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March 12, 2014

An Insider’s Guide to Hosting a Golf Tournament

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:51 am

So you want to host a golf tournament? Be warned – it takes a lot of planning. But if you do it the right way, golf tournaments can net you a lot of money – which is why they make such great fundraisers. But we repeat, it’s all about preparing for the tournament that dictates whether or not it will be successful. So with that being said, here are some tips for hosting a golf tournament:

The Basics:

Back Nine Golf Border Papers by PaperDirect

Before you can really start planning the event, you need to tick a few important things off your “to-do” list:

Pick a course: Pick a course that golfers will want to play. Also, make sure the staff is accommodating to the type of tournament you want to run. We recommend shopping around for a course, see what things courses in the area are willing to offer.

Golfers: Decide how many golfers you’ll allow. Obviously, the more that play, the more money you can make. Generally speaking, however, we’d recommend capping golfers at 128.

Extras: Decide if you’ll do more than just the tournament. For instance, many tournaments offer post-golf lunch or dinner.

Promote it:

After you’ve got the basics down, then it’s time to promote your tournament. We recommend creating a brochure that explains the tournament in an easy-to-read format. Print this brochure on golf-themed stationary and include a registration form. Then, get to work passing brochures out. Leave a stack at the course’s front desk, pass them out to people in the community, ask local golf pro shops if you can leave brochures in their stores. You may even consider taking out an ad in the newspaper to get the word out.

Hole sponsorships:

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Generate additional revenue for the tournament beyond just golfer entries by selling hole sponsorship’s to local businesses in the area. But be sure that these sponsorship’s are done well in advance so that the businesses you sell to have plenty of time to get their materials to you so their information can be printed correctly.

Get volunteers:

As the day of the tournament draws near, assemble a team of volunteers that will check golfers in, pass out goodie bags (tees, golf balls and water bottles make for great items in this) and monitor play on the golf course. Your team should be doing everything to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly to see that every golfer has a positive experience, win or lose.

March 6, 2014

What to Include on Graduation Announcements

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: , , , , — PDWriter @ 11:14 am
Somerset Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

Deciding what to put on graduation announcements seems like a simple task, but being creative and elegant at the same time can be difficult. Here are simple tips for graduation announcements:

1. Basic Info

You’ll want to include all the necessary information like place and time, but you still want it to be interesting. Some ideas:

[FULL NAME]
Is graduating with honors from Central High School
On May 26th at 7pm
At the World Area

Come Celebrate [FULL NAME’s] graduation
From Central High School
May 26, [YEAR] at 7pm
More details to follow

Central High School is honored to announce that
[FULL NAME] is graduating.
Join us at 7pm at the World Area on
May 26th [YEAR]

Your announcements need to be recognizable and capture the proud feelings and high spirits while maintaining a professional tone. After all, graduation is a social event, so make sure your announcements are socially acceptable!

2. Quotes for Graduation Announcements

Simpatico Silver Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

“How can I make my graduation announcements different?” you may be asking. “Aren’t the students’ names, class, and list of events enough?”

They are. But many students don’t want to settle for enough. More importantly, many students and parents don’t even know they have options. Having custom options makes your announcement even more unique!

You can set yourself apart by using inspirational quotes that can be printed on the announcements.

Some popular achievement quotes:

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”
-Vince Lombardi

“I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true- hard work pays off.”
-Ray Bradbury

3. Other things to include on graduation announcements

Dignity Blue Foil Invitations by PaperDirect

It’s fine if a student wants to mention his or her participation in a favorite activity, such as sports, cheerleading, drama, clubs, or high school band. The same goes for mentioning which college he or she plans to attend after graduation.

However, you should encourage families not to mention the students’ awards won, games played, honors won, etc. when you help them with graduation announcements. Most other people will find it in poor taste.

The exception to this rule is when the graduating student is valedictorian, salutatorian, graduating with honors, or is receiving an honor that is directly related to the graduation ceremony or the type of diploma they will receive.

Order graduation announcements and party invitations today from PaperDirect!

December 20, 2013

10 After Christmas Company Party Ideas

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — PDWriter @ 4:13 pm

After Midnight Postcards by PaperDirectDecember brings more chaos than most people care to deal with, especially during a season when people are supposed to be spending time with family. Adding a company Christmas party in the midst of a chaotic December isn’t always welcome, which is why many companies are transitioning to celebrate after Christmas instead of before. This year, consider these after Christmas company party ideas to throw a party employees will love.

After Christmas Party Ideas: Gold Balloons Postcards by PaperDirect

1. Schedule your party for mid-January, ideally before the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. This gives employees time to get their bearings after the holiday without delaying the party too much.

2. Choose a venue that will make employees feel like they are being pampered. Costs will be lower than they were during the holiday season, so you can splurge and boost employee morale in the New Year.

3. Plan a winter themed party by decorating with white lights, snowflakes, and silver accents. It will still feel very festive without having to rely on Christmas decorations.

4. Shop in the clearance sections for decorations, tableware, and other party supplies. Stores often highly discount these in the days following Christmas.

5. Print the invitations yourself on simple and classy plain paper. Doing this step yourself saves money while still allowing you to send formal invitations instead of an e-mail memo.

6. Make employees sign a pledge at the door to not talk about work tasks and to ignore office politics. Everyone will have more fun if they can mingle freely without thinking about work.

7. Plan a fun activity or two for guests to participate in as they arrive. Ideas include decorating sugar cookies or talking to others about a fun question, such as, “What is your most ridiculous memory of the holidays from your childhood?”

Twinkles Casual Invitations by PaperDirect

8. Have employees vote their co-workers in for awards like high schoolers do in yearbooks. Some ideas include “most likely to become a senator,” “most infectiouslaugh,” and “best dressed.”

9. Have a white elephant gift exchange with undesirable Christmas presents. Employees will get lots of laughs from the ridiculous gifts their co-workers had received from well-meaning friends and relatives.

10. As employees are leaving the party, invite them to put comments in a suggestion box so you have ideas on how to make the company holiday party even better next year!

December 17, 2013

Funny (but Appropriate) White Elephant Gift Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 3:14 pm

Twinkles Casual Invitations by PaperDirectSpice up any office Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange where each employee brings a creative or funny gift to play a ridiculous swapping and stealing game. The success of the event depends largely on whether people manage to find the balance of gifts that are funny, yet still appropriate for the setting. Try some of these funny white elephant gift ideas that are sure to get at least a few laughs after they’re opened.

Batteries with toy not included: People get plenty of gifts that require batteries but have small print on the box saying “batteries not included.” This time, do the reverse for your white elephant gift. Doctor up a package of batteries to make sure the recipient sees your “toy not included” message.

Old Fashioned Santa Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirect

Coupon to give away a task: The boss is really the only one with the authority to create this gift, but it may be a popular one for employees to try to steal from each other. To limit abuse of the privilege, specify that the task must take an hour or less to complete and that the boss will do it.

Tickets to the gun show: Make a play on the classic cheesy pick-up line and print tickets to attend the best gun show in town. For bonus points, add a hand-drawn set of guns on the tickets, and maybe even a cheap frame to hang the tickets in a cubicle.

Ridiculous wall calendar: These days, you can find a wall calendar focused on just about any theme. Go beyond the classic kittens or pretty landscapes and branch out into a calendar of piglets, honey badgers, or firemen.

Anything with bacon: For some reason, bacon is an easy way to turn any gift into one that will get a few laughs. These days, you can buy bacon-flavored salt, chocolate with bacon bits in it, and even bacon-scented soap. Pick your favorite to wrap up a funny white elephant gift.

As seen on TV gifts: Just about anything in an “As seen on TV” box will make a perfect white elephant gift. These items are only useful to a miniscule fraction of the population, and everyone else gets a good laugh as they wonder who would have ever bothered to market the item on TV.

December 16, 2013

8 End of the Year Party Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 1:23 pm

Festive Firs Vinyl Banners by PaperDirect

Another year has come and gone, and it’s time to celebrate with your employees and coworkers. Your company probably throws an annual end-of-the-year bash, but that doesn’t mean it has to be predictable. These 8 end of the year party ideas are not only creative and unique, but also fun and festive. This is sure to be the unforgettable year that has people talking well into February about how much fun they had.

8 End of the Year Party Ideas

  1. Host an office tree lighting ceremony. Besure to create custom Christmas banners ahead of time announcing when, where and what time the tree lighting ceremony will be.
  2. Plan a winter wonderland ball. Decorate the space in shades of white and blue, and complete the look with twinkling lights. Ask everyone to come in their best formal wear, and dance the night away.
  3. Throw a New Year’s Eve bash for all of your coworkers. Now that the excitement of Christmas has come and gone, it might be the perfect time to celebrate another successful year with your company. Plan a party complete with champagne, appetizers and music, and ring in the new year with all of your favorite corporate pals.
  4. Instead of celebrating the holidays, throw a prom-style dance. Ask everyone to come in their old dresses, tuxes and gaudy suits and dance to music from the past while making memories for the future.
  5. Plan a destination party to someplace unique in your area. Perhaps throw your end-of-the-year gathering at the local zoo, or an interesting museum. This allows the event to become more about the experience than the party itself.Tropical Santa Border Papers by PaperDirect
  6. Make your Christmas party a reverse Christmas in July party. Throw a beachbarbecue, wear your best summer clothes and pretend you are watching fireworks fall from the sky instead of soft, white snowflakes.
  7. Head to a local charity and donate your time. This can be considered a corporate bonding experience, and also helps you give back to the community.
  8. Throw a karaoke party for everyone at the office. Laugh with one another as you embarrass yourselves singing out-of-tune to your favorite hits.

Whether your company will be celebrating Christmas with everyone at the office, or you plan to avoid the holiday festivities all together and want to throw a generic party, you can have fun with your theme and make it a memorable event. Get all of the paper products, banners and corporate party favors and gifts that you need at PaperDirect.

It’s On Us: 15 Customer Appreciation Event Ideas for VIPs

Filed under: Seasonal & Special Events Ideas — PDWriter @ 8:57 am

Customer Appreciation Ideas wine tasting In business, your customers are your significant others. And just like lovers, customers need to be wined, dined and told repeatedly how much you adore and appreciate them. To show your customers just how much they mean to you around the Christmas holiday season, try spoiling them with some of the following customer appreciation event ideas.

  • Christmas Play
    Buy a block of tickets for a Christmas play, such as “A Christmas Carol.” Make sure to arrange for a cocktail hour in a nearby location beforehand so that you can have valuable face time with your clients.
  • Concert
    Know of a big-name act coming into town? Then purchase a block of tickets for your VIPs.
  • Christmas Party
    Host a fancy Christmas party for your VIPs.
  • Rent a Suite
    Spoil your VIPs with a suite at a football, hockey or basketball game so that your guests can enjoy the sporting event in style.
  • Fine Dining
    Secure a private room at one of your town’s best restaurants and host a special dinner for your VIPs.
  • Buy a Table
    Purchase a table at a well-known industry or charity event and invite your VIP customers to the special occasion.
  • Wine Tasting
    Arrange for a wine tasting event either in a restaurant or at local wineries.
  • Casino Night
    Set up gaming tables and distribute chips to your guests, which they can then turn in for prizes at the end of the night.
  • Amusement Park
    Some amusement parks are open during the Christmas holiday, so why not take your VIPs out for a day of fun?
  • Cooking Class
    Have a chef teach your guests how to make holiday meals or cookies.
  • VIP Night
    If you own a retail store, schedule a night where your VIPs can enjoy special discounts, giveaways and refreshments.
  • Invitations
    Use only high quality invitations for your VIPs, such as those available through PaperDirect. Your invitation is the first thing your customers will see and will be very telling about how you feel about them and the effort you are putting into your event.
  • Invite Key Personnel
    It’s important to invite both important personnel from your company as well as the VIPs to your event so that they will have an opportunity to get to know one another in a non-work setting.
  • Presents
    Treat your VIPs like the celebs they are and hand out swag. Include at least one promotional item with your company’s name and logo on it. But be sure that these items are not cheaply made, as this could reflect badly on your company.
  • Offer Transportation
    Fairy Light Holiday Postcards by PaperDirectIf your customer appreciation event will be including alcohol, it is in everyone’s best interest if you also provide transportation.

Treating VIPs to appreciation events is one of the best ways to cement long-lasting relationships with your customers, so don’t skimp. Remember, a customer in hand will always be one of your company’s most valuable assets.

Don’t forget to send these invites out with PaperDirect’s festive Christmas invitations! 

December 13, 2013

Employee Recognition Gift Ideas for the Christmas Season

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips,Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: — PDWriter @ 10:42 am

Personalized Checkmark Mugs by PaperDirectAs a manager, you know that when your employees feel appreciated, they will identify more with the welfare of your business and produce higher quality work. It’s important to provide positive feedback throughout the year, but the holiday season is an especially crucial time to let your staff know that you have noticed their hard work. Here are five creative employee recognition gift ideas:

Personalized coffee mugPersonalized Thumbs Up Mugs by PaperDirect

A personalized coffee mug is something your staff person will see and handle every day, and the message of appreciation will be at their fingertips even in the midst of stressful days. To add a bit of sparkle to the gift, fill the mug with little goodies before giving it to your employee.

Create a recognition certificate

Triumph Specialty Certificates by PaperDirectValidating your employee’s efforts through one of PaperDirect’s formal recognition certificates is a way to say that you are seriously grateful for their contributions. The official quality of such a certificate lends a momentous feeling to the occasion.

Take the employee out to lunch

Extend an invitation to lunch at an upscale restaurant and be sure to consult with the staff person about which day will work best for them. During lunch, keep conversation fun and easygoing, so that your employee doesn’t feel put on the spot to demonstrate high performance levels while they’re eating. If possible, allow a bit of extra time for this lunch; go ahead and order dessert and coffee. Even fifteen extra minutes will communicate a sense of special recognition to your employee.

Give a gift you’ve grown or made

Do you have a fruit tree or flower garden at home? Do you like to bake? Sometimes the clearest way to honor the time and effort your staff member contributes is to give some of your own time back to that person. This type of gift acknowledges your common humanity and softens the power differential between the two of you.

Put a commendation letter in their HR file

As wonderful as your employee may be, it’s likely that sooner or later the person will move on to another position. When you put a letter in their file (and give them a copy on paper as well), you are providing a solid boost for their future. Wherever they choose to take their skills in the future, your letter will be a testament to the high caliber of their work.

If you’re looking for ways to offer creative recognition to your employees, PaperDirect has a style and idea that will suit the occasion.

December 12, 2013

Cute Ideas for Your Ugly Sweater Party Invitations

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 8:28 am

Candy Cane Lane Holiday Postcards by PaperDirectTime for a party!

Are you looking for a different twist on the traditional office holiday party? Maybe something with a bit more zing than the tried-and-true Christmas music and cocktails? Then consider an ugly sweater party! Wearing something really wacky — or downright tacky — can put everyone in a goofy, festive mood. It’s easy to find outrageous holiday sweaters at the mall, or, for the truly adventurous, the Salvation Army. Like this theme? Great! Now you need to put some thought into your invitations.

Ugly Sweater Party Invitation Ideas:

The invitations for your ugly sweater party need to be as wacky as the party itself. No quiet and staid invitations for this soiree. No way! Below are a few cute ideas for your ugly sweater party invitations.

  1. Go with vintage glam – Find copyright free vintage photos to upload. Look for people from yesteryear sporting outrageous sweaters. You know the kind, the ones with giant Charlie Brown stripes across the chest or a hokey reindeer with a red pompom nose.
  2. Try puttin’ on the dog – Start with printable Christmas invitations, then add a picture of your own adorable pooch. Put him in a big, floppy sweater and, voila! Your party has a mascot! Make sure he looks sad in the photo, then add a silly caption like, “I wouldn’t wear this sweater for just anyone.”
  3. Ask your staff to strut their stuff – Show everyone just how ugly a sweater can be. Snap a shot of your most holiday-minded employees previewing the ugly sweaters they plan to wear. For a touch more style, let them portray a bit of old Hollywood. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in “White Christmas,” for example.Whimsical Wonderland Casual Invitations by PaperDirect
  4. Get a little crafty – Round up a few old sweaters and get out the scissors! Use a tiny sweater template and cut out a “real” sweater to glue on the front of each invitation.

Whichever idea you use, make sure your invitations are clear. Add when, where and who can come, of course, but don’t forget to emphasis your theme. The last thing you want is for a customer or a favorite contractor to show up in their most beloved winter sweater without realizing that sweaters — at this party — are the joke. And, for more great party invitation ideas, visit PaperDirect. Shop around a bit then check out using the easy online order form!

December 10, 2013

10 Best Office Christmas Party Games and Activities

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 10:56 am

Old Fashioned Santa Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirectMake this year’s office Christmas party one to remember. Before sending out those Paper Direct invitations to ask everyone to the party, plan some super Christmas party games and activities:

  1. Who Am I? All you need are sticky notes, pens and an imagination. Write down names and place them on players’ foreheads. They have to ask questions to guess who they are.
  2. White Elephant Gift Exchange Set a price limit for gifts and draw names for a fun exchange.
  3. Fill the Wagon Pick a charity and fill a wagon with toys and gifts for those in need. Local social services agencies can suggest programs to support.
  4. Two Truths and a Lie Everyone must reveal three secrets; other players must guess which is true and which is a lie. The one who fools the most people with their real and fake facts wins.
  5. Sticker Stalkers Players have sheets of 10 stickers that they must surreptitiously stick on others. The first to tag 10 players wins.
  6. Photo Booth Set up a corner with a camera, remote and props for funny pictures.
  7. Funny Employee Awards Make silly awards for things like Best Baker and Funniest Monday Morning Stories. For the ultimate effect, print the awards on official-looking certificate paper.
  8. Holiday Gift Hot Potato Like musical chairs, but the presents move. Turn on music and pass a gift around. Whoever is holding it when the music stops is out and keeps the gift.Winter Snow Casual Invitations by PaperDirect
  9. How Did We Meet? Draw names, then make up crazy stories about how you met the person you are paired with. Funniest story wins.
  10. Christmas Carol Charades Act out your favorite Christmas carols. Everyone will love the hilarious results.

Games and activities like those above help you and your office mates bond, which makes you an even more effective team. Create some great memories together that will make for warmer relationships throughout the year.

December 9, 2013

5 Ways to Say “Thank You for Your Business” during Christmas Time

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 8:48 am

Classic Santa Christmas NoteCards by PaperDirectIt’s that time of the year, the glorious season of giving, and you’re looking for ways to say thank you for your business to those top customers or enterprises that you partner with regularly. Save time and money by partnering with Paper Direct, where a vast selection of customer appreciation gifts for Christmas can be personalized to capture your holiday message perfectly.

Personalized Notecards

One of the easiest ways to say thank you for your business is just to go ahead and say so with seasonally appropriate Christmas notecards custom tailored for your business. Dress up your notecards with matching envelopes, decorative self-adhesive seals, and you may even consider including a gift certificate of sorts offering a free or discounted service in the future.

Custom Gift Certificates

Say thanks for your business and entice them to continue working with you by sending customers, clients, and collaborates a customized gift certificate. Offer discounts, free services, inspections, or whatever concept is appropriate for your business. You can order blank certificates and printable gift certificates, and we offer templates to ensure that your gift certificate papers print perfectly the first time.

Personalized and Motivational NotepadsKraft Flower Personalized List Pads by PaperDirect

More ways to say thank you for your business include inspiring or business-worthy notepads. These can say, “thanks,” “great job,” or have the recipient’s name or business head imprinted for a professional look. Find your ideal customer appreciation gifts with PaperDirect’s extensive selection of personalized and motivational notepads.

A Customer Appreciation Reminder All Year

Post-it® notes are one of our favorite ways to say thank you for your business. After all, who doesn’t find these nifty notepads handy? Whatever size, shape, color, or design you’re looking for, you’ll discover that PaperDirect offers an extensive selection of customizable and blank Post-it® notes

2014 Winter Custom Printed Magnetic Calendars by PaperDirectMagnetic Calendars

By far, one of the most popular ways to say thank you for your business happens to be a customer’s favorite to receive. Magnetic Calendars tend to end up on the refrigerator rather than the trash, meaning that your message of “thanks” and your business logo is seen all year long! Magnetic calendars are clever, appreciated, and a great way to show customer appreciation at Christmastime.

There are plenty ways to say thank you for your business, and PaperDirect gives you to access to the widest selection of business, corporate, and personalized Christmas gifts and stationery at the absolute best prices. Shop PaperDirect today!

December 6, 2013

Best Christmas Card Messages for Small Businesses

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 2:44 pm

Snowy Day Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectChristmas is almost here, and with it, a rush of holiday greetings. As a business leader, it’s in your best interest to send a brief note to any important contacts, including clients, vendors and industry associates.

When crafted correctly, Christmas correspondence offers these contacts a great reminder of your presence in the business community, while also bolstering their impression of your company. However, a poorly-written business Christmas card can have the exact opposite effect, which is why you want to put your best effort into writing an interesting and relevant Christmas letter.

Write A Touching, But Succinct Message

Your typical business leader wades through dozens of Christmas cards, at minimum. Going through these can be exhausting, particularly if each sender chooses to include a lengthy recap of every single happening from the past year. Here are some simple messages to start you off:

your family (1)

your family

christmas-message

 

Keep your business Christmas card messages on point by highlighting one or two significant developments, before moving on to the reason for the season. Ultimately, your business talk should be sandwiched with holiday language, beginning with a Christmas-related greeting and ending with your best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

Feel free to add a personalized note if you’re on close speaking terms with the client — this can reinforce the notion that, yes, you really do care, and no, this is not a mere form letter.

Choosing The Right CardShimmering Votives Holiday NoteCards by PaperDirect

What tone are you hoping to infuse into your Christmas message? Are you looking to joke around in a light-hearted manner? Or is a more religious overtone more appropriate in your situation?

Either way, the card you choose can make or break the overall message, no matter how well you craft the written content.

As you browse through the vast selection of Christmas note cards from PaperDirect, be sure to choose an exterior that actually reflects the overarching concept. Thus, a jokey note will work nicely with a Santa card, while images of candles or ornaments better reflect a more serious message.

Don’t ever make the mistake of underestimating the power of a well-crafted Christmas card. Whether you’re reconnecting with old clients or hoping to strengthen a more recent connections, the perfect business card will set you on a straight course towards success in the new year. Take your time as you draft an appropriate holiday message, for the ensuing impression could make or break your client relations.

December 5, 2013

5 Original Christmas Newsletter Templates

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 2:15 pm

Winter Rose Frost Newsletters by PaperDirectWith the holiday season just around the corner, it is time to think about your annual Christmas Newsletter. Let your clients/customers know how special they are to you this year.

Christmas Newsletter Template

1. Warm Wishes

Sending warm wishes your way for a memorable holiday season. We have had an amazing year at [Business Name] and cannot wait to see what the New Year brings.

We look forward to serving you.

[Business Name] [Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

[email/website address]

2. Joyous Holiday Season

All of us at [Business Name] hope you have a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with prosperity and health. We hope to serve you in the coming year.

Happy Holidays!

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

[email/website address]

3. Continued Patronage

This holiday season is the perfect time to thank you for your continued patronage. May the New Year bring you and yours joy, prosperity and above all, health.

[Business Name]

[Phone] [Fax]

[email/website address]

[Address]

[Hours of Operation]

4. The Wonder of the Season

Best wishes for you and your family. May you experience the joy and wonder that the Christmas season can bring.

Happy Holidays!

We hope to continue serving you in the coming year.

Cordially,

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[Address]

[Phone] [Fax]

[email/website address]

5. Thank You for Your Patronage

May you find peace, joy and laughter this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Thank you for your patronage.

Season’s Greetings,

[Business Name]

[Hours of Operation]

[email/website address]

[Address]

[Phone]

[Fax]

Choose Your Favorite Holiday Scene to Share with Your Clientele

At PaperDirect, you can find beautifully crafted designs to make your newsletter stand out this holiday season.

Examples of Christmas Borders

Christmas border paper designs are available to suit anyone’s taste. Some examples include papers with:Twigs and Berries Border Papers by PaperDirect

One of the best things about shopping for your Christmas border paper online is that you can see it before you print it. Choosing your border, adding your template and then printing your Christmas Newsletter is fun, quick and easy at PaperDirect.

December 2, 2013

7 Ways to Welcome Colleagues to Town During the Christmas Season

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 11:37 am

Whimsical Wonderland Vinyl Banners by PaperDirectIf you’re the one in charge of welcoming colleagues to town who are traveling during the holiday season, you will want to make their travels as festive and bright as possible. The Christmas season can be a difficult time of the year for people to travel and be away from their family, so take the time to show your colleagues around a bit. These ways to welcome colleagues to town should help you get a head-start on your planning.

7 Ways to Welcome Colleagues to Town

  1. Create a Christmas banner that lets them know your office is a place filled with Christmas cheer. Choose one of the Christmas signs designs that you feel best fits the mood of your office during this special season.
  2. Plan a Christmas cookie exchange with everyone in the office so your colleagues have sweet treats to enjoy during their stay. Ask everyone to bring a dozen cookies to share with one another.
  3. Invite your colleagues out for a dinner and drinks after work at a local restaurant. This will allow you to show your colleagues around town while also getting to know them at the same time.
  4. Take them on a tour of local Christmas light displays. This tour of the local area could make them feel more at home.
  5. Check out local museums and zoos, and see if any organizations in your area are hosting special Christmas events. If they are, take the time to bring your colleagues to one or two of these special events.
  6. Host a White Elephant exchange in order to promote camaraderie among your colleagues. By bringing in silly and useless gifts, your coworkers and your out-of-town colleagues will have plenty of laughs together while also establishing an important bond that is necessary for team work in the office.
  7. Plan an office Christmas decorating party, and get your colleagues in on the action. It will help your out-of-town colleagues feel vested in your location.

Take the time to make this Christmas more special than it has ever been. Not only will your colleague who are traveling on business to your location this time of year appreciate it, but your full-time local employees also will enjoy the festivities as well. This is your chance to bring Christmas cheer to everyone in the work place. For all of your paper products and Christmas event needs, visit PaperDirect today.

November 29, 2013

Tips for Your Company Holiday Party

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 3:13 pm

The holidays mean it’s time to party! Nearly 90 percent of offices hold a yearly holiday party to celebrate and reward employees for their hard work. When you’re brainstorming company holiday party ideas, you might run into some road blocks. Don’t stress! These holiday party tips will help you achieve a fantastic Holiday office party!

Tips for Holiday Party Costs:

Tips for your Company Holiday PartyIf you have a tight budget for your holiday party, there are plenty of ways to keep the cost down. Firstly, keep the party at the office and ask staff members to each bring a dish or drink. You can keep the party festive and fun with simple Christmas or holiday decorations. Here are some inexpensive ideas:

  1. Hang Christmas Lights around the Office (turn off those fluorescent lights!)
  2. Purchase some Christmas Cookie or Cinnamon Scented Candles
  3. Purchase inexpensive, yet eloquent table settings. Grab some Christmas plates, cocktail cups and festive napkins.

These small ideas and tips can really make a difference! If you end up booking a restaurant or private room, make sure to confirm well in advance!

Tips for Conversation

When people who work together spend time together outside the office, one of the more popular things to talk about tends to be the job. Guests and employees themselves might feel bored if the conversation centers on work for too long.

Have a few icebreakers handy to encourage conversation that focuses on things outside of work, whether you limit the party to staff or open it up. For example, fill a bowl with holiday themed M&M’s or other colorful candy. Have guests pick out one piece of candy. Tell guests that they should reveal something about themselves based on the color they chose. For example, if a person picked a green candy, they can share what they want for Christmas.

Other ideas can be setting up a karaoke machine or ping pong table. You can rent these inexpensively and be entertained all night.

Tips for the Kids

Holding a holiday party for the whole family can be stressful. If the party is held after work hours, it can be difficult for parents to make it, since finding a sitter during the holidays is harder than at other times of the year.

Kris Kringle Fill-In-The-Blank Gift Certificates by PaperDirectIf a lot of your employees have kids, consider hiring a team of babysitters to keep an eye on them in a separate area during the party. The office can cover the cost of the sitters or parents can each chip in. Set up a TV so that the kids can watch a movie or play video games. Board games and activities will also keep the kids happy during the event. Give each child a small gift or certificate to thank him or her for coming to the party.

Whether you decide to limit your holiday party to employees only or invite others, check out PaperDirect for all of your party planning needs.

Songs for the Company Christmas Party Playlist

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 1:10 pm

Songs for the Company Christmas Party You’ve created your guest list. You’ve selected the Christmas invitations. You’ve picked out party favors, office-appropriate decorations and have made food and drink arrangements. Yes, the office Christmas party you’ve been tasked with planning is
humming along nicely – all that’s left to really take care of are some of the smaller, minor details. But with that being said, one small detail that you absolutely don’t want to forget about or put off until the last minute is a music playlist. After all, every party needs some sort of background music – but with a Christmas party the tunes that are heard can really help people get into the holiday spirit.

Songs like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” are a must, but here’s a look at some other songs for the company Christmas party playlist that are sure to get your guests in the holiday spirit:

  • Winter Snow Casual Invitations by PaperDirect“Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney: This is a feel-good Christmas tune with a peppy, catchy chorus that’s impossible not to sing along with.
  • “Jingle Bell Rock”: There are a lot of different artists that have recorded “Jingle Bell Rock” – and just about all of them are really good. Let’s face it – when it comes to a Christmas party, you want music that is more up-tempo. “Jingle Bell Rock” definitely falls into that category.
  • “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”: Like the above track, there are a lot of different artist renditions of this popular holiday classic, but we recommend the ones by either Hanson or Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
  • “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey.
  • “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”: For a modern take on this song, consider putting the version that Miley Cyrus sings on your playlist.
  • “12 Days of Christmas” by Tony Bennet: A holiday classic.
  • “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy: A fun, holiday song – regardless of what the title might imply.
  • “I Want a Hippopontomaus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevy.
  • Funny Christmas songs: If it’s the type of holiday party where you can afford to get a little edgy, consider Adam Sandler’s “The Hanukah Song,” South Park’s Eric Cartman’s version of “O Holy Night” or Weird Al Yankovich’s “The Night Santa Went Crazy.” They’re all sure to elicit lots of laughs if taken in good fun.

10 Christmas Card Greetings to Celebrate Your Partnership

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — PDWriter @ 12:01 pm
Tis the Season Note Cards by PaperDirect

As the company’s executive assistance, your boss counts on you to create and deliver a great deal of communication on his or her behalf. During the holiday season, your Christmas card greeting ideas are an especially important part of maintaining successful partnerships with clients and vendors. While others in the office might view Christmas note cards as a frivolous, unnecessary gesture, you know that they help create the building blocks of a positive business partnership.

Christmas Card Greeting Ideas for this Year’s Cards

Our hearts fill with joy as remember the special people we’ve met and spoken with throughout the year. Wishing you a joyous Christmas season, and a happy, prosperous New Year.

With appreciation for your good will, friendship and patronage this year, we wish you the merriest of Christmases and a joyous New Year.

During the Christmas season, our thoughts of gratitude go out to those who’ve made our progress this year possible. Thank you for being one of those people; we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

happy holiday poinsettia greeting card

A special Christmas greeting from us to you for your loyalty and confidence in our service. We’ve appreciated our partnership with you, and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

With sincere appreciation for our association this year, we wish you a happy Christmas season and good will throughout the New Year.

Because the loyalty and good will of those we serve is the foundation for our progress, it’s our pleasure during this Christmas season to say “thank you” as we wish you joy, health and success in the New Year.

Throughout the year, but especially at Christmas time, our thoughts turn to those who’ve made our success a possibility. In this spirit, we’d like to thank you, and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

As the year comes to a close, we gratefully say “Merry Christmas” and wish you a prosperous year.

pinecones holiday greeting card

Wishing you the warmest of Christmases as we look forward to another prosperous year together.

This simple yet to-the-point Christmas card greeting ideas let your customers and clients know you’re thinking of them. Your boss will thank you for the effort, and you’ll know you’ve done your part to spread a little Christmas cheer.

November 27, 2013

14 End of the Year Company Party Ideas

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 1:43 pm
Party Santa

Looking for end of the year company party ideas? We have compiled 14 of the trendiest party ideas to help you ring in the new year in style at this year’s Christmas or holiday gathering.

End of the Year Party Ideas:

Comedy Show

Comedy shows are typically inexpensive if you buy tickets in bulk. These are sure to make everyone laugh out loud!

Murder Mystery Party

If you have a smaller company (under 30 employees) consider hosting a murder mystery party. These fun events have everything a normal party has – food and drinks- but gives also employees an interactive experience. Everyone can work together to solve the mystery!

cupcake invitation for any party

Dessert Dash

One of our favorite end of the year company party ideas involves desserts. Rather than laying out a huge spread at the gathering, consider sending guests home with a carry out dessert box and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa to wrap up the event.

Poker Night 

Play for real or play for fun to raise money for a charity at casino-style gaming tables at this year’s event. Funds from chip purchases can go to a good cause, while winners can trade in chips for raffle tickets to win prizes.

perfect invite for casino nights

Karaoke Fun

There’s no quicker or more cost-effective way to get the party started than by letting the staff loose with a microphone to sing along to favorite tunes.

Beer/Wine Tasting

If your crew loves craft beer or gorgeous wines, consider renting out a brewery or vineyard for a tasting. Just don’t forget to arrange transportation after the event!

the perfect invites for wine tastings

Entertainer

Many companies have discovered the benefits of hiring a few wandering entertainers over one big headliner for entertainment. Think magicians, card tricks, comedians, and those offering engaging amusements where they interact with the guests.

Custom Cocktails

These can be alcoholic or alcohol-free cocktails. Simply hire a professional and have your mixologist whip up custom cocktail blends geared to honor the company. Or, you can simply change the name of a favorite cocktail that already exists!

Recognition Party

The most rewarding end of the year company ideas are those that reward the staff. It’s fun and easy to order printable blank certificates that can be transformed into an appropriate employee recognition to present at the party. And don’t forget other rewards, like lapel pins, plaques, and trophies.

Destination Parties

Maybe you want to “travel” to Hawaii or Paris. Hire a caterer to serve traditional foods and drinks of your favorite location- it will be like a mini vacation you give your employees.

Turn Paris NoteCards into unique invites

Themed Parties

Cirque du Soleil, Masquerade balls, and classic Hollywood star parties are all in-demand themes; however, coming up with a clever theme or concept that relates to your company’s services or products will delight employees and their guests.

Ultimate Trivia Night

Have your business split into multiple teams at a local restaurant or bar. Do an office trivia (or whatever you want) and give the winning group a stellar prize- maybe cold hard cash to take home?

Post-New Years Party

If the end of the year is just too hectic, consider throwing a party in mid-January. It gives people something to look forward to after the holiday jolt is over.

Simple and Elegant

You don’t have to hire an entertainer to have a great end of the year party. As long as you provide a nice location and some drink tickets, your employees will have a blast!

Other Things to Consider:

Decorations

Neutral colors and metallic hues are in, and more event planners are opting to use special effects lighting in lieu of costly floral arrangements within the decor.

Swirls of Stars Casual Invitations by PaperDirect

Buffet Concepts

Comfort foods are back, and caterers are whipping up sophisticated twists on southern style classics for many company Christmas parties this year. Most in demand are gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!

Location, Location

In-office parties have a tendency to make everyone feel “at home,” and because these gatherings are cost-effective, more of the budget can be spent on activities, entertainment, and those gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Disposable Cameras

Sure, capturing amazing moments at the part is essential, but it doesn’t take a professional photographer to do so. Add a few disposable cameras to each guest table and collect them as they are filled for developing and sharing later.

Guest Gifts

No party is complete without a take-home party favor; hence, why the dessert and coffee idea is so hot – it covers two essentials! Office bigwigs love offering personalized employee motivational gifts or other goodies to the staff.

Find top quality printable Christmas invitations, employee recognition gifts, blank certificates, and other holiday essentials to help make your end of the year company party ideas a reality – shop PaperDirect.

Staff Christmas Party Ideas They’ll Remember Long Into the New Year

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 12:06 pm

Starstruck Specialty Flat Invitations by PaperDirectIt’s not an easy task planning the big corporate Christmas party, as there’s a very fine line between “dud” and “success” when it comes to events like this. That’s why it’s important that you take every measure possible to make sure that this year’s Christmas party is a smashing success – something that will be talked about for years to come, rather than something that’s easily forgettable.

Of course, this is all much easier said than done. So how do you go about planning the holiday party that’s not to be forgotten? One way is to come up with some staff Christmas party ideas. Here’s a look:

  • Assign Christmas place cards, but not just any old place card. Instead, try to pair staff members’ names with the names of a famous Christmas character. If everyone in your office is a good sport and if this idea is Pretty Poinsettia Folded Place Cards by PaperDirectexecuted with nothing but fun in mind, this can be the recipe for a lot of party laughs. For example, if someone in your office has a beard and is good with tools, you might pair his name with Yukon Cornelius from the “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” children’s movie.
  • Fun gift exchange: Secret Santa is one thing, but have you ever heard of “Yankee Swap?” It brings out the competitive nature in staff members and can be a ton of fun. Simply select a gift amount and have everyone bring a wrapped gift. Place the gifts in a central location, determine an employee order and begin selecting gifts. Each staff member can decide to either select a gift from the pile or steal a gift that’s already been opened. Staff members will be talking for months about who stole from who.
  • Set a theme: Not every office party needs a theme, but setting a theme can certainly make a party more interesting. Some themes include “ugly sweater” and “most festive attire.” To encourage people to participate in the theme, be sure to give out prizes to those decked out the most elaborately.
  • Christmas carols: What could put staff members more in the holiday spirit than some Christmas carolers? See if any staff members would be interested in forming a group and entertaining the rest of the attendees with some notable Christmas ongs. It’s sure to bring a smile to the faces of those in attendance.

November 26, 2013

The Top 5 Customer Appreciation Event Ideas

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 12:51 pm

Holiday Holly Postcards by PaperDirectIf you’ve recently started a new company, then you recognize the importance of your customers. You know that your customers have taken a chance on working with your company, and you want to show them that you are committed to them and that you appreciate their business. The best way to do this is through customer appreciation events. These customer appreciation event ideas will help you get started on planning something that all of your customers will enjoy.

5 Customer Appreciation Event Ideas

  1. Throw a Christmas gathering for all of your clients and customers. During this festive time of year, your customers will appreciate having the opportunity to relax and enjoy pleasant company. Use Christmas post cards to announce your event formally to your clients.Fairy Light Holiday Postcards by PaperDirect
  2. Host an art class at an art supply shop or a gallery that features a local artist. This unique event allows your customers to experience something new, and they will be grateful that you gave them the opportunity to do so.
  3. Set up a picnic at a local park. There’s not much that is better than free food and time spent outdoors. Choose one of the best local parks in your area and throw a barbecue that your clients and their families can attend.
  4. Host a wine tasting event, complete with appetizers and desserts. If you have a brick-and-mortar storefront, consider hosting this event in your own space. If you don’t have a physical location and are an online entity, rent space at a museum or at a local restaurant.
  5. Plan a casino night and invite your clients along to play. This is a bit more exciting than your average customer appreciation event, and it is enticing to many different groups of people. Set your event up as a charity casino night, and pick a worthwhile cause. This will allow your customers to know that you are not only committed to them, but also committed to your community.

Tartan Sleigh Bells Casual Invitations by PaperDirectThe art of customer appreciation is lost on many presidents and company leaders, but it’s an important piece to the marketing puzzle. Recognizing your customers and proving that you appreciate their loyalty to your company will help you earn a reputation among the business community. These small events will help you gain prominence and ultimately allow your company to continue to grow into the 21st century. For all of your event supplies and paper products, visit PaperDirect.com today.

November 25, 2013

The Rules of White Elephant Gifting in the Office

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 1:37 pm

Old Fashioned Santa Fold-Up Invitations by PaperDirectSick of the usual gift card exchange? It’s time to insert a little creativity into your tired office party — what better way to accomplish just that than with a white elephant party? In a white elephant gift exchange, participants find the goofiest, most ridiculous presents possible and then exchange them with one another.

A white elephant exchange can be handled in a number of ways, such as passing presents around in a big circle or playing a game in which, at the end, everyone is forced to keep the gifts in their hands. No matter how you plan your white elephant event, you and your coworkers will be sure to have an amazing time!

Planning Your White Elephant Party

White elephant might not be as fancy as those seen in a traditional
Rules for White Elephant holiday party, but that in no way necessitates skimping on other elements of the occasion. Kick things off with a set of quirky white elephant party invitations. These invites should make the intent of the party clear, while also offering detailed instructions for purchasing white elephant gifts. For example, you may want to impose a monetary limit on presents in order to prevent a huge disparity in present value. Also necessary for the party invitations are such specifics as the time, date and location of the party.

Themed White Elephant Gift Exchanges

Typically, white elephant exchanges have no themes, as the concept is largely considered a theme in and of itself. But if you want to further distinguish your party, you might want to consider attaching some sort of theme requirement to the gifts. This will depend largely on the demographics and interests of your office friends; a group of sports enthusiasts might want to stick to an athletic memorabilia exchange, while crafty types may prefer exchanging kooky scrapbooking embellishments.

Rules for White Elephant presents White Elephant Party Decorations

Your white elephant party will be quirky and unique, so why not go the same route while decorating? Whether you’re holding the party in the office, at an event center or in your own home, you can amp up the silliness with some well-placed decor. For a holiday white elephant party, look for goofy Santa designs, or, if you’ve attached a gift theme, decorate your surroundings accordingly.

On the hunt for white elephant party decor or invites? Stop by the PaperDirect website for the ultimate selection in party supplies!

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