Are you ready to think about holiday cards?
Probably not, but as a lover of fine paper and an occasional pre-Halloween-listener-of-Christmas-music, I’m never not ready to think about holiday cards. (Insert grimacing emoji face.) And, more to the point, if you are planning to send a card this year, now’s a good time to order.
We haven’t sent out photo-centric holiday cards yet. I don’t know why, but resisting holiday photos has been my final, stubborn holdout before I fully transform into what I perceive to be “middle-aged mom” territory. Why holiday photos have become the arbitrary stage upon which this transition will play out is beyond me. I mean: I have identified myself as “Emory’s mom” on more than one occasion. I have packed Halloween treats with little tags bearing mini’s name on them for music class. I have started wearing a backpack. I have even subscribed to Parenting magazine. (It was free, but still…who am I?! It’s a step away from Cooking Light and Cathy comic strips.) But holiday photos?!?!?
Not yet.
The tides have turned this year, though. As I was planning to order our Christmas cards, I found myself telling Mr. Magpie I think it might be nice to do holiday photos next year — that they are such a nice way to capture our family in a formal way, and that other people are curious anyway. (I love receiving other people’s holiday photos!) To my surprise, Mr. Magpie seemed to acquiesce. And that’s how I knew I was probably a few years behind in this developmental milestone; Mr. Magpie usually grimaces at these kinds of things.
But this year, we’re still busy pretending we’re twenty-somethings, so I had one of my favorite stationers, Carrie & Seash, design a card without a photo enclosure. It looks similar to this (also seen above!), but without the picture! I absolutely love her designs. I also adored this wreath style and this bow style.
A couple of other elegant holiday card picks to consider:
+Sweetly Said Press: Ah, letterpress. The creme de la creme. I love the understated simplicity of this style. And this style from the same brand has convinced me that when we do holiday photos as a family, I want them in black and white.
+Dixie Design by Inslee Fariss. My friend Inslee designed the cheekiest set of holiday cards — I just love the alpine skiiers! So festive and youthful. I also love this antler print set of hers.
+Minted: There are always so many great options and ways to customize Minted cards. I love these simple letterpress ones (about as inexpensive as you’ll find letterpress!), these watercolor-effect ones (Rifle Paper-esque!), and this elegant frame one (there’s something so stately about it in cardinal red or forest green).
+Lola Louie Paperie: I love these simple cards with their fun liners! What a great way to make a statement without getting overfussy on the card itself.
+Olive and Star: I bought a lovely set of cards from this brand last year that served as both a moving announcement and holiday offering. I was impressed with the chic designs (and the pricepoint!) Many of their cards are listed as invitations, but can easily be changed into holiday cards with re-wording. This year, I love this painterly wreath style, this nutcracker set (you know me and nutcrackers….), and this winter wreath variation.
+Non-personalized sets: If you just can’t be bothered by custom-ordering and wording and all that jazz — or maybe custom holiday cards are YOUR Custer’s-last-stand before giving into full-on adulthood — there are plenty of chic options. I love all things Rifle paper, including these and these. I also love Kate Spade, especially this set! Meanwhile, these are remind me of Inslee’s alpine skiiers, and these are bold and throwback at the same time.
+Gift card enclosures: I absolutely adore all of the styles from Elizabeth Rose designs (<<especially these). Also love these plaid ones and these wreath ones. Darling! (I bought a melamine tray similar to this style a few years back and love serving holiday cookies on them. Might order a few of these for friend gifts this year!) I’ve also used Preppy Prodigy for loads of things already — book plates, treat tags, and, soon these gift enclosures for mini’s gifts to her little friends. Incidentally, these would be a great gift for a kiddo along with a favorite book or two. Finally, these are precious!
P.S. I bought this jumpsuit last year and LOVED it. It’s forgiving, elegant, and festive. The white would be epic for a bridelette — or for a bold fashionista in winter white! (Imagine it with black suede heels?!) Also love it in the navy.
P.P.S. This is currently in my cart for an event next week.
P.P.P.S. Holiday decorating in your 20s and 30s; what to wear for the holidays; and a refrigerator diary.