What’s in YOUR Stationery Wardrobe?

Once I learned what a “stationery wardrobe” was, I had great answers

During a wonderful recent interview for the Awesome Etiquette podcast, Lizzie Post (Emily Post Institute Co-President) asked me the question: “What’s in your stationery wardrobe?” I’d never heard the term before and was intrigued to learn that she was asking me to elaborate on what I call “my stash” of writing papers and notecards. [Don’t miss this podcast episode when it goes live next week. I’ll let you know.]

I couldn’t resist consulting ChatGPT as to its definition of a “stationery wardrobe.” Emily Post would have been proud:

A stationery wardrobe refers to a collection of various types of stationery that one keeps on hand for different occasions. The idea is similar to a clothing wardrobe, where you have different outfits for different events and seasons.

A well-rounded stationery wardrobe might include the following:

Personalized Correspondence Cards or Letter Sheets: These are ideal for handwritten notes, thank you notes, or letters. They usually feature the person's name or monogram.

Informal Note Cards: These are perfect for quick notes to friends, thank you notes for casual occasions, or any informal correspondence.

Formal Stationery: This is used for formal correspondence, such as condolence notes, wedding thank you notes, or professional letters.

Celebration Invitations: These could be kept on hand for impromptu parties or gatherings. Having them in your stationery wardrobe means you're always ready to host.

Thank You Cards: It's always good to have a set of thank you cards ready for expressing gratitude.

Holiday Cards: These are typically used once a year, but it's good to have them ready ahead of the holiday season.

Miscellaneous: This category might include items like gift tags, place cards for dinner parties, or postcards.

Writing Instruments: Good quality pens or pencils that you enjoy using should be a part of your stationery wardrobe as well.

I’m afraid I’m not as intentional as I should be about my clothing wardrobe, and my stationery wardrobe is not much better, but I loved thinking about her question. I realized that I do, indeed, have one and there is some method to my madness, even if not as precise or as complete as the one described above.

I do try to always have formal notepaper on hand, currently from Crane & Co. or Papier. This is a fold-over note or a simple card with my name or monogram printed or embossed on the front or near the top. While I use these for almost any kind of note, they are most appropriate for situations that demand a certain level of seriousness, professionalism, or traditional etiquette. I keep them in a small caddy on my writing desk for convenience.

Since I often write with a fountain pen, the paper must be of a thickness and texture that ink won’t bleed or smear, though I always have a supply of Herbin blotter sheets nearby. Here’s a list of some of the top companies selling this kind of paper:

• Crane & Co.
  An American company established in 1801 that produces exquisite stationery. Crane & Co. are particularly known for their 100% cotton paper products, including personalized stationery and wedding invitations.

• Papier
  The UK-based company partners with several artists and designers for unique and diverse designs. Their stationery often features thick, high-quality paper and is generally well-regarded by consumers.

• Smythson of Bond Street
  An esteemed British manufacturer of luxury stationery, diaries, and fashion products. Founded in 1887, it's well known for its high-quality leather goods and stationery.

• G. Lalo
  A Parisian company founded in 1920, G. Lalo provides high-quality stationery used by French and European royalty. They're famous for their "Verge de France" writing paper and matching envelopes.

• Rifle Paper Co.
  This Florida-based stationery and lifestyle brand offers a wide range of products, from notebooks and calendars to phone cases and rugs. They're well-known for their distinctive, hand-painted designs.

Below is my writing desk showing the caddy that holds my formal notecards as well as my pens and the basket of inks. I have another decorative box to the right in which I keep lots of miscellaneous envelopes and paper.

I love to support artists and photographers who make cards of their work, so whenever I go to craft fairs or art galleries—and gift shops when I’m traveling—I always pick up a few to add to my stash. This has the added value of reminding me of the purchase location when I pull the card out to write on it.

I recently met many card designers and creators through the Greeting Card Association when they invited me to speak at their fall retreat last year. I highlighted several of them and some other favorites in the special five editions of this newsletter during National Stationery Week in May:

• Day #1: National Stationery Week - Get Creative: Up With Paper

• Day #2: Children and Whimsy: Ashley Cruz Campbell (Coral & Blue) and Ashleigh Pritchard (CharmCat)

• Day #3: Happiness, Heart, and Color: Lori Portka and Karen R. Sanderson

• Day #4: Inspired and Inspiring: Traci Bixby (Mossy Blue) and Meriah Kruse

• Day #5: Celebrating Life’s Moments: Mickey Baxter-Space and Alexandra Burrow (Sublime & Co.)

And I admit that I often check the card selections at my local Dollar General or Family Dollar Store and stock up on special occasion cards. You can’t beat the price and many are quite attractive and not too flimsy.

I found the little wooden shelf pictured below for these. I made simple dividers so they are arranged by category: Anniversary, Baby, Birthday, Congratulations, Encouragement (Thinking of You), Get Well, Sympathy, and Miscellaneous. This makes them easy to grab when I need a specific message. I use the drawer for stamps and return address labels.

So there’s your peek into my “stationery wardrobe.” I’d love to know in the comments below. There’s no right or wrong way to organize your note-writing supplies, but having even a rudimentary system will be the single most important step you can take to write more notes and letters. Make it convenient and make it work for you.

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Thank you to everyone who downloaded my new eBook/eGuide “How to Write a Heartspoken Sympathy Note” during last week’s giveaway. It’s not free any longer, but it’s jam-packed with ideas, quotations, inspiration, a checklist, and lots of sample sympathy notes for different situations. Get details here.