Best Of Thank You Notes: Part 1
As a follow up to our earlier How To, I put together a guide for the absolute best notes on which to pen your gratitude. I’ve scoured the web, asked for recommendations from friends and family – and yes, I actually looked at pieces from each stationer before writing this guide up. The result? Too many to fit into just one post! So I broke them up into 2 sections. Below is Part 1, which focuses on more classic choices:
Dauphine Press: If you want vintage elegant and understated modernity, Dauphine Press is my recommendation for you. Founded by graphic designer Trish Kinsella (her impressive client list includes Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Gap, among others), Dauphine Press is “committed to preserving 
the rich legacy of the printing trade through the resurrection of artisan techniques and heritage craftsmanship that might otherwise be lost in time.” One of my favorites is the aqua “Damask” thank you notes ($18), where the oversized damask print is letterpressed onto 100% cotton paper (medium weight). The “Flourish” notes are equally impressive; the peony red print with the pear green envelope is unexpectedly cool. I also love how the print looks almost handwoven or etched. Visit www.dauphinepress.com for more information.
Apiary Design: This is one that I personally included because I think it matches the vibe of a dear friend of mine – and who you know as “perfumed” on this blog. Indeed, Apiary Design is sophisticated, but girly and fashionable. Designer Molly Woodland is all about the details – from the textile she picks to the handstitching on each card. The result is a lush, beautiful card that is both fantastic to the eye and to the touch. I’m a fan of the “With Gratitude” card, which features a pretty forrest-hued floral vine print. The “Very Truly Yours” set in lipstick/lush is also refined and elegant; the rich gold “Happy” card, along with matching envelope, is opulent and chic. To browse more designs, visit www.apiarydesign.com.
Mrs. John L. Strong: When you’re talking about stationery, Mrs. John L. Strong is without a doubt one of the best. Naturally, everyone from Oprah to Katie Holmes is a fan, proving that this is a wonderful source when you want 
to convey thanks. The exquisite “Japanese Large Medallion” card, which is stamped in gold, conveys refinement and luxury. The envelope features a blue and gold floral print on brown lining. You also can’t beat the understated, yet impressive “Gold Bordered” cards. Each card is made of 2 ply vellum and the matching envelope is lined with gold and jewel-toned Byzantine-inspired prints. (Very luxurious on your fingers!) If you want to communicate your thanks with grace and style, this is the stationer for you. To view the entire selection of stationery, visit www.mrsstrong.com.
Dempsey & Carroll: As one of the oldest stationers in the U.S., expect nothing but excellent quality from Dempsey & Carroll. (You can read our review about their Gold Collection here.) Get personal with their most popular card, the “#3 Correspondence Card.” Engrave your name with your preferred ink color and font on white, ecru or dempsey blue paper. You can use them for the rest of your life; they truly are the hallmark of classic design. For a pop of color, try the “Exquisite Thank You Notes,” which are very modern – yet printed with an old-world handcrafted elegance. To find out more info, visit www.dempseyandcarroll.com.
Look for Part 2 – which is all about whimsy and playful design – later this week!
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I love the idea of building a stationery “wardrobe.” Despite this e-mail era, the handwritten note is still de riguer, particularly around the holidays! I also love Elum and Paper Source. Here in the Chicago area, we’re lucky enough to have Jenny Sweeney Designs in the North Shore … very cute and whimsical. Looking forward to Part 2 of the post!