Tips For The Perfect Holiday Card

On your pages-long to do list, sending out holiday cards may be near the top at this point in the season. Here are some tips to remember when sending out cards this season from local expert Trish Martini at

What are the trends in holiday cards this year?

These days the focus on family and spending time together seems to be the trend for all things. This sentiment is reflected in personal holiday cards as well and our clients are craving a more simple and memorable message to send to family and friends. Those that typically send a photo card each year are tending to use a professional photo with a very simple but quality card. The trend has gradually come away from the more traditional folded card with a mounted, printed photo (although some customers love the traditional cards) and is slowly being replaced by a flat card with a digital photo and sometimes with a message that is printed on the photo itself. Whimsical dye cut cards are becoming popular also and the colors teal and bright red being the most popular this year. We are still seeing large numbers being sent with around 100 as the average number.
We are also seeing the same trend for business holiday cards where simplicity is key, and with relationship building being essential in the business world today, using photos really helps to put a name to a face! Checkerboard Holiday cards are very popular with all our customers as they are very current and have a large selection and many different styles to choose from for all tastes.

When is the perfect time to mail holiday cards?

 Many clients that send holiday cards religiously every year like to send them out on the 1st of December. Practically speaking though, I think the perfect time to send them out is the end of the first week to the second week in December as most people either have or are thinking of putting up their Holiday decorations by then, and if they haven't yet begun the process, then your Holiday card may just be the inspiration they need!

Why do you think sending cards is such a long-lasting tradition?

The Holidays are a special time for most of us. We don't always get a chance to catch up with all our friends and family throughout the year. Sending a Holiday greeting by mail is one of those sentimental things that still warms our hearts and keep us connected. It's so nice to be remembered at this time of year and even nicer to receive something by mail.

Do Christmas cards dominate or are other denominations sending as well?

For the most part in our store, we tend to see more “Holiday Cards” being sent but we do get the occasional, specific “Christmas Card” being asked for. We are always asked for Hanukkah cards as well but they are usually requested for individual sale rather than in bulk.

Any tips for the perfect card?

Start early...The earlier the better. If you are thinking of using a photo, start taking photos in the summer or book in for a professional session at that time too. Then, decide if you want to send a photo card or not. If you do, bring that photo with you when selecting your card. It saves so much time and makes the decision so much easier. Select your card with you, your photo and your family in mind. Choose a message that also reflects what you want your sentiment to be and leave a little room for signing (I really think that it's important to add a personal touch). Many customers like to add the age of the children at the time of the photo. Don't have children? Many of our customers send photos of their pets with a super, simple message! Keep it fun...

Secondly, if you decide not to send a photo card, again send something that reflects who you are. If your style is more casual, then your card can be a reflection of that and if you are more formal or love the richness of the Holidays, then you could choose a card that has some gold gilding or has a beautifully embossed motif! Your card will remind your family and friends of you and your family so keep that in mind.

Why should holiday shoppers come to Soiree?

Apart from our outstanding customers service, we specialize in Holiday cards whether it is for personal or professional use. You'll get personal attention (each customer gets personal service) and we have an eye for matching personalities and/or photos and fonts with the right cards. We've been doing this for a long time, have regular Holiday card customers and we just love what we do! Because we also concentrate on custom cards and invitations, we are able to give our customers exactly what they want.We have regulars who begin designing their Holiday cards in September and because they return year after year, we know them well, we know their style and know what they did the year before. Holiday card orders is a large part of our business and we're very proud of that.

What item from your store would you like to see under your tree this year?

I feel very fortunate to have a European-style store as it really reflects what I love! We have expanded Soiree, which used to be primarily invitations and stationery, to now include a selection of gift items. We thought we would try our hand at a few gifts which focus on my other love – cooking! We now carry Brie and Goat cheese bakers from Gourmet du Village which sold out the first week we ordered them. We are desperately trying to restock these until the end of December. They make perfect hostess gifts because you can bring them ready to bake with the cheese in them for your hostess!
My other favorite gift items are the beautiful flour sack dish towels by Mary Lake-Thompson. They are known for their lovely vintage Holiday designs and the dish towels last forever. We have them conveniently packaged and ready to go.
We also carry beautiful ceramic envelopes from Abbiamo Tutto which hold everything from personal stationery and pens to keys and coins.
Personalized products are very popular right now and of course I always welcome a set of lovely stationery printed with my name or monogram. Everyone needs stationery! Our boxed stationery from Crane & Co. is very popular at the holidays. The personalization is done in-house and has a very quick turn around time. Stationery always make the perfect gift and also makes a wonderful teacher gift at a very affordable price.

How long have you owned Soiree?

We just celebrated our 3rd birthday this year but I had worked for the previous owner for 5 years before purchasing the business. Soirée, Andover has seen many changes over the years. We moved from our previous location on Essex Street to Main Street 18 months ago and we are just loving it. The location is right next to our friends at The Bridal Center on the corner and close to so many of the vendors we use to recommend to our customers as well.

What is your favorite thing about the holiday season in Andover?

I just love small towns and Andover is a classic New England small town that celebrates its community so well. My very favorite time is when we celebrate with Holiday Happenings. This year it is scheduled for Friday, December 9, from 5-9 p.m. where they light the tree, close down Main Street where all the businesses come alive with decorations and lights! This year, Soirée will be celebrating with live entertainment in the store, delighting our customers with carols and holiday music while they shop. Of course as always, we will have items on sale and holiday treats!