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September 28, 2017

When to Plan Your Company Holiday Party

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 10:29 am

planning company holiday party

It’s never too early to get the ball rolling on planning a company holiday party, especially if you host it off-site and incorporate vendors like catering and entertainment. Planning early means you’ll have less stress as the holidays roll around. Here’s our guide to planning the perfect holiday bash for your office!

When to Start Planning

Large companies that host parties for hundreds, or thousands, of employees work on some aspects of planning all year long if they have well-known entertainers on their wish list or are creating catering menus complete with signature drinks.

If you fit into this category and haven’t lifted a finger yet, it’s OK. You have options! Start calling venues you hope to reserve and ask if they’ve had any winter-season cancellations.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for retail-focused businesses to host their annual company holiday party in January or February so they can get through their busiest season efficiently, then unwind with a party! Use that date flexibility to your advantage.

When to Host the Party

Company parties are as unique as your business. Some are small dinner get-togethers on a Friday night to wrap up the work week on a festive note, while other parties are celebrated on a weekend so children and significant others can join in on the fun.

If your business operates 24/7, with various locations, be mindful of your staffing and plan to shut down operations for a day (or host two parties) so everyone has a chance to attend. The last thing you want to do is make anyone feel excluded from an office event.

Time of day is also important! If you plan to keep the celebration at your work location and only for staff, scheduling the party during business hours (and pausing work duties) is common. However, if you’re planning something more along the lines of a pizza and bowling party that encourages family members to attend, a Saturday afternoon or evening is best!

What You Need to Do

So, now you’re in full-on party mode! Before you can hit the dance floor or belt out your version of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer on karaoke, you have to do a little bit of planning. We’ve put together a comprehensive road map of exactly what should happen next, including creating a budget and buying gifts for the attendees. Use our holiday party checklist to make sure you cover everything in your planning!

As you work through each step, don’t forget to order your party invitations and annual awards certificates! PaperDirect can ship your stationery directly to the office so you can check yet another thing off the party planning to-do list.

September 25, 2017

Seasonal Wedding Colors that Never Go Out of Style

Filed under: DIY Wedding Ideas — PDWriter @ 12:44 pm

seasonal wedding colors bride and bridesmaids

The lime green bridesmaids’ dress trend may come and go, but some seasonal wedding colors are always in style. These classic color staples remain eternally elegant because they take their cue from Mother Nature, mimicking the colors that are typically associated with each season in the great outdoors. Check out a lineup of seasonal wedding color schemes that remain fresh, fabulous, and beautiful year after year.

Fall

Earth tones make sensational wedding colors in autumn, particularly because the season is packed with some of the most amazing natural colors. You don’t have to opt for pumpkin orange tablecloths, but you can take advantage of autumnal accents. Accent a nude or taupe base color with hues of golden yellow, rust, and forest green for effortlessly amazing results. Autumnal earth tones look as gorgeous inside as they do outside, providing a warm and cozy feel.

Winter

Winter weddings stir up images of a magical wonderland, and you’ll always be in style if you deck out your wonderland with the classic combo of white and gold. Winter white paired with metallic gold brings a sophisticated touch to any event, providing a clean, crisp, and classy atmosphere. These seasonal wedding colors not only provide a nod to the holidays and snow, but they add a layer of polished opulence to your affair.

Spring

Spring is when nature begins to wake up from its long winter nap. Bring that fresh and airy feel to your wedding with a palette of pastels. While soft pink may immediately come to mind, you can also choose hues like chiffon yellow, robin egg blue, or seafoam green. Pair your pick with neutrals to create a captivatingly sophisticated vibe.

Summer

Summer is one of the hottest seasons for weddings, and you can keep the sizzling ambiance alive with a vibrant color scheme. Jewel tones are a stunning option for summer weddings, with a bright energy that matches the season’s intensity. Choices here include passionate purple, magnificent magenta, and enriching emerald green. Jewel tones are forever dramatic and bold, with a deeply vibrant edge.

Choosing your seasonal wedding colors is the first step in creating a gorgeous backdrop for your big event. Selecting the table settings, flowers, wedding stationery, and other elements to create your backdrop is the next step. Yes, your bridesmaids’ dresses are part of the equation, and no, they never have to be lime green!

Head to PaperDirect today to shop wedding invites, menu cards, place cards, and even vinyl banners for your most important day.

September 21, 2017

Tips for Planning a Last Minute Event

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — PDWriter @ 9:51 am

last minute event planning with campagne

So your big event is just around the corner, and you just haven’t had the time to start planning. Maybe you were handed the reigns with no time to spare, or life simply got in the way. Whatever the case, just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean that last-minute event planning needs to be a headache. With a little bit of forethought and ingenuity, you can turn your last-minute event into the talk of the town.

Here are some tips for last-minute event planning:

Get Your Guests Involved

Depending on the nature of the party, you can always incorporate your guests. Throwing a business function? Have your informed guests get up and start industry discussions in a casual, round-table manner. It’ll save you the time and effort of finding the perfect guest speaker. If your party is more casual, ask your guests that they bring a dish, potluck style, to help you cut down on food costs and avoid the hassle of finding a caterer.

Grab Attention With a Flyer

The best way to get the word out — especially if you’re throwing a last-minute professional event — is to put up several colorful flyers in specific target areas. A bold flyer, or time allowing, a compelling mailer, can make a huge difference when it comes to getting the word out about your event.

Engage on Social Media

The great thing about social media for last-minute party planners is that it’s possible to publicize your event instantaneously and in a big way. If done properly, social media can make up a hugely successful portion of your event marketing plans.

Don’t Overthink the Venue

If you’re throwing an office party, have the party at your office. If you want something a little more intimate, host the party at your house. The important thing is that you have food and activities, not just a fancy setting.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Try to give yourself a break when it comes to planning. Make sure that important aspects are planned carefully as opposed to trying to organize every minuscule detail – you’ll stress yourself out unnecessarily.

A little creativity and a little determination, and you should have no problems with last-minute event planning. No matter why you’re throwing your party, PaperDirect has a full line of products that will help make your soiree something special. Browse PaperDirect’s selection of flyers to market your last-minute event today.

September 18, 2017

9 Quotes About Stationery Every Writer Will Love

Filed under: Phrases & Wording — PDWriter @ 4:11 pm
stationery quotes writing on paper

Humans require basic necessities to survive. These include food, water, shelter – and, for some, stationery. If you’re the type who lists stationery as one of your must-haves, you’re not alone. We found a handful of notable folks who have felt the same way, as evidenced in this collection of stationery quotes.

What Stationery Can Do to You

Stationery has the power to stir up all types of emotions, from comfortable to creative for both personal and professional situations. It’s alluring, addictive, and could perhaps even prompt a life of crime (see below for explanation).

“There was something very comfortable in having plenty of stationery.”
– Charles Dickens, English writer and social critic

“Whatever you choose for your stationery is your favorite color because it’s where you pour your heart out.”
– Mary E. Pearson, American children’s author

perfectly pink stationery papers

“Stationery is addictive. I get mine made in Paris at Benetton, and writing on it gives me a strange thrill.”
– (Edward) Graydon Carter, Canadian journalist and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief

“If I were a criminal, stationery stores and bakeries would be the two kinds of places I would concentrate on.”
– John Turturro, Italian-American actor, writer, filmmaker

colorful stationery papers for writers

What Stationery Can Do for You

Stationery provides a keen place to write, of course. But it can also come to be an attention-grabber for your business letters, complement your academic musings, and help convey an emotion to readers of all ages.

“Ideas are elusive, slippery things. Best to keep a pad of paper and a pencil at your bedside, so you can stab them during the night before they get away.”
– Earl Nightingale, American author and radio personality

“Love is a letter on pink stationery.”
– Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts creator and American cartoonist

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”
– William Wordsworth, English Romantic poet

“The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world.”
– Malcolm Gladwell, Canadian author, speaker, and journalist

“I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep, I wrote in the dark.”
– Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet, naturalist, and philosopher

If these quotes fire up your inspiration to augment your stationery collection, check out our sensational stationery selection. Whether you’re looking to pour out your heart, pen a love letter, send a morale-boosting note to employees, or add another layer of comfort to your home, PaperDirect stationery has you covered.

September 15, 2017

What Should Your Business Card Include?

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — PDWriter @ 4:12 pm

business card exchange

Business cards are often the first currency of a business transaction. You meet someone, decide to stay in touch, and exchange your contact details. But, in the digital age, what should you include on a physical business card? Just a hint: Fax numbers are out. QR codes are in. Now, let’s explore some options for what your business cards should include.

What to Include on Your Business Cards

The whole purpose of a business card is to remain memorable and initiate future contact. First, choose a card color and design that stands out and makes sense for your industry. Go beyond the classic white rectangle and pick a patterned rectangle, red circle or glossy metallic square.

Then, fill that teeny-tiny document with pertinent information. Here’s what we feel best showcases and keeps you top-of-mind with a new contact:

Pictures

Whether you choose a smiling headshot or an image of your key products for sale, visuals help jog the memory, making your conversation come to life each time the card is viewed.

Name

Of course, this one is obvious, but what you put after your name isn’t. Do include your job title and company. Your title should explain a bit about what you do, not just “Senior Executive” or “Owner”. For example, “Sami Hanson, Lead Photographer, Owner of Shutterbugs” is descriptive and accurate.

Social Media

Business connections on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are expected. Include your handles or profile names alongside the corresponding social media icon. If you handle document transfers often, include Dropbox, OneNote, or your cloud service.

Phone Number

Which phone do you use all day long? Include that number. It’s common for many professionals to have a dedicated cell phone and no office phone.

Email

This is probably the primary means of follow-up contact. Include your individual business email address prominently near your name and job title.

Website

The URL to your company’s website allows people to dig deeper and learn more about what you do. Don’t forget a logo if it’s a key branding feature of your business. Try implementing a QR code that directly links to your preferred online presence.

And don’t forget to leave a little breathing room. You don’t have to cover every inch of your business card with text or photos. Sometimes blank space makes an impact too!

What to Skip When Designing Business Cards

So, are you getting worried about what we didn’t mention? Don’t be. There are so many details that are auto-populated onto business cards that just don’t have the same impact they once had. For instance, when was the last time you received a fax that wasn’t spam?

So, get rid of:

  • fax numbers
  • physical addresses
  • team email addresses
  • unused landline office phone numbers
  • maps to your physical location
  • outdated social media including MySpace and messenger services

Is it time to update your business card?  Browse the styles and ideas at PaperDirect, add your information, and we’ll get them printed and shipped to your office!

September 8, 2017

4 Promotional Ideas for Grandparents Day

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — PDWriter @ 12:20 pm
national grandparents day

Every business knows that in the weeks before Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, kids across the country race to local shops to grab a token of appreciation for their mom or dad. Family-motivated holidays are big business. In fact, Mother’s Day rakes in around $21 billion and Father’s Day nets around $12 billion in sales of cards, flowers, and gifts. But what about National Grandparent’s Day?

This underappreciated holiday takes place every year on the Sunday after Labor Day. National Grandparent’s Day has been set aside as a special day to honor those people who have always been your biggest cheerleaders and never forget to send you a birthday card.

Few businesses take advantage of this opportunity. It’s a perfect time for your company to show some love to grandparents and stand out from your competitors. Here are some tips for promoting your business on Grandparent’s Day.

1. Grandparents Eat/Enter for Half Off

If you run a restaurant or you charge admission, then you can lure in customers by halving the amount that grandparents pay, provided they come with a grandkid in tow. Hang a banner in front of your restaurant to attract grandparents looking for a bit to eat.

2. A Special Ticket

Provide a bundle of services that can be redeemed with a custom-made ticket or gift card. Grandkids can buy them for their grandparents to redeem when it’s convenient.

3. Don’t Count on the Kids

Not every grandparent is going to be able to see their grandchildren on National Grandparents Day. So, dress up your shop or restaurant with eye-catching promotional materials to welcome those looking for a little appreciation, even if their grandkids are far away.

4. Early Bird Specials

Everyone knows that grandparents like to wake up early. Cater your business to them on their special day! Restaurants can offer specials for early arrivals. Bars can move their happy hour specials to earlier in the day. Retail shops can offer special deals during the early morning hours.

No matter how you choose to celebrate National Grandparent’s Day within your business, make sure that you don’t skimp on the quality of your promotional items. The experts at PaperDirect have an impressive variety of customizable promotional materials that are certain to meet your needs. Contact us today  – we’re here to help!

September 1, 2017

Appreciate Your Administrative Professionals Every Day

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — PDWriter @ 4:53 pm

Appreciate Your Administrative Professionals Every Day PaperDirect

The wacky work season is approaching. Black Friday. Fourth quarter sales goals. Juggling holiday time-off requests. Whew! You know how much you depend on and appreciate your administrative professionals during this hectic time of year so now it’s time to show them! Let’s spoil your right-hand helpers with a few of these ideas in the coming months!

Start the Weekend Early

To show your gratitude, let your administrative pros pick a Friday in the month of October or November to work a half day. After lunch, let them head home to unwind with a long weekend and some much needed R&R.

Decorate their Workspace

Get to the office early, start the coffee and surprise your administrative staff with a little cubicle makeover. Fresh flowers, bowls of snacks and new coffee mugs or tumblers are sure to let everyone that these folks rock!

Craft Personalized Notes

Pick out some beautiful stationery and write a little thank you note to each member of the administration team. Tell them how much you appreciate their dedication to the company, where they excel and how you look forward to their assistance going into the end of the year.

Deliver a Surprise

Everyone loves seeing a delivery person with a fruit basket, green plant or cookie bouquet approach the office. We all wonder, who’s getting spoiled? This month, send those special deliveries directly to your administrative professionals.

Make an Announcement

If your business relies heavily on social media and a growing audience, introduce your fans to the admin pros behind the scenes with a heartfelt thank you post online. Share a photo album of fun and festive pictures of them setting up at events, goofing off in the office and smiling for the camera.  

Treat Them to Lunch

Present your administrative professionals with Awesome Admin Pros certificates. After gushing about why you appreciate them, note that the certificate is good for a work-day lunch outing to a favorite local restaurant with another member of the office of their choosing.

Do you need to stock up on motivational gifts, paper certificates or other paper office supplies? Browse the PaperDirect website today. We have everything you need for the fall season and as an added bonus, it can all be shipped directly to your office.

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