Crafting Memorable Holidays

by Taylor Trahan Henry

The holiday season is here and the demand for unique and distinctive designs in custom stationery is on the rise. For those looking to add a little lagniappe to their holiday tool kit, Lauren Schiffman, owner of LSStationery, says the options are endless.

“Unique designs that cannot be found everywhere are in demand,” says Schiffman. “Coordinating paper and tag designs that allow families to differentiate among members while maintaining an overall cohesive theme are growing in popularity. It adds a special touch to gift-giving, creating a more personalized and thoughtful experience.”

Custom stationery goes beyond traditional invitations and cards. “You can elevate these items with envelope liners and personalized addressing,” she says. “There’s a variety of possibilities, including personalized cups, napkins, wine tags, notepads, and stationery. All are a great way to add cheer to the holiday season!”

The trend towards personalization extends to crests and monograms. Incorporating personal crests created during marriage into stationery later in life adds a unique and sentimental touch. Artisan watercolor graphics and unconventional color choices contribute to making these personalized pieces stand out in a world saturated with standard red and green.

In an era dominated by digital communication, custom stationery brings back the charm of handwritten notes and invitations. “It’s still special to receive physical, tangible items in the mail,” she says. The tactile experience of holding a beautifully designed card or notepad enhances the holiday magic, providing a dynamic and memorable experience for the receiver.

As for dos and don’ts, Schiffman offers valuable advice. “Opt for physical products over digital ones and, when it doubt, always go with extra accessories!” she exclaims, advocating for the fun and expressive side of stationery. Whether hosting a gathering or presenting a hostess gift, personalized tags and handwritten thank-you notes on luxury paper speak volumes about the sender’s thoughtfulness.

Reflecting on her favorite pieces, Schiffman reveals a deep passion for designing children’s invitations and family cards. “I love pouring my passion into making materials for people to celebrate milestones and give them opportunities to reflect with their loved ones,” she says. “Creating for those I love most adds an extra layer of significance to my work.”

In a world where time is often a precious commodity, Schiffman’s final piece of advice is to reconsider the DIY approach. “While DIY projects can be rewarding, they may not always be the quickest or most cost-effective option.” Opting for professional, custom-designed stationery ensures quality and saves time during the busy holiday season.