Idea #1: Inspired by the wonderful & talented Linda – a Pear (an apple or little gourd would also work) with a little text weight paper banner stamped with “Happy Thanksgiving” and attached with double-stick tape, then perched atop fall leaves. Both the banner and leaves have been curled using a bone folder (but you could also probably just use your fingers), to add a little dimension.

Idea #2: I am Thankful Cards – These are just wonderful, and my family has used them already a few times, but every year brings something new to be thankful for! And there are different ways to write on them. This year, maybe I’ll have each person write what they are thankful for in the person seated to their right, and then pass the cards.

Idea #3: Wheat Bundles – They look so beautiful! I have not made them before, but have been assured that they are not as difficult as they look, which will make me look good! I wonder if I could somehow use them around taper candles too? Or is that dangerous?

What creative table settings do you use for your feast? Share your time-honored traditions and decorating bloopers.

– Karen
PS colors: persimmon, moss, paper bag (of course)
Latest fave: Holiday Elf Kit

The Mister and I knew we wanted our guests to have fun, but we needed it to be a little more meaningful than the usual “Party at Joe and Liz’s.” We kicked around a dozen possibilities – my I-give-up-let’s-go-to-the-courthouse suggestion was nixed – and went with what made sense: a hometown Indiana celebration. (I know what you’re thinking, here come the corn, cows and country line dancing. Think again.)

Once we picked home as the destination, our personal commitment to supporting small businesses quickly fueled the planning process. A friend opened up his beach-inspired restaurant and bar (Yes, I got married in a bar) to us for our late September wedding. Rental needs were managed by a family-owned business. A local jeweler helped us with rings, a long-time friend and judge officiated the ceremony, and a family friend took on the task of creating floral designs out of found natural objects of the season.

Our newly planted Chicago roots were not lost in the occasion either—Carol’s Cookies sat on our cake table instead of cake and, of course, Paper Source designs helped set the tone for the evening.

So how does this all come together?

Truth of the matter is we weren’t exactly sure. We unloaded boxes of hand-picked berries and blooms to the floral designer days before the ceremony. Late night cattail and beach grass capers took place all around our little lake town. A few wardrobe decisions happened late in the game. And the official menu came in the day before our ceremony. But, with a little help from our friends (and family), a lot of DIY, and loads of good attitude, everything came together beautifully.

Sure, the design enthusiast in me can name a handful of things I would have done differently. But, as I reminded myself numerous times along the way, “It’s only a day. We’ll have a lifetime of opportunities to celebrate.”

Perhaps some of you are losing track of your inspiration as you look at hundreds of incredible blogs and flip through the glossy pages of wedding magazines? Well, let this post remind you that it’s only a day, and even the most disconnected ideas can come together if you need them too.

Still nervous? Might I suggest a pre-ceremony cocktail hour to loosen up even the most discerning eye?

Eat. Drink. And just BE married.

– Liz
PS colors: night & curry
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

Cheers to Paper Source and these new adorable and functional friends!

–Mallaree, Paper Source Brookline Store
PS colors: paper bag & sunshine
Latest fave: Hydrangea Wrapping Paper

Don’t fret! The design geniuses over at Paper Source have your back with the perfect solution to your pre-wedding woes. We are thrilled to (finally!) announce our new print-at-home folded place cards! They come as 8.5 x 11 sheets with 4 place cards each in creamy superfine soft white cover paper. Easy to use in Word, Pages, or InDesign (print templates available online) — on a Mac or a PC — these printable place cards are a cinch to punch out. Micro-perforation ensures a clean edge, and the fold line is scored for crisp, even folds and superior standing.

Quick tip for super savvy brides and grooms: These place cards easily do double duty as escort cards (as pictured). Long before your wedding, when you have ample time, print out all of your guests’ names in a decorative font but leave a blank space for their table number. When you get closer to your big day and know the seating arrangement, simply use a decorative pen or marker to write in each guest’s table number. Have all the place cards in alphabetical order on a table outside the reception along with your guest book. Watch in awe as your guests sign your guest book, pick up their place cards, and walk directly to their tables!

–Leslie
PS colors: persimmon & paper bag
Latest fave: 2011 Academic Black Date Book

I just used our table tents for a baby shower to mark the favor table and baby shower gifts – they’re so easy to use and make an impact. Try them at your next dinner party (a sign to list featured drinks at the bar or items on the buffet), and of course, they’re perfect for a wedding.

This also made me think – what would I use for wedding table names? Have you seen any creative wedding table name ideas?

–Kristen
PS colors: lake & chocolate
Latest fave: Printable Labels

It takes just 3 simple steps to make these festive holiday decorations! With this Ball Kraft Ornament they first applied a Colorbox Chalk Inkpad to add color, then used the Platinum Color Box Metal Extra Inkpad on top. Hang them on your tree, decorate a mantle, or use in a centerpiece on your holiday table.

Stop by a store location this weekend for more tips & tricks on decorating holiday ornaments!

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

1. Stamp Your First Ink Color: Add your first ink color by applying the stamp pad directly to the surface of your kraft item (here I’m using a shimmery Galaxy Gold Brilliance Inkpad). Hold the edges of your object with a paper towel to prevent ink from getting on your hands.

2. Stamp Your Second Ink Color: Add your second ink color by applying the second stamp pad directly over the surface and your first layer of ink. I’m using the Rocket Red Gold Brilliance Pigment Inkpad, which creates a rusty finish and enhances the gold undertones.

3. Set Your Ink: We recommend that you ink one side of your object, then heat set the ink with a heat embossing tool before starting the opposite side. This helps the ink set more quickly and lets you decorate much faster! Applying the heat embossing tool to your project is also good to do if you plan to display your items right away.

This extra special touch is sure to stir up smiles, joy and happy hearts this Thanksgiving!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Owl Placecard Kit

11:30am – 12:30pm • Holiday Greetings Sent with Style – Make & Take
Learn how to dress up & coordinate your holiday greetings with this hands-on rubber stamping and envelope lining “make & take”.

12:30 – 1:30pm • Kraft Boxes for Hostess Gifts! – Demo
Using paper, sealing wax, and ribbon we’ll demonstrate how to dress up our kraft boxes for lovely Thanksgiving gift giving.

1:30 – 2:30pm • Festive Stamped Notes & Place Cards – Make & Take
In this festive stamping and cutting “make and take”, you’ll see how simple it is to dress up place cards, as well as the Thanksgiving table.

2:30 – 3:30pm • Thanksgiving Table Décor – Demo
When it comes to easy and colorful table accents, our favors and place card ideas are just what you need. Let us inspire you with kits, stamping accents and embellishing techniques for the table, as well as for the hostess!

3:30 – 5:00pm • Creative Crafting Time
Explore rubber stamping, heat embossing, quickie glue pens, glitter and more during our free Creative Crafting session. Please contact your local store for this “reservation required” crafting experience.

Come early to our make & take sessions as supplies are limited and available on a first come first serve basis. If you can’t make it this weekend, be sure to mark your calendar for our second Open House weekend November 14 & 15.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

WHAT: The Grateful Table Girls Night Out
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 7-9pm
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $30 ticket.

We look forward to sharing our great ideas and inspiration with you, all while gluing, stamping and sipping a glass of wine. The best part: you’ll receive 10% off all your purchases that night.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

While planning our Girls Night Out: The Grateful Table we listened closely to the many customer requests we have received this year. Your wish list for a pre-holiday social crafting night included:

• A fun evening of inspiring ideas and some “not too serious” crafting
• Table accents appropriate for Thanksgiving, as well as for the holidays
• Secrets for packaging “fast and easy” hostess gifts
• An event early enough in the season to allow time to make all of the great ideas, at home
• Ideas for building new family traditions at the Thanksgiving table…my favorite request of all

While this is a lot to accomplish in one evening, I loved the challenge of fitting it all into a wonderfully fun and festive Girls Night Out…this is our way of saying “we’re grateful for you!” Many of the ideas featured at this event come from my fellow Paper Source colleagues, and what a joy it was to learn about the ways they celebrate the season with their own families. I hope you’ll join us and be inspired to bring some of our ideas to your family.

Mark your calendar for our Girls Night Out: The Grateful Table, on October 22 from 7-9pm. Visit our workshops page to register at your local store.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks