A Perfect Christmas Gift

Isn't the wreath on the front door of the store festive looking? Every morning when I pull up to the store those bows make me happy. Yes, I wore bows in my hair when I was little.

So in the midst of helping other people get ready for the Holidays and trying to get my extended family's gifts shipped out, I realize that I really don't have anything for my husband... Luckily for me, he doesn't read my blog - so he doesn't know I don't have anything. You may be thinking - how can you not have anything for your husband, especially since you own a store? It is a good question. However, I always think that I am going to find the "perfect" gift - which may not exist in Hayden Avery. But I don't even know what that perfect gift is this year. Last year it was a golf club. So he may end up with a bunch of random things from Hayden Avery - unless I think of something wonderful quickly. I wish he wanted some monogrammed linens from Galante or new stationery - we would have been set then. I personally would love some monogrammed Galante shams for the pillows on our bed.

Maybe in the new year! I clearly have a case of the wants.

Christmas is Coming?

For weeks I've been telling myself that I need to add another entry to my blog - but time keeps slipping away. Obviously in retail land, this time of year is a little like loony land. I do love when the store is busy. But this time of year makes everyone a little anxious and stressed. We've had these cocktail napkins, by Inviting Co. in the store for the holidays. I think we could all use a little cocktail these days. I'm personally not quite ready for the holidays, but they'll be here whether I'm ready or not. I'm looking forward to the new year to begin ordering spring things - I'll try and keep everyone better posted.

As a side note - all holiday merchandise in Hayden Avery is 40% off right now.

Let the count down begin...

The holidays are in full swing and the cold weather here in Austin certainly helps it feel like the holidays. We are still busy helping clients design their Holiday cards. One of the fun aspects in helping design holiday cards is getting to see our clients' family photos. But this is coming from the person that really enjoys looking at other peoples' Christmas cards - even if I don't know the families. Yes - I am the person that comes to your house and goes through your stack of Christmas cards. I can't help it!

The above card is by Prentiss Douthit and they had some of my very favorite holiday cards this year. One of the more unique things they did was to layer photo paper with both the photo and greeting printed printed on it and mount it on matte card stock. It was a great look, and needless to say, the photos look fabulous. Let me also take a moment to say, Prentiss Douthit's sample photos in their album are also great. Some other vendors are not as thoughtful when selecting sample photos for their albums. I mean have you ever since such cute children?

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What could be more appropriate attire for Thanksgiving Dinner than a Turkey Tie by Vineyard Vines?

What could be a more appropriate sentiment (by Wilbur D. Nesbit):

"Forever on Thanksgiving the heart will find the pathway home"

Almost Thanksgiving

I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving. I certainly am looking forward to it though. In the midst of dealing with Christmas here in the retail world - it is nice to take a break and just be with friends and family.

For all of the pretty things that we have in the store for the holidays, the above card is one of my favorite things. It is so simple and so true. "You Send Me" makes these cards and they truly have some of the best cards out there for every occasion.

Busy at the Store

It's Christmas Season at the store. Everyone has begun to make their shopping lists and they're buying their Holiday cards. I love when the store is buzzing.

I have to keep this short as I have a long to-do list.

Custom Monograms

A couple of years ago a customer of ours had some custom stationery done for her children. The customer had a woman in New York design custom monograms. Then, I helped her select ink colors and card stocks and had Crane's engrave the stationery. It is still one of my top 10 favorite stationery orders.

For her son, we selected a very light blue flat card and had the monogram engraved in navy ink with a silver outline. For her daughter, we selected an ecru, heavy weight folded note and used 3 ink colors, hyacinth ink for her first and middle initial and red ink for the last name initials all outlined in gold. I adore them both.

Mr. Boddington's Studio Special

My current favorite letterpress vendor, Mr. Boddington's Studio, is offering brides complementary stationery with the purchase of their wedding invitation trousseau. What a treat! They will continue to offer this special through December. They have fabulous fonts, ink colors and envelope liners. It is truly a unique look - I just love it.

The Best Holiday...

One of my favorite customers was just in the store (not that I choose favorites). We were discussing how Halloween is truly the best holiday. It is my favorite holiday for decorating, throwing parties and the candy! I've planted chrysanthemums in the pots in front of my house and attached huge hairy spiders to the metal fretwork columns. Now all I need is some "fun size" candy bars & a glass of wine.

Sounds like a party to me!

Photo of silver jack-o-lanterns from Carolyne Roehn's "A Passion For Parties

A LOVE OF PRETTY THINGS

My love (obsession) for paper products, pretty things and parties began when I was a small child. It was nurtured by my mother's love of stationery, beautifully wrapped gifts, fresh flowers, a well set table and antiques. It now seems a natural fit that I'm the owner of a small fine stationery & gift boutique (Hayden Avery) located in central Austin. I love that my days are spent in a relaxing and pretty environment. I get to know all different kinds of people, at some of lifes' most exciting milestones, through their selections of unique invitations, announcements and personal stationery. I hope some of my favorite pretty things become some of your favorites as well.