One Simple Trick for Dressing Up Your Holiday Cards

This is the first of many posts to come in a new holiday series here on the blog! I've teamed up with photographer Candice Hackett to bring you all things holiday that I'll be sharing throughout the rest of November and December. I'm so excited to reveal more of what's in store.

I'm starting things off with this simple DIY. I am a big fan of DIY (see exhibit A: our wedding) So naturally, if it's possible to DIY it, chances are I've tried it. I've enjoyed designing our Christmas cards each year, and I print them myself for the most cost-effective method. One trick I've found to making my DIY cards look more professional is with this simple tool:

A corner rounder! (sneak peek at last year's card!)

Paper makes a statement in the details, and I love that this is a quick, simple and easy way to make a big impact. 

I have this corner rounder by Fiskars, and I simply place each of the edges into the slot and press. It cuts my 110 lb heavyweight cardstock easily, and my cards are instantly upgraded.

Do you send holiday cards? If so, do you DIY your cards or order pre-made? Would love to hear about your process!  

photography in this post by Candice Hackett 

My Go-To Party Supplies

I'm in the season of life where there's always lots of reasons to celebrate. Between weddings, babies, and birthdays, there's a lot of events on our calendar. I've thrown my fair share of parties, and I've compiled a list of some items that are my go-to hosting favorites. 

1. Striped Party Straws

This is the best price I've seen (144 for $4.99) and they add a little something extra to any party drink. Perfect in red for the upcoming holiday season. TIP: these can be cut in half for shorter drinks as well, and kids love them too.

2. Gold Washi Tape

Washi tape has so many endless uses, and can be especially helpful at a party. From removable drink labels, to taping photos or decorations on the walls, to creating tiny cake banners or festive flags on stir sicks for drinks, it's a do-it-all item. Stock up in bulk and use it for a variety of things post-party as well.

3. Volcano Candles

Available at Anthropologie, but also on Amazon as well, this candle smells divine, and is the perfect way to scent your home for a gathering. One of my all-time faves, and a thoughtful housewarming gift idea too.

4. Bar Cart

The one we have is from Target, but if I didn't have one already I'd get this one. Antiquey, darling, and the price is hard to beat. Bar carts are so helping for additional serving space at at party. Not just for bar items but also can serve as extra space for appetizers, cards, etc.

5. Mercury glass votives from West Elm

At $5 a pop, these create a warm, inviting look at a great price. I have tons and I place them everywhere to add warmth during winter parties. 

6. Tealights

To fill all those mercury glass vases with!

7. Cake Stands

These are perfect for adding interest and height dimension at a display table. Not just limited to displaying cake, you can stack any food item or really any other item, glassware, napkins, drinks, just about anything you like! The scalloped edge on this one adds just the right amount of detail. 

What are some of your go-to hosting items? I'd love to know!

To note: some links are affiliate. 

GRAMPS TURNS 85

Weekends away have got to me one of my top 10 favorite things in life. Right up there with weddings, pedicures, summer evenings at the lake, and flash sales at Nordstrom.

I love it all: the bustling airport, getting out of the daily routine, seeing new places, the uninterrupted time away with my husband. This trip packed all that in and with the added bonus of celebrating my grandpa's 85th birthday.

Some highlights:

Flying into California.

First stop...lunch at Gott's in San Francisco. So good. 

We rented bikes and road all around SF. Daniel's idea and a highlight for sure.

Loved being back in my home state!

Afternoon treats and playing rounds of gin. 

Helping Grammy with the flower arranging for the party.

Starting Gramps' party off right...happy hour on the putting green.

Loved getting to see my little brother!

There were 19 of us in total, all extended family, and it was so good to be together and celebrate Gramps. Such an incredible man and legacy. Thankful to know him, and thankful to still be celebrating grandparents' birthdays at this age in my life. I know how rare that is, and I do not take that for granted for one second.

Such a wonderful weekend. Thankful for my huge, close-knit, hilarious family. Such a gift.