Have you ever received something that strikes you as the essence of exceptional quality, and also uniquely beautiful, so much so that you want to learn more about it? Over twenty years ago, I opened up a thank you note from a very dear friend in Farmington, originally from NYC, who has impeccably refined taste in all things tailored and traditional. I admired the handsome texture of the paper, the signature blue color, and the bespoke engraved monogram. That same day, I opened up a bespoke gift note that accompanied a hostess present from another dear friend who is a very stylish CEO living in NYC and London. Both note papers had meticulously detailed engraving, and the cotton fiber paper had an elegant feel too. It inspired me to look at the name of the stationery company embossed on the envelopes. Voila! That was my first introduction to Dempsey & Carroll, stationery engravers since 1878, and undoubtedly with a very discerning worldwide clientele who appreciate the art of correspondence.
As you can well imagine, I was simply overjoyed and honored when Dempsey & Carroll invited me to create a bespoke “Holly Holden” notecard to offer in their store and online! It was such a delight to work with their accomplished team to create the design of my gold fox logo on white stock, along with an exclusive pink and gold design for the envelope liner. I am so excited for the debut of these notecards to the world today!
Dempsey & Carroll also invited me to an interview for their website, to introduce me to their clientele. Below, are my answers in reference to their questions about writing paper:
What are your correspondence rituals? Do you write a little bit or somewhat often? Maybe you catch up on correspondence on a certain day of the week?
First thing in the morning, I love to make a pot of Countess Grey loose tea from Fortnum & Mason, and if I have personal correspondence to do, I sit down at our dining room table to write. I purposely do not write personal notes in my office. I savor the moments of early morning as “my time” to enjoy corresponding with dear friends and loved ones while sitting in a beautifully quiet room.
Tell us about your own correspondence! Do you have separate papers for business and personal?
Oh goodness, yes, I do have separate papers for business and personal! Can you guess what my color of choice is?! Yes, pink ink for my business logo, on white laid paper, and either pink, black or gold for my engraved personal papers. I adore the quality of Dempsey & Carroll. Discovering the traditional loose piece of tissue paper between each engraved card to prevent the ink from smudging when being delivered on my new Holly Holden line of notecards, relays to me a time when grace and gentility reigned.
Mummy was an advocate for fine stationery, especially for engraved pieces, and she was a stickler for promptly responding to invitations and writing thank you notes! I took it for granted that she would use a fountain pen and engraved writing paper to excuse me from school for an appointment or for sick days. She adored her classic blue paper and used traditional blue ink in her fountain pen. But, I think my true appreciation for writing paper came from the variety of formal wedding R.s.v.p. responses from my guests. Back then, preprinted response cards were not an option, and I continued the same tradition for our daughters’ weddings too! It was such fun to see the handwritten responses, because one’s choice of stationery speaks louder than words. What individuals choose represents them in their own unique way, from the paper stock and color, to the unique fonts and colors, insignias, crests, titles and monograms, to the pen ink color and the choice of lining for the envelopes. These are some of the nuances that make each piece one of a kind, just like the personality who sends it.
What is your #1 piece of advice for lovely living that most people might not know about?
There are so many aspects of lovely living that I cannot narrow it down to a #1 piece of advice! In reference to writing paper and correspondence, I can share some secrets that are not necessarily found in etiquette books, but passed down from generation to generation, by word of mouth. Handwriting is alive and well, and not a lost art, especially for those who understand the social and business significance of a hand-written note.
You can clearly see the “Dempsey & Carroll” name embossed on the left inside edge of the envelope.
A few of my secrets and “forbidden faux pas”:
-Avoid starting your letter with the word “I” as it gives the impression that you are more important than the person you are writing to.
-Sidestep starting your correspondence with “Thank you.” Instead, first explain why you are grateful and happy to receive the gift, how you will use it, and then conclude with the thank you.
-Seal only the tip of the envelope V flap, instead of sealing the entire envelope flap, making it easier for the recipient to open the envelope. By doing so, they can also have a peek at the embossed name of the stationery company, found on the back left, under the flap.
I share many more correspondence secrets in five previous MMM newsletters about “How to write a thank you note,” which are listed on my website under the sign-up form.
The complete Dempsey & Carroll interview includes what inspired me to become a designer, my favorite color palette, thoughts on color trends, some challenges as a designer, my pen of choice, and my favorite room to design.
The notecards, in packages of 10, are available through Dempsey & Carroll, and are true to tradition, exquisitely boxed and presented. Their lovely store is located at 1049 Lexington Avenue in New York City.
