Off-Road and Online

Updated: April 6, 2023

Adventure lovers, beach-goers, and trail seekers now enjoy the opportunity to build collaborations and take conference calls on the road. The workspace concept is redefined as the family dog makes regular on-screen appearances, and the back of a pickup truck transforms into a workstation. With the shift to fewer in-person meetings, you may wonder how to stay top-of-mind with customers. The hidden benefit of remote work is seeing your clients in a new light, in more personal and interesting surroundings. It's a great chance to get to know the human behind the email and better understand how to celebrate what matters to them.

As we weave personal travel into our business agendas, deal-making, and day-to-day business decisions move from the mainstream to the airstream. Designs are drawn from the comfort of deck chairs, and strategies are solidified from the shorelines. Successful entrepreneurs drop knowledge from behind the wheel of an RV (@Jesseitzler), while others work from converted Sprinter vans nicer than most apartments. Mini cabins and newly renovated motels are enjoying a resurgence as clients post from locations that tout open hallways, no elevators, and no closed corridors.

All this blending of work and home offers a glimpse into people's passions, a chance to note their travels and tendencies. Tap into these passions as you think about your client gifts. Upgrade their morning java with a beautifully glazed ceramic mug, or add a spark of style to their campfire with a unique whiskey tumbler. Send colorful, handwoven coasters or bar towels that spice up the park table yet require little space to carry. Whatever the favored activity, a nod to your client's lifestyle with a handcrafted artisan gift box reflects genuine thoughtfulness that will last through years of road trips and rendezvous.

For all of our explorers out there, honk if you love artisan gifts, refill your mug for the ride, keep the mints and chapstick close, and set your course for the next destination.

Carving Out Quiet Space at Home

We finally finished one of our own custom projects, which, like most of us, fall to the bottom of the list with other priorities. It seems we’re all busy carving out new outdoor spaces and creating more personal and private areas. It's a challenge we've been focused on; how to add unique pockets of space, bring variety to an existing spot, and spice up a small but charming outside area.

We started with simple things. On weekends, we switched to pulling the stools up to our bar, a quaint spot for happy hour, instead of the usual place at the table or kitchen counter. It sounds minor, but it made a big difference. Same house, different view. We also started a regular rotation of serving options; ceramic cups, glassware, cutting boards, and using a variety of bowls and plates. (If you're feeling stuck, visit our online Marketplace for ideas and options.) Unique textures help mix things up and make it easy to share your favorite pizza or the dips and treats that highlight happy hour in festive ways. Take a fresh look around and see what simple changes you can make to give yourself a new experience. This is how also we became inspired to make a bar cart, to enhance the look and feel of our outdoor area.

For this latest project, our goal was something different, a quiet getaway without leaving home. We built a window seat that spans the wall of our master bedroom. The base was built in a weekend, but finding someone to make custom cushions with our material took much longer. Now, it invites us to relax in the heat, curl up when the rain rolls in, or escape to finish reading books like Erin French's memoir, Finding Freedom and The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown.

Until the next happy hour, here's to catching up on some reading and sipping morning coffee from your favorite quiet space.

A Renaissance of Relaxation

This summer, a renaissance of relaxation is unfolding. We’re watching a proactive shift to delight in the downtime. Some are taking to the open road to explore uncharted destinations. For others, it's a short trip to the back patio, to a chair by the garden, or a quiet spot by the water. Sightseeing may be as simple as watching the pour of a cold beverage into your favorite glass. However you define it, we’re looking to see how this translates to small business owners. And here’s what we’ve found so far…

This trend of a healthier work-life blend is playing out before us as we watch artists, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs make an intentional move to cut back. Yep, work less. In the last month, we’ve seen online business owners announce they're signing off social media for the summer, taking a podcast hiatus for a month, or scaling back to a 4-day work week (with no 10 hour work days preceding.) Business owners are picking their health, and families, over the voice that calls us to work seven days a week (because there’s always more to do). For those we follow closely, it appears to be born of a real desire (or need) to take a break, to enjoy time with loved ones more fully.

It's a new day in this dialogue of how to rest and reach our goals, two objectives that at one time were considered opposites. Now, they've emerged as an attainable standard. We've never seen so many of our colleagues simultaneously make this move and we're cautiously optimistic about the outcome. It's a time to imagine the possibilities and to acknowledge that we are in charge of our time and our lives.

While this might sound like a simple decision, we’ve also learned that it takes planning and preparation to make this change stick. We don’t pretend to have it all figured out yet. What we can say is we believe we can work on it while taking more long weekends, slowing the roll, and unwinding into a summer of hazy days by the water, patio parties, and the flash of a few sparklers to celebrate our victories along the way. We hope you’ll ponder doing the same.

The Elegance of Engraving

Updated April 30, 2024

How many gifts have you received over the years where someone has taken the time to engrave them? I bet you can recall each one, whether it's jewelry or an artisan piece because it reminds you of a significant occasion. The engraving isn't a quick stop en route to an event or a last-minute online order, so you know they planned. The choice to personalize sends a message of care and consideration.

The decision of what to say and where you want to engrave it has become much more creative as personalized gifts have surged. We've added script and block lettering on serving boards as host gifts and names, initials, and dates on wedding gift boxes. New homes are an exciting reason to celebrate. Farm and estate names make a lovely addition to our specialty gift boxes. Our hand-crafted doorstops are a favorite for move-in day. Meaningful words or mantras have increased in popularity as people have become more expressive and gifts more individualized.

For your next special event, avoid the last-minute scramble and take the opportunity to give something that can be treasured for generations. Craftsmanship and personalization enhance each gift, from beverage coasters to handcrafted cutting boards or specialty gift boxes. Anniversaries, weddings, deal closings, partner collaborations, and client gifts are noteworthy occasions to raise the bar. Engraving offers a beautiful enhancement as guests admire the custom details.

The next time a milestone event appears on your calendar, consider engraving and the chance to send a thoughtful message to friends, family, clients, and colleagues.

Mingle with Margaritas and Mocktails

There’s nothing like a festive mix of margaritas and mocktails to liven up an afternoon. When the family salsa recipe is matched with nachos, beer, and a generous serving of guac, it’s a fiesta in the making. We celebrated a milestone family event recently, and here we share a peek at the vivid colors and casual style of the occasion. The gathering highlighted a personal touch to make it more meaningful for the guests-of-honor and to demonstrate the care and love of those who created it.

Here are a few details and photos from behind the scenes. We hope this serves as inspiration when you’re looking to spice things up with a little fiesta fun of your own:

• Hand-stenciled party favors in drawstring bags, complete with the couple’s event logo, are filled with Mexican candies and topped with colorful, mini tissue flowers.

• Taco string lights laced across the front of the table are a fun surprise and add the perfect touch.

• A custom cherry and black walnut gift card box with white maple accent corners adds texture and beautiful craftsmanship to the display (We made the box.). Cards and well wishes from each guest are placed in the box, which can be used for programs or cards on the wedding day and later to showcase treasures and heirlooms in the couple’s home.

• A glass vase filled with white stones, lush green cactus, and succulents creates a vivid contrast to the tissue flowers that dot the tables.

• A variety of recycled glass whiskey bottles make the perfect vase for long-stemmed tissue flowers.

• Finally, a venue with bright murals creates a striking backdrop for yellow and white tablecloths that serve as the centerpiece foundation.

Crab Their Attention

Where did we stash those beach towels, and has anyone seen the sun hats? We’ve never been so excited to purchase a tube of sunscreen. While vacation may be weeks away, it’s a welcome change to think of traveling, gathering, and staying someplace other than home. We are ready to set sail, and gifts that encourage a free spirit are riding a wave of popularity.

How do you inspire guests, colleagues, and clients to feel the wind at their back, share the excitement of exploring new destinations, or celebrate the thrill of charting a different course? To create the right gift, there’s more than one way to crab their attention. For those who find joy on the shorelines and calm with every lap of the waves, we can relate. There’s no need to go overboard in design; a simple reminder of the leisurely pace of the shorelines will do.

If the water’s edge is a favorite place to relax, anchor your gifts with a nautical flair. Choose colorful cups, handwoven towels in blue, or a vivid blend of red and white. Include the scent of an ocean breeze or the calm of a Sunday sunrise over the surf. Add a seashell or colorful trinket (we found these anchors at a little shop on the Eastern Shore) as a fun accent. For those who enjoy the Chesapeake, the taste of Old Bay seasoning in Mouth Party’s Chesapeake caramels is always a big hit. The unique flavor brings sweetness with a hint of spice in each bite. For a personal touch, tuck in your favorite crab dip recipe, or put crab cakes on the menu with a recipe printed on a kitchen towel. To finish, bright ribbons of yellow and white or regal blue complete the wrapping.

As you look ahead to welcoming summer guests, hosting team outings, and sending client thank you gifts, a nod to beloved destinations can make a big splash.

Bar Carts and Serving Trays Get the Party Rolling

While the pollen may have us sweeping our decks and walkways, it’s the seasonal nudge that signals warm weather ahead. We’ve been greeting family, and hosting outdoors for some time, now that the weather is on our side. It’s time to dust off the summer barware, unpack the colorful chair pillows, and get set for summer. Bring the merriment and music, treat yourself, and serve your guests in this new season of patio parties.

Set the scene with serving trays - An easy way to upgrade the party presentation and enhance your theme is with serving trays that create the look of a collection and pull your elements together. Trays can be used for glassware, beverages, or dessert toppings, as an example. With a myriad of tin, wood, ceramic, and pewter options, they’re functional and part of the decor. A festive design on a metal tray is a fun pairing with cold beer, chips, and salsa. A silver tray may be fitting for formal evenings and a pour of bourbon. Perhaps a white ceramic tray is a choice for sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of champagne served with chocolates and fresh fruit.

Keep the party rolling – We’ve seen some unique ideas for bar carts, including two wooden boxes stacked on top of each other with a cutting board on top. To spice up your version of a bar cart, look for colorful barware and textured bowls that complement the occasion—blend glassware with ceramic tumblers and unique bowls in a variety of shapes and sizes. Include a beverage selection from the local distillery and quality tonics for mixing. Finish with whimsical napkins, paper or reusable straws, handwoven towels, and colorful coasters. Be sure to leave room for a bloom of color.

Accents for the appetizers – Minimize the need for silverware and use cocktail picks in bamboo or forged metal to keep it simple and stylish. A small wooden vessel or mini artisan cup holder offers easy access to the mozzarella, shrimp, or meatballs (and is a welcome upgrade from a plastic cup holder). Remember picks for your olives and the beverage garnish. A decorative dish is a stylish spot for the garnish too.

Move to the music – Background music makes a big difference in setting the mood. One handy option is a small, portable Bluetooth speaker like the Bose Soundlink micro-speaker. It’s waterproof and has a flexible strap that stretches across the back to accommodate the variety of places to attach your tunes – a railing, your bar cart, or the inside beam of a beach umbrella, to name just a few.

It’s been a long wait, and we’re optimistic that the time has arrived for us to step out, relax and enjoy entertaining. We intend to keep our gatherings easy, colorful, and merry, with plenty of music to boot, and we encourage you to consider the same.

Magazine Picks for a Pop of Inspiration

I’ve been cutting out pictures and pages from magazines since grade school, long before vision boards and journaling were a thing. There’s nothing like an inspiring magazine in your hands to spark creativity. The texture of the paper, the eye-catching photographs, and the content expand our thinking. Beyond the beauty of destinations and lifestyle, we look at content for a fresh take on color combinations, unique locations, outdoor scenes, trends and entertainment settings. It’s like buying a new home; every time you drive by a house, you look at something different. In magazines, every time you flip through the pages, you see something new.

In addition to social media and your industry publications, pick up a magazine that’s beyond the scope of your immediate business to explore a different perspective on what clients are doing, where they are going, and how they’re living. For us, travel, outdoor, cooking and entertainment are all slices of life that our customers enjoy. Unique artisan cups, whiskey tumblers, handwoven linens, and hand-crafted cutting boards are preferred entertainment elements for those who host lively celebrations and give distinct gifts; both are meant to be memorable. Reading the stories and profiles of people and places where your clients and colleagues live, rest, vacation, and work can enhance your content, especially now that our work and personal lives have become so intertwined.

Here are six of our go-to magazine choices to help inspire creative thinking:

Sweet Paul – While the recipe-lovers will surely enjoy this, so will the artists and creatives. The photographs are spectacular; everything from floral designs, custom crafts, upscale flea markets, outdoor chef barbeques and beautiful artisan elements appear on the pages. It’s is a unique publication offering far more than dinner and dessert options.

Afar – A global travel publication written to guide you to your best journeys. These storytellers make you feel like you’re experiencing the flavors and local culture right along with them. Articles range from the backroads of tribal lands in remote territories to the glitz of big-city destinations.

Where Women Create – Advice, lessons-learned, and tips, these pages are chock full of ideas and inspiration from women business owners in their glorious and colorful maker spaces.

Outside – The adventure seekers and explorers will enjoy the trails, tips, and dispatches from the wild. Find stories of those who love to roll up their sleeves for a weekend road trip, aren’t afraid of a little cold weather or rain to reach uncharted waters, or prefer a long mountain trek to the comfort of a beach towel.

Aspire Design and Home – The bright, eye-catching color combinations and distinct design concepts, along with unique editor picks, are as aspirational as the name implies.

Departures – This one is all about luxury travel destinations around the world. The magazine itself is a member benefit of American Express; however, it includes extensive articles on beautiful European getaways, domestic mountain and ski resorts, secluded properties, and upscale lifestyle tips and trends. Despite the obvious commercial connection, it is worth reading.

If you were here to look around my office, you would find pages from these magazines torn out and saved for years in our filing cabinet. You’d also see a metal bucket full of magazines and calendars of all shapes and sizes, along with pages of scenery, design, and inspirational pictures tacked to the corkboard or posted behind magnets. Online may be informative, easy, and even beautiful; however, print speaks to us and stays with us in ways that digital cannot.

Entertain in Your Outdoor Oasis

We’ve learned to appreciate ‘quietude,’ it’s a silver lining that many of us have come to cherish. While spring's arrival offers more sunshine and warm weather, it also stirs anticipation for the chance to mix and mingle. How we create a living area to accommodate both is on our minds. The quest for flexible space to entertain and serve as a relaxing escape is on the rise. The answer may lie just beyond our patio doors as we expand our living space into the gardens. It’s the best of both worlds.

The Sounds of Solitude
The crunch of a gravel path under our feet conveys the message that we’re headed to a more peaceful place. A comfy chair and a colorful blanket placed along a path, near the flower gardens, a fountain, or by the water’s edge creates a full sensory experience that celebrates nature's sights and sounds.

Soften the Edges
Soften the edges of the steps, fence, or railing with the appeal of blooms and greenery. Arrange wildlife-friendly plants like lavender around your space to attract the bees and butterflies.

The Front Yard is for More Than the Welcome Mat
What was once the purview of the backyard has now extended out the front door. A wild garden with a mix of perennials and organic grasses draws visitors in and invites them to savor the experience.

Texture and Touch
Rustic flower pots, metal containers, wood stands, and ceramic tableware blend together to add depth and texture to your surroundings.

Garden Bar
Think outside the bar with how and where you make room for your refreshments. Everything from old sheds, rolling carts, and potting benches are being repurposed for a unique happy hour adventure.

Mood Lighting
The addition of tiki torches, lanterns, and twinkle lights heighten the mood of a festive gathering and brighten any occasion.

How to Design a Message that Moves

When your print piece moves organically, you see it clipped behind a magnet, repurposed as a bookmark, or tacked to a bulletin board; you know it captured someone's attention with a message that meant something. We recently designed a card with the dual purpose of sharing a positive message and with a mission toward movement. Based on the fun calls and texts we received, we're sharing a few key details that went into the card design to inspire your next piece.

The Big Picture. The first consideration for any custom piece is understanding the ultimate goal. How do you want people to feel when they see it, open it? Is there an overarching message you want to communicate? In our case, we wanted to share the word “Joy” intentionally. It was a specific choice, one we felt was better suited to us than the words, Cheer or Celebrate, as an example.

Pass It On - Having the card move and be shared between people was a central theme. In social we see it happen with reposts, tagging, and shares, but we forget this can occur with a physical piece too. Creating a voluntary hand-off, a reason to share, was the most challenging part; encouraging movement without making it too complicated. Our choice was a perforated card that included a postcard mailer, something our recipients would tear off and want to mail to their person of choice. (Access to a talented print team comes in handy. We work with Schmitz Press.).

Engaging and Interactive – When people think of interactive, they often go right to a digital or online platform; however, you can accomplish this in print. How can you get people to interact and do something fun with your mailer? We created three different checkboxes with whimsical fill-in-the-blank lines for people to complete.

Pick your Postage - We affixed the postcard stamp as part of the mailing to encourage people to address and mail the tear-off postcard. It was an added expense, however, worth it when our recipients sent their postcards, which was the whole point. On a funny note, the Post Office only had fish postcard stamps; they told us no holiday postcard stamps were coming. Not exactly a traditional choice, but we didn't get hung up on it. The envelope stamps for the entire card were holiday-themed, and that was more important.

Creating unique elements that make an impact with clients is a priority in our business. Yes, we do all the online things; however, creative, non-digital communication is a welcome reinforcement and bonus to email and online outreach. Let's face it, this is a process that anyone can do, but few people will. That’s why it’s a smart move.