GOOD ON PAPER

hot holiday!

In Issue 6, our first Christmas Good Newsletter, we hinted at our Haute Holiday Collection. And Abigail from Paper&Cake has been a real star, as she has put together the collection so you will see how fabulous it looks! If you like this designer look visit our shop and buy this Printable Party Collection for as little as R50. Then all you need to do as Abigail always says "Print, Cut and Party!"

Collection includes:

Invitation + Envelope
Note card + Envelope
Place card
Napkin rings/Candle wrappers
Food labels
Cupcake Picks
Menu card
Standees
Wine Glass Tags
Favour box
Gift tags
Party hats
Front door sign
Paper photo frame
Christmas hanging decorations
Christmas tabletop decorations
Advent calendar
Coasters
Paper sheets (use to make paper chains/lanterns/wrapping paper/crackers etc.)

Everything you need for Christmas!

GOOD ON PAPER

as good as gold

A few days ago we showed you a sneak peek of the First Noel printable party collection. Well, Abigail the designer behind the Paper&Cake collection, has put it together and showcased a gorgeous glittering tablescape!

This set is available now to purchase in our store for as little as R50. Also, be sure to check out the paperandcake.blogspot.com for more inspiration and detailed instructions on how the printabel parties work. But really it is as easy as "Print, Cut and Party!" And the pdf. file also comes with step by step instructions on how to make each item!

GOOD NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 8 OF GOOD NEWSLETTER

FILL OF MORE CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS

GOOD ON PAPER

first noel

Here is a preview of our First Noel Printable Party Collection - and for only R50, here is what you will receive in a pdf. file:
Invitation+Envelope
Note card+Envelope
Place cards
Napkin rings/Candle wrappers
Food labels
Food Picks
Menu cards
Christmas Crown
Standees
Wine tags
Gift tags
Party crowns
Front door sign
Paper photo frame
Wreath (pictured)
Christmas tree decorations
Favor Boxes
Christmas star tree topper
Advent calendar
Paper sheets (use to make paper chains/lanterns/wrapping paper/crackers

What’s more we have some stunning goodies in our shop that match this collection perfectly!

IN GOOD HANDS

alternate cards

Instead of traditional Christmas Cards how about these two great ideas from Martha Stewart:

Family Newsletter

Get the kids involved and write a mini newsletter.

Family Letter

Instead of a card, write a letter, but use their online template that is also an envelope-in-one.

SNEAK PEEK INTO IN GOOD COMPANY

ISSUE 7 OUT THURSDAY MORNING!

LOVE IT

love is in the details

Ask anyone but it is the small little things that really stand out at a wedding. And sometimes these sweet touches don’t even have to cost a thing. Yes Please designed these wedding invitations and matching RSVP card, but notice how they have worded the RSVP instead of the traditional YES or NO, it has been replaced as WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD and WE WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT. Why not make up your own rsvp lines, a personal and priceless touch!

GOOD TIMES

photoshop

In this week’s issue of GOOD NEWSLETTER we give you lots of ideas for a Christmas Photo Card, as well as ask you to submit yours under our GOOD LIFE submission page, and you can stand the chance to win an IN GOOD COMPANY gift voucher – see page 94 for more details.

Plus you can always have yours done at our Christmas Shopping Weekend, as we have a professional photographer in-house on the Friday evening and Saturday morning.

And here are some good Holiday photo cards from Martha Stewart...

CHRISTMAS

my Christmas to do list

So like I said I have been surfing the REAL SIMPLE website, I haven’t been on it for a while so I am finding lots of really good stuff. Like I just stumbled over this Ultimate Checklist, and I LOVE LISTS! I find nothing more satisfying that crossing things off them… it’s scary but I am short of writing a list to keep track of my lists!

Here is where I am at with this one:

GREEN: DONE

RED: TO DO

Three to Six Months Before (Before Mid-October)

Make a family plan. Are you heading to your in-laws’ house? Hosting everyone at yours? Sit down with family members and decide where you’ll be spending the holidays.

JULIE: This one was decided months ago! I will be back in South Africa in just a few days! And we will be spending Christmas with my family!

Buy plane tickets. If you’ll be flying somewhere, get your plane tickets as soon as possible.

JULIE: Done. But that reminds me I wonder if Liam has booked his ticket yet?

Two Months Before (Mid-October)

Put activities on a calendar. As you find out when parties and school pageants are scheduled, write them on a master calendar. Keep it next to the phone, so if someone calls to ask if you’re free for an event, you’ll know the answer immediately.

JULIE: This is such a brilliant idea! I MUST DO this. I have made like 101 plans of things to do… so I had better start making sure that I know when is what.

Start baking things you can freeze. Un-iced cookies, bars, and nut breads are good bets to make ahead. All will keep in the freezer if they are well wrapped, and you can have a few extra things on hand for the friend who stops by unexpectedly with a gift.

JULIE: Okay, I don’t bake. Well that is not entirely true, I try, but definitely not the stuff worth giving away as gift, in fact I wouldn’t give it away period. So I have reworded this to: Make sure Mom makes her Christmas Cake and buy cookies from Woolies.

Update your holiday card list. Determine how many cards you need, and make sure you have updated addresses.

Shop for cards and wrapping paper. Some stores put holiday goods out by Halloween. You’ll get the best selection if you start early. And if you’re ordering cards online, you’ll want to have plenty of time for them to arrive.

JULIE: This year, I am actually do you all a favour, at the Christmas Shopping Weekend, we are having a professional photographer on both the Friday night and Saturday morning for you to come and have Christmas Photos taken for free. Then all you need to do is print/email them out. But I have to still get my mailing list in order AND think of a brilliant fun theme for our card.

Make plans for overnight guests. Think about who will be showing up and spending the night. Do you need to replace some old sheets? Buy more towels? Now’s the time to get your house in shape for visitors.

JULIE: This one is a problem. We are having Liam’s Aunt and Uncle and cousins come and stay in our house in Switzerland while we are in SA, so that they can enjoy their first White Christmas. The only thing is I forgot that would mean my house actually would have to do be in some sort of order! I am just to embarrassed to actually tell you how much laundry I still have to do!

Six Weeks Before (Beginning of November)

Make a master gift list. You may not have every detail filled in, but at least make sure you list everyone you’ll need to buy for, and think about what they’d like. That way you can pick up things as you see them, rather than running to the mall at the last minute. Have your children give you their wish lists.

JULIE: This is done! While I was sourcing all of IN GOOD COMPANY’s Christmas line, I kept all my family and friends in mind and what would they like – so I have bought some really beautiful things for them I know they will love!

Make a budget. Set a ballpark figure for how much you can spend on gifts—it will help you stay grounded when the shopping gets frenzied.

JULIE: Oh! That was blown long ago…

Start shopping in earnest. Yes, you may already be picking things up here and there, but the more you buy ahead, the better—especially if you’ll be mailing gifts.

JULIE: Actually I had better start remembering what I got for everyone and set these aside – just now you go in store and buy it!

Well 5 out of 10 – not that bad! Well, I better get a move on, as the list goes onto the end of Nov and Dec…

GOOD RIDDANCE

clever cards

In this week’s issue of GOOD NEWSLETTER GOOD RIDDANCE article we suggested various clever uses for old Christmas Cards. And I was surfing the REAL SIMPLE website and found two great new ideas.

If you like taking holiday photo cards and sending them out to all your family and friends, keep one each year as a keepsake. Then every Christmas string these up over a mantelpiece or along a makeshift clothesline. It makes a lovely nostalgic display.

Using a star punch or a simple template cut out Christmas tags. Similarly cut out the same shape from white vellum paper, On the vellum paper write each guest’s name, place on top the Christmas card shape, punch through a small hole and string to napkins for a quick and quaint tablescape.

Can you think of any good uses for Christmas Cards? Share your idea in comments below...

101 WAYS WITH CHARMS

charm tree

So I have been busy with one of our upcoming Christmas GOOD NEWSLETTERS and for a little hint of the GOOD LOOKS parties: FIRST NOEL and centre’s all around BABY’S FIRST CHRSITMAS. Alex did such a good job on this party, so for anyone who was blessed with a little baby this year, you are going to be besotted with this Christmas Theme.

Anyway, it got me thinking about all the things one could one do to make Christmas that little bit extra special for the little ones. I love the idea of a small tree in a child’s room, one just for them! And for a real original take on this instead of hanging traditional Christmas ornaments and baubles (but I do love our Baby selection) you could tie on pretty charms with ribbons! And then in a little gift box below the tree wrap up a charm bracelet or necklace! This works well for both baby girls and young ladies! Now imagine if your husband would do the same for you with diamonds! (*hint*hint Liam if you are reading this! And the “diamond” decorations in our shop don’t count!)

GOOD HOUSE

blind love

Just got this mail in from Alex, she has been fabric hunting for the blinds in our kitchen and bathroom – what do you think?

Hi Jules

At last - fabric choice done and photos taken and downloaded...

KITCHEN

The first one is my favourite pick for the kitchen, some other options below this too.

BATHROOM

Given the beige and white colour scheme of the bathroom I think it would look nice to use those colours in the fabric and then bring in a neutral accent colour so the room does not become too bland. My favourite below is the top right fabric (teal and white fleur de lis on beige background – classic yet a very current pattern).

Hope you like these!

Love Alex

GOOD PRESS

we’re in the news!

In Good Company was featured in this week’s issue of Leisure Options…

And we are so thrilled! More so because I LOVE Leisure Options (and I am not just saying that now). My mom and I actually fight over it! What’s great about this supplement is that it really is my first go-to when I am looking for something to do in and around Jo’burg, and it is topical and relevant to me - and maybe just a little bit more so now that we are there in print too!

THANKSGIVING

thanks

This Thanksgiving marks the one year anniversary of Paper & Cake printable partyware, and they want to show their appreciation for all the support - by offering everyone a little thank you gift.

The Paper & Cake "Thanksgiving" collection includes all you will need to entertain your family in style:

• * Invitation + Envelope

• * Menu

• * Place Cards

• * Wine Glass Tags

• * Napkin Rings / Vase Wrap / Candle Wrap

• * Party Food Label

• * Recipe Card

• * Favour Box

Download here.

Now you have very reason to throw a Thanksgiving Party!

GOODS FOR NOTHING

season greetings

Email us with your good news, what you would like to hear, questions you would like answered and what you think of our newsletter and In Good Company. Start typing away and you could be the lucky one to scoop up your choice of a Christmas Printable Party!

And because it’s Christmas we are going to give one away everyday starting today and all through to the 31 December – now that surely is good news!

GOOD PEOPLE

meet alex

In this week’s GOOD TO MEET YOU , you get to meet Alex, the other person behind In Good Company, and here are some of her favourite things:

“I love… my husband, my family, my puppy, the African bush, drinking champagne, reading a good book, being at home, dancing ‘til dawn, New York City and Buenos Aires, evening walks, chocolate, fresh flowers and laughing ‘til I cry.”

We would love to meet you too! So why not fill out the questionnaire (don’t be shy) and in return we will send you an Initially Yours Mug valued at R100. But be quick because these mugs are proving to be very popular!

SNEAK PEEK INTO IN GOOD COMPANY

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS THEMED ISSUE

ONE OF SIX (YES SIX!)

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!

OUT TOMORROW FIRST THING...

on our website

www.ingoodcompany.co.za

GOOD IDEA

coffee table guestbook

I am always on the look out for new and original ideas for parties and this guestbook idea from REAL SIMPLE is one that I have never seen before and I think is such a good idea! Also check out our current issue of GOOD NEWSLETTER for more guestbook ideas.

From Real Simple:

Buy a coffee table book. If you’re looking for something a bit more personal than a standard guest book but you just don’t have the time (or the skills) to make something yourself, buy a coffee-table book that has beautiful imagery of something of significance to you or your wedding. You could find a photography book of your wedding location, where you plan to honeymoon or a favorite children’s book. Set it on a table with markers for guests to customise.

Another idea that I just had: why not get photos of you as a couple throughout the years made up into one of those photo coffee table books, or you could have photos of you and your guests. All I can say is that I am definitely going to use this idea in the future, like for a child’s first birthday you could have photos throughout their first year… oooh! I am can think of so many ideas, can you think of one?

Also check out the guestbooks we have in store to buy.

GOOD HOUSE

heart of the home

So as you know we are going to be having our Christmas Shopping Weekend the 27th – 29th November. Which means our little Good House needs to get in good shape and real quick! As we speak our 70’s green kitchen counter is being replaced with a basic white one, so then we have our white base that we are going to work from! And the photo is our inspiration...

We love Cath Kidston and all her products – who knows maybe we will look into bringing her goodies to South Africa – would that not just be the best thing ever! In the interim you can see how we used her ideas in our kitchen:

1) We painted pine chairs in green and red and a folding table in baby blue.

2) We put up some white open shelves for all our red, green and baby blue Greengate crockery!

3) We are sewing up some pretty Cath Kidston tablerunners and are on the lookout for some vintage fabric for our blinds.

Then for Christmas we are going to add in all our Gingerbread and Country Kitchen themed decorations and set up a traditional Cookie Swap scene. And one thing is for sure – we will be catching you with your hand in the cookie jar!

GOOD PEOPLE

hello kitty

All of us at In Good Company would like to wish Hello Kitty a very Happy 35th Birthday today! I know Zara is so excited because for her 3rd birthday come the 18th December 2009 we are doing a Hello Kitty Asian Afternoon Tea! Well, that is the plan!

I am still brainstorming lots of cute ideas, but at least the shops are not short of Hello Kitty toys this Christmas. I had to practically pry her hands off the Hello Kitty kitchen explaining that maybe Father Christmas will bring it for her… I have to admit I quite fancy it myself, pity that it is not the real thing, she could then do all the cooking!

CHRISTMAS

good tidings

It’s official our Christmas Shop is now open, and we have over 180 new products in stock available now ready to deliver to your doorstop and there is still more coming! So much excitement! Take a look at our catalogue to see the complete range that is on offer.

And be sure to check out this week’s GOOD NEWSLETTER as it is 1 of 6 (that’s right 6!) Christmas themed issues. That means 18 different Christmas GOOD LOOKS filled with party inspiration for the festive season and 18 IN GOOD HANDS craft projects and all the details for our upcoming Christmas Shopping Weekend!

We weren’t lying when we said good tidings we bring!