal event, escort cards in a sophisticated script can surround a gorgeous centerpiece.

For more casual events, have fun with the cards and your display.

A garland of escort cards in Kraft brown emphasizes a beachy bashy do(above), while guests below are encouraged to "feast and frolic." Can do!

For both escort cards and seating chart, you simply need to place table numbers so your guests can find their way.

These examples show numbers, but you can also name your tables after meaningful events in your relationship.

Last but not least, the feast. Even if you are not a foodie, menus are a wonderful, elegant accessory that also make great souvenirs.

Congratulations, you love birds!