Ah, the mailbox. What charm it still holds as we rush out like little children once the mail carrier has passed. Yet, in this modern age, on what are we awaiting? The monthly bill from the phone company? The wonderful grocery circular? Oh, yes, it must be the daily parcel proclaiming that you have won the jackpot and can now retire in style, but only after having purchased enough magazines to fill the entire garage of that dream house! What, then, has us holding our breath in anticipation as we quickly skim through the mail, and brings forth a smile when our eyes alight on it? It is the envelope - perhaps a different size or color than the rest - with our name indelibly written across the front in a loved one's marked scrawl. This envelope holds wonder, amazement, the joys and quiet observations - in which is the written correspondence that can be shared over and again just in the reading of it. The knowledge that someone took the time to pen you a letter revives you. It revives your mailbox from the tiredness of bills and junk mail. It is the Revival of the Letter!

Join us in our campaign to put pen to parchment and revive the art of sending true mail to friends and loved ones! View all note pads.

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Addressing Envelopes

Addressing invitations these days has become quite a challenge. Here are some of the more typical scenarios:

Married couple:
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Married couple, each keeping their own name:
Ms. Stacy Jones and Mr. Allen Smith

Or

Ms. Stacy Jones
and Mr. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Ms. Jones and Mr. Smith

Married couple, doctors:
The Doctors Smith

Or

Doctors (Drs.) Stacy and Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Drs. Smith

Married couple, only husband is a doctor:
Dr. and Mrs. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Dr. and Mrs. Smith

Married couple, only wife is a doctor (spouse with title comes first):
Dr. Stacy Smith and Mr. Allen Smith

Or

Dr. Stacy Smith
and Mr. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Dr. and Mr. Smith

Married couple, wife is doctor AND kept her maiden name:
Dr. Stacy Jones and Mr. Allen Smith

Or

Dr. Stacy Jones
and Mr. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Dr. Jones and Mr. Smith

Living together, but not married (alphabetical):
Ms. Stacy Jones
Mr. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Ms. Jones
Mr. Smith

For a Family:
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Smith
Inner envelope: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Lila, Morton and Russell

Or

Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Miss Lila Smith
Master Morton Smith
Master Russell Smith

When addressing invitations, senior is used only in situations where there is a widow. When there is a junior, when written out, the "j" is lower case (junior), when abbreviated, the "j" is capitalized (Jr.)

Those guests with steady significant others are invited with their dates. Every effort should be made to find the correct spelling of this person's name. "And guest" should never appear on an invitation.

This article was written by: Jodi R. R. Smith, owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. www.Mannersmith.com Copyright © 2000-2007 Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

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“My inspiration came in December 1998 when the idea to surprise my husband with a special Christmas gift required some creative financing.

For a number of years, my art degree was put to use by designing and personalizing prints and cards for friends... so I had an idea of what to do! I pulled out my markers and watercolors, went into my art studio (also known as my laundry room!), put together 10 designs and presented them at the 1998 Memphis Junior League Show.

The positive reception at the show not only made it possible to purchase Freddy's Christmas gift (He loved it!), but also gave birth to our company a year later.

On the home front, I have an encouraging husband and two inspiring young children, Isabel & Nicholas. Together we enjoy spending time with family, friend... and of course, painting!”

Julia is known for her whimsical designs ranging from wedding to children and everything in between!

>> View Julia D. Azar items .............................................................

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