i love calling cards- they seem like such a romantic notion in a time where almost everything is digital. d*s is an almost entirely paper-free company but the one place i splurge is on calling cards (mine are from brooklyn social cards), letter-writing stationery and cards. i use them sparingly but when i do, it feels so special. these colorful versions are from avis wampler of avie designs on etsy. there are tons of colorful options to choose from so click here to view the full collection.

ps: we’re about to do a video with david stark but the ny times just did a slideshow of his work that showcases exactly why we love him so much. they’ll sue the pants off of me if i run any images from the page so instead i’ll just strongly strongly suggest that you click here to view the slideshow. i love the way he uses spools and twine as decoration- it’s a MUST MUST read.

Today these little twins had their first official social engagement: a baptism followed by a special luncheon. This reminded me of my own godmother and the countless presents she's sent me over the years following that first christening gift, which was a porringer.

In the image above, it looks like Ruthie Sommers' daughter Eloise has a porringer in her nursery (Domino, October 2008). These modest shallow dishes with flat handles were originally used centuries ago by adults and children to hold porridge. (Pewter and silver versions were often saved and passed down in families.) In the modern era they continued to be used as practical bowls for babies, and in Vogue's Book of Etiquette from 1969, porringers are mentioned as a useful, enduring, and elegant baby present for godparents to give a godchild.

The idea is that the dishes are easily washable, can be engraved, and can be used throughout one's life to hold jewelry or odds and ends. Tiffany's sells the sleek style also shown above, and the 18th-century piece below is from the Brooklyn Museum.


Sippy cups are far more practical than traditional sterling baby cups, but I still think the silver versions are nice keepsakes that make pretty holders for Q-tips or flowers. Other timeless christening gift suggestions from my old Vogue book include forks and spoons, and combs and brushes. Lasting value is the key, so clothes are not traditional presents in this instance -- although fun for godmothers to give later. Piggy banks and classic picture frames can be more affordable, yet wonderful, options.


Anything that the recipient will hopefully save and use one day on a desk or shelf, or for her own children, is nice. The banks shown at the top of this post and below happen to be from Tiffany's. But consider browsing estate sales and antique shops for other similar items. The vintage and antique silver cups are from Beverly Bremer and start at around $100.


BTW: If you are a goddaughter and wondering what to give your godmother, Vogue 1969 recommended the following. I think they've stood the test of time.


Classic, good-looking stationery (G. Lalo.)
Books with general appeal
White guest towels
"Go-with-anything" home accessories such as a letter opener, simple highball glasses, a clear glass vase or a stamp box.


And finally, while we are vaguely on the subject of nurseries, look at this pretty turtle hardware from Anthropologie. I'm not usually the biggest fan of novelty knobs but these might be perfect on a simple two-door cabinet. Wonder if they could be made into magnets for an inspiration board?

A few years ago I went through a serious Martha phase. I arrived at bridal showers with fresh blooms on my packages and covered friends' birthday gift boxes with woven grosgrain ribbon. (The matchbox obsession you've already heard about.) One project, however, really stands out in my mind as a truly good thing: custom-designed bookplates and labels.

Bookplates are usually elegant little paper labels that, according to Martha Stewart, add a personal touch to a treasured book and indicate a volume's rightful owner. Like party invitations or personal stationery, bookplates can be quite costly or very inexpensive -- there's a wide range of options available. Some bookplates are engraved while others are made at home with a rubber stamp or a computer printer.

You probably remember that when Mary McDonald hosted a book-themed baby shower, she had custom bookplates made along with the invitations. These were mailed to guests who were asked to bring a book for the new baby and to write a brief personal note on the bookplate.

Above, Charlotte Moss chose to use her beloved pagoda in this design for a personal bookplate. Most any business that produces customized note paper or invitations will make bookplates. Some will have a catalog of motifs from which to choose or you may inquire about bringing in your own non-copyrighted image.

Obviously these days many crafty, resourceful people make their own bookplates by hand (templates are available at Martha's site).

Rubber stamps are great because they allow you to vary your ink and paper colors (white ink on chocolate-brown paper or the reverse depending on mood). One year, for a friend who bakes, I had a stamp made that read "from Julia's kitchen" below an image of a dish. Using my computer, I did the graphic design, printed it out and took it to a business supply shop, Artlite.

In my Christmas gift to Julia I included her personal stamp, ink pads and a stack of blank paper gift tags and recipe cards. The same principle works for bookplates. It's a fun thing to do for the friend who has everything.

BTW: For collectors, bookplates are a miniature art form. To learn more, visit the Bookplate Society. And Cashmere Librarian suggests The Art of the Bookplate.

Credits: images one, two, seven and eight are from Good Things; the Mary McDonald shower pictures are via House Beautiful; and Charlotte Moss' bookplate is from her latest book, A Flair for Living, available through her site.