One of my favorite passions, right after design excellence and delicious food, is beautiful stationery. I adore beautiful writing paper and note cards, journals and pens, elegant invitations…pretty much anything writing paper related! In this digital communication age, it is truly extraordinary to receive a handwritten note or invitation anymore. Formal invitations and announcements are the only communications that really demand physical paper. And yet there is something so satisfying about putting a well designed pen to paper.

There are a few categories of stationery civilized grown-ups should consider.

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Stationery for Communication

I confess I am MUCH better at buying stationery than actually using it, but I am a work in progress…and I aspire to be the kind of gracious person who sends lovely notes! Having some note cards on hand that reflect your personality and taste is always a good idea. While it is unlikely the world will return to writing long letters by hand any time soon, sending a thank you note in the actual mail for a special social engagement or gift is always the elegant thing to do. And a note of sympathy or encouragement during a trying time or a congratulatory note for a celebratory occasion is the thoughtful thing to do. Practice makes the art of note writing easier, of course, but if you get stuck on what to include in your note, a classic guide like this one can be a big help:

For notecards, I personally adore monogrammed notes or notes with embossed designs. These can be flat cards or fold-over notes. I look for notes of heavyweight paper in ivory or white, and envelopes with lining in the flap for a luxurious feel and a fun introduction when the envelope is opened. The PAPER SOURCE carries some nice sets, and MINTED offers many customizable styles.

Stationery for Reflection

Journaling is a great discipline to learn. If you write down your thoughts, goals, dreams, prayers, or even just your life events, you can look back and see what progress you have made over the years….and BONUS if you happen to become famous and need to write a memoir, well your work is already half done! Here is a challenge for you: start the year with a gratitude journal. Get a pretty lined journal and a pen you love, and list at least 3 things you are thankful for each day…see if you can avoid repeats and at the end of the year read your list of over 1000 things you are thankful for! This simple practice can be transformative.

Another type of journal is an unlined sketchbook. If you are at all artistically inclined, capturing what inspired you in sketches and notes or even doodling can be a pleasant and productive pastime. I especially like this idea for traveling or vacations when time is less of a factor. And, of course, choose whatever medium to draw in that is most comfortable and portable.

Stationery for Occasions

Formal invitations like weddings are occasions that pretty much REQUIRE stationery. One thing to keep in mind is that the invitation is the first introduction to your event. That means it should not only contain the pertinent information, but the design, type face, colors, and style of the invitation should match the style and theme of the event. If you are DIYing this piece of your event, think like a professional event planner and make sure that your event is cohesive from invitation through thank you note!

Writing Implements and Accessories

Even if you don’t ever send handwritten notes, you DO use a pen fairly often. Don’t ignore the opportunity to have one that brings you pleasure! My absolute favorite writing implement is a fountain pen. There are many price points of fountain pens including 4 digit price tags…which SHOULD, for that price, also compose the note and drive it to the post office for you?! But you can also buy very nice refillable ones for a reasonable price and disposable ones for a song. You will also need to choose your ink color. Black is always classic and appropriate and will look good with any stationery, but other colors can add personality to your written correspondence or bring joy to your journalling. Here are some inexpensive options I can whole-heartedly recommend:

I have used the disposable varsity pens for years, but my children recently gave me the pretty Lamy refillable one (made in Germany, and purchased there!) in my favorite light aqua color. And my daughter owns the Pilot refillable pen! These are pens that make you WANT to write!

And finally, for the perfect finishing touch, there is nothing like an embosser to stamp your return address on the envelope flap!

Beautiful stationery and writing implements are small luxuries that make everyday life more gracious and enjoyable!

Write On!