A great party begins with memorable invitations. Don Ernstein says that simply taking the time and thought to create something unique will make people want to come to the party. He prefers to design a variety of invitations for one party to keep the project fun and to avoid repetition. Ernstein assures us that no artistic skill is required to produce the perfect invitation for your party. Rubber stamps are available in a wide variety of motifs that allow you to mix and match designs to fit any occasion. Party at Home host Heidi Bohay asks Ernstein to demonstrate his technique for creating personalized invitations. - He begins with black paper by the pound, available at stationary or card shops. He uses a gold calligraphy pen to write down the time, date and address of his party (figure A). Of course, markers and other types of pens can also be used to note this information, but he prefers calligraphy pens because the ink flows smoothly as the tip creates a decorative lettering style.
- Ernstein then makes separate RSVP cards that are stamped and self-addressed ( figure B).
- If you aren't confident about your handwriting ability, enlist the help of a friend whose writing you like, or go to a stationery store that offers in-house calligraphy at a modest price. If you have a computer at home, many design packages are available to enable you to create the invitation of your choice.
- When you finish all the writing, choose from a colorful array of stamp pads; test your rubber stamp on a scrap piece of paper to achieve an even distribution of ink for a clear image. Make sure you are working on a flat surface for the best results, and then stamp each invitation (figure C). Repeat on each RSVP card.
- Decorate the envelopes with the same or different stamps.
According to Ernstein, here are the most important points to remember when sending invitations: - Craft the invitation to fit the event.
- Make sure all the information is included: date, time, place, RSVP, type of party and dress code.
- Send the invitations well in advance.
Resources: The Complete Party Book: How to Plan, Host, and Enjoy Your Party From Conception to Conclusion (out of print)
By Deborah Sroloff
Photography by Don Ernstein Guest: Don Ernstein
Author/Photographer
Mr. Ernstein's information is private.
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