Raise your glass to romance

Some years we overlook the days designated for romance. What’s at the heart of this? Let’s be honest; it can feel like work to orchestrate events for a calendar-assigned day. Instead, we love the idea of creating small heartfelt moments to fan the flame all month long. These mini-moments feel easier to accomplish and sprinkle the love around. Sounds like a sweetheart deal, right?

We’re here to help you be “mine” ful of different ways to surprise someone as their not-so-secret admirer:

• A flirtatious flicker - Dim the lights with the glow of candles (amber, sandlewood, bougie) to set the mood.

• Romance in full bloom - Skip the usual bouquet. Share fresh florals in a custom box matched with treats in an artisan cup. Give gifts that last and remind them of you long after the day.

• Sip with your sweetheart - Celebrate the evening with a gorgeous pair of handcrafted wine goblets as unique as your loved one. These keep the love flowing all year long.

• Lavender love - Soak up the sensation of calm and quiet at the end of a beautiful evening with a gift of natural lavender detox soap.

• Date night tasting menu - Create decadent dessert trays or passion fruit plates to spice up the meal. Have fun with the napkins and skewer sticks too. Natural wood holders make a beautiful frame when serving up the details of a romantic evening.

Welcome Gifts: Create an Atmosphere of Anticipation

Scenic trails, cozy blankets, and crackling campfires are what we imagine when we’re dreaming of a weekend getaway. The door swings open, you step inside, exhale, and leave your worries behind. There’s a gorgeous view to enjoy as you embrace the cabin comforts and anticipate the weekend ahead. A beautiful gift box is there waiting for you. It’s an unexpected surprise, an invitation to explore new tastes and treasures. Each element inside the gift box hints at the excitement to come. Isn’t this the way all weekends should begin?

The way we welcome our guests sets the mood for an entire experience, whether it’s the start of a relaxing retreat or a thank-you to lifelong friends in your wedding party. Here are three ideas to inspire your gifts as you welcome friends, family, and guests.

The flair of local flavors - Highlight local artisans from the region with savory treats made by small businesses. It could be the scent of pine, cinnamon spice, or palo santo candles paired with snacks like caramels, chocolates, or pretzels made by a family business. A sample beverage from a nearby brewery, coffee beans, or a sip of spirits (bonus for a catchy name or creative label) is another way to spice up your gifts.

Bring back memories - Include at least one piece that lives beyond the sips and snacks as a joyful reminder of the experience. It could be engraved wood coasters, a festive pin, distinct ceramic cups, or a handwoven towel. Give your gifts in a handcrafted wood gift box to leave a lasting impression.

The karma of kind words - Take the time to include a personal note. Jot a few words on the back of a scenic postcard from the area and include a second one for them to share, leave your message on a beautiful hand-illustrated card, or add heartfelt thanks inside the day’s itinerary. You might be surprised at how many times these notes get pinned to a corkboard at home, used as bookmarks, posted in the office, or shown proudly on a refrigerator. Your words are appreciated, take the time to say something from the heart.

The magic happens when you infuse your personal style throughout the gift experience and create an atmosphere of anticipation for what’s to come.

If you’d like ideas on how to reuse these beautiful gift boxes you can get a copy of our free guide here. These deluxe wood boxes can be found on our Specialty Series page.

At ease, please. And other lessons learned.

Each year we review the data and glean the facts to determine what stays and goes in our business. We experienced excitement and frustration as we embraced new tools and technology. We worked around the supply chain issues. We enjoyed the satisfaction of launching new product lines (Specialty Series) and new gift box designs. We met clients and colleagues in person to laugh and live again. And we were aware of the continued heavy news cycles layered on top. Upon reflection, our business lessons revolve around communication and marketing channel growth, time, and our mindset toward all of it.      

 The raw numbers we collect (opens, clicks, visits, engagement, etc.) are combined with anecdotal information (texts, comments) to celebrate the wins and decide what we need to start or stop doing. Web analytics, social media tracking, and sales stats are some of the gauges we use to evaluate a given year. And, are we having fun? This is an important metric too.

 More is just more. It’s easy to get wrapped around the axel of social media and spend precious hours in the vortex of producing posts, stories, reels, videos, and feeds. Posts on social media channels were once a way to boost visibility when we had extra time. Today, with so much vying for customers’ attention, digital and social channels are a minimum point of business entry. More is not necessarily better. Weaving creativity into the message is the differentiator now. 

 One challenge is the sheer number of unique social platforms and products available. The vast amount of social media options that offer visibility, sales, and engagement are fantastic - and terrifying. (Do I really have to jump around and point? Ah, maybe.) Focusing on which channels to grow and our efficiency in content creation is vital. We’re an online business; however, we make a physical product, so we manage much more than the online elements.

 Another lesson was the self-inflicted tension around the learning curve of digital and web-based tools. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was all short and fast? Some things took more time than was allotted, which caused frustration in scheduling. You have to be mindful of and evaluate the size of your team, your circumstances, the true time investment necessary (an eye-opener), your goal for the platform (leads, sales, visibility, engagement?), and determine what works for your business and life. For the coming year, we’ve settled on a more reasonable frequency, a better-planned process (batching and tools like Later), and an intention of embedding ease into our day (more on this below.). Everyone wins when we accomplish this.

Add ease, please. It won’t surprise you to hear that this year is about a mindset of ease. We still have deadlines and schedules to follow, and things will not always go as planned. However, we can have more patience, reduce the “hurry” mentality and be more content with the journey. There will always be new products and technologies, and some deadlines will slide from their original dates. And yet, we’ll figure it out, life will go on, and it will be amazing.

There's Nothing Like Watching Their Faces Light Up

We watched her smile, slowly turning the gift box around to admire it from every angle. When it turned to the front and she saw the engraving, she gasped with surprise and delight. There’s nothing like watching their faces light up when you give a memorable gift. We rarely get to see the reaction first-hand when a gift box is opened. It’s usually shipped to destinations far and wide or delivered for a reveal at a later time. We hear about the excitement in texts or phone calls (sometimes both!) from those who send the gifts. In this instance, we were fortunate to be there for the experience - and how fun! Do you get stuck deciding what to give that’s meaningful and unique? Do you wrestle with how to leave a lasting impression? If so, we’ve got some ideas and inspiration to help make your selection easy.

Personalization is what makes a gift unique; it’s the gorgeous wood grain, the artisan elements, and the craftsmanship that makes the gift recipient feel special. In the case of this gift box, the venue is perched high in the Catskill Mountains, surrounded by cabins and firepits and an incredible view. With that setting in mind, we selected long matches for their campfires and ceramic tumblers with an earthy glaze pattern that inspires thoughts of mountain peaks and walking paths. Tucked inside is a mini ceramic air plant pot with an artful design that reflects the distant mountains, and a candle fills the air with a woodsy aroma. Engraving is another way to personalize a gift. Imagine an inspirational quote, a favorite music lyric, or in this example, a logo etched in the wood for a finishing touch. This gift box is made from natural hardwoods (black walnut, and white maple) right down to the beveled handles. The entire design is with the customer in mind. While it may be easy to grab generic, off-the-shelf items, if the recipient doesn’t remember you (and never uses your gift), you’ve missed an opportunity. Or worse, you’ve made the wrong impression. A personalized gift sends the message that they’re important to you.

Is it a gift they’ll love each time they use it? That’s the goal of a memorable gift. Is it a handcrafted beauty, distinct in style? Is it reusable? Does it reflect the texture of natural materials? Consider these ideas, and light up someone’s day with your gifts. We encourage you to take a few moments to determine the impression you’d like to make. Then, we invite you to shop our Gift Box Collection, Specialty Series, and the Marketplace to make your memorable gift selection. It feels amazing to receive a gift like this, and it feels pretty darn good to give one too.

Highlights from Hudson

As we packed up the luggage and tossed in our final bag, I felt incredibly grateful that we were going twenty minutes down the road, not the full five hours home. After such a big family event, the best thing we did for ourselves was plan to stay in Hudson, NY, and have an extra day to decompress, just the two of us. Between naps and a glass of wine, we took the time to reflect on the wedding weekend, and here are a few of our favorite details. Two are from the celebration itself, and two are post-event to encourage you to indulge in rest and comfort after your milestone moments.

Tablescapes are a personal expression of the wedding couples' style. Is it bold, bright, subtle, or ornate? So many directions you can go. On this occasion, simple yet beautiful was the choice, with each element selected by the brides. Their passion and appreciation for nature were evident in the venue choice of Gather Greene and each detail surrounding the event (including the ceremony in the sunlit woods.). During the design process, we were asked to make handcrafted menu holders to complement the tables. Each one was made from white maple, black walnut, red mahogany, or white oak. It seemed only fitting that the menus be highlighted by something natural, a piece of rough-cut lumber finished with a beveled edge.

Walking the quiet streets of Hudson the next day, we bumped into guests from the wedding. As we talked, we noticed there on his jacket was the enamel pin he'd received at the reception (a travel van surrounded by palm trees). You wouldn't think an enamel pin, probably the least expensive decor piece, would be such a big hit, but it was. A dozen different styles, each in outdoor, adventure-themed designs (think: airstreams, campfires, cameras, mountain ranges) were part of the décor that pinned the guests' table numbers onto the seating chart. Colorful and festive, the pins suggested something unique about each guests' story. By the end of the evening, people all over the dance floor were wearing the enamel pins on suit lapels and jackets—what a fun surprise.

Easy, cozy, and relaxing were our three priorities by Sunday afternoon. After the final wedding brunch, we checked into The Wick Hotel. The modern boutique property, renovated from an 1860's candle factory, sits on the outskirts of town, located near a fabulous artisanal cheese shop. The hotel is a short walk up the steps to the main streets of Hudson. During other recent hotel stays, we've noticed a big challenge to hospitality since Covid. Hotels are clean, but they've lost all charm and personality. Sterile is how they feel. Fortunately, this is not the case at The Wick. With stairs in beautiful, rich wood grain, a mix of textures throughout, and posters lining the halls that describe the candle-making process, The Wick was just what we needed. We discovered careful attention to detail in the light fixtures, marble, and the wall mural inside our room. It was the perfect place to recharge.

Dinner that night was an intentional choice of luxury and comfort at The Maker Hotel's Conservatory. We've followed this property on Instagram for years and knew this was the place we wanted to dine. True to the photos, it's filled with unique details, rich, soft materials, a relaxing mood defined by the lighting, tall plants and lush greenery, and outstanding service (not to mention an excellent meal.). After dinner, we carried our drinks down the hall to the plush sofa by the fireplace for our final toast - to each other.

This is one of those personal moments.

Certain moments in our lives invite us to take time off to be fully present with family and close friends, to reflect, and to experience joy. This week is one such occasion. In the coming days, we will be sharing the joy of our daughter’s wedding. This event has been years in the making with law school graduation, passing the bar, and the design of multiple Michelin star restaurants accomplished between these two amazing young women. As a content writer at heart, I can’t help but jot a few words about this moment. I expect the excitement, scenery, and design details (not to mention the dancing and after-party) will continue to inspire us upon our return.

Throughout the festivities, we’ll be using our beautiful, custom wood boxes (and more). We look forward to sharing a peek behind the scenes in the coming weeks. As you plan your milestone moments, we invite you to visit our Specialty Series, where you can select custom gift boxes, and other unique accents, for your big life occasions.

Taking the plunge, the last picture of their engagement photos. Photo @alexandraroberts

Simple Steps to Sending Your Best Client Gifts

Updated: August 28, 2023

This is the second in a two-part blog series. The first post helps you define your intention and clarify the impression you want to make with your gifts. In this post, we share ideas and examples to help you achieve that impression.

When you decide to give artisan gifts that speak to value and quality, you have several memorable options. Are you celebrating long-term clients? Are you thanking colleagues for a valuable referral? Is your customer buying an exquisite property? Perhaps special guests are staying at your luxurious resort?

Regardless of your industry, here's a sample of different ideas and questions to make gift decisions easy and leave a lasting impression.

Memorable gifts come in various sizes and shapes; they don't have to be a specific size to leave a meaningful impression. For example, a popular piece we created is our custom doorstop. The doorstop idea is unique, and they are beautifully crafted and packaged. It is distinct for clients, and we receive a lot of positive feedback. And, what a great way to literally and figuratively open doors to conversation. Custom wood coasters or small cutting boards for the bar or kitchen are also excellent options.

A creative combination. Another option is a combination of elements. We recommend a group of three pieces that blend different textures. It could be a handcrafted wood coaster paired with a ceramic cup (cocktails), a tall, elegant glass (for celebrations), or a mug (casual conversation around the table), along with a stylish handwoven towel (kitchen or bar).

Passion and personality. A custom gift box is a meaningful way to highlight a client, colleague, or friend’s passions and share a story. A theme could be one of adventure, cooking, whiskey lovers, or simple elegance. Maybe a place or location has particular relevance? Is the mood you want to create about quietly sipping a beverage by the fire or a colorful conversation around the kitchen table? We typically have 4-6 pieces with unique textures inside a box, so there's room to be creative. Plus, you can add a personal note with our custom gift tags that are part of each gift box package.

A Bonus. You may want to go the extra step of engraving to make a gift more personalized. Cutting boards, wood coasters, and artisan gift boxes all have the potential to be engraved. An initial, the last name, date, logo, or a meaningful quote (that's short) can all work. Keep in mind that engraving adds time to the process, so allow space in your timeline.

Artisan is all about the feels. It's the feel of the wood, the beauty of the rich grain pattern, a ceramic cup with its kiln-fired glaze, and the touch of textures in handwoven materials. You're giving pieces of art that elevate work and play and last long after the wine and flowers are gone.

Are Your Client Gifts Saying What You Think?

Updated: August 28, 2023

This is a two-part blog series. This first post is to help you define your intention and clarify the impression you want to make with your gifts. The second post shares ideas and examples to help you achieve that impression.

Part 1 of 2

Every gift leaves an impression; the question is, what statement is your gift making? Is it one that's lasting or last minute? Rushed or refined? Will the shrink-wrapped container from a big box store reflect the way you want your clients and guests to think about you? Before you make a mad dash down the retail aisle or a rush order on Amazon, we encourage you to take a moment to be intentional about the impression you want to make with your gifts and ask yourself these questions:

What is the intent of your gift? How do you want people to feel when they open it? Is it important to be memorable? One of a kind? Is it to impress a new client or to upgrade their experience with you? Do you want the gift to last beyond the occasion? Is the goal to show them you stand apart from the rest and are unique in what you do? No matter the size, your gift can demonstrate that this personal or professional relationship matters.

What unspoken message do you want the gift to send? The beauty of custom-made is what it says on your behalf. Giving a customized gift expresses thoughtfulness, time, and planning. It means you've considered the people receiving it, evaluated what would be meaningful, and that you’re willing to prepare in advance. It represents craftsmanship, exquisite attention to detail, and quality. It radiates value. The art of custom reflects a commitment to training, skill, and the tools to craft raw materials into something beautiful. Whether you send our gift boxes, cutting boards, coasters, or artisan stands, the details are evident. In our business, we handpick the wood, study the grain pattern, and plan where the design will appear. These details take time - and it's time well spent.  

Without saying a word, custom speaks volumes about the importance of the relationship and your commitment to sharing something meaningful and long-lasting. As you look ahead to your gift selection, consider the impact and message you'd like to deliver. And in our next post, we'll talk about different ways to help make that happen.  

It's Not the Move That's Scary, the Paring Down is Daunting

Home Sweet Home is finding a new mantel. An evening stroll for an iced coffee and Thirsty Thursdays at the neighborhood pub is the choice of young adults and empty-nesters drawn to the city. To walk to the corner ice cream shop, a scooter to work, and brunch with friends at the outdoor market. It’s not the move itself that scares us; it’s the paring down and pitching out that’s daunting. We read a steady stream of updates coming across social that tell us friends are moving. Young professionals head to big cities while parents downsize to their dream destinations. We wonder, how do I bring my favorite treasures of the past into the smaller space of my future?

While your exciting new home offers a welcome shift to flexibility and freedom, less maintenance, and lawn mowing, it also requires more curation and creativity. As you settle into your new space, gather your photographs and travel guides marked with the best trails or tropical island tiki bars. Collect your favorite quotes and stories - mix in blooming succulents and colorful treasures. The shift to urban living is a life of convenience and new conversations. As you move into your next chapter, highlight a collection of unique things that inspires conversation and brings you comfort.

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.