Living for Pretty

Celebrating all things pretty, happy and inspiring. From renovation stories, to recipes, decorating, parties and little life lessons, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

Ultimate Christmas Card Planning Timeline: 9 Stress-Free Steps for a Memorable Holiday Season

I know. I know. It’s not even Halloween yet. But for the planner, Christmas starts now. Or at least, Christmas planning. One thing that requires the most preparation during the holiday season is sending out Christmas cards. If you’re considering a photo card with an annual family snapshot, it’s time to spring into action. Whether you prefer a do-it-yourself approach or to seek professional assistance, organizing your Christmas cards early will keep the stress out of the holiday season so you can focus on the hot cocoa and light displays.

Here is my dialed in timeframe for what I do to get Christmas cards out with a step-by-step timeline to follow. 

Step 1 (optional): Schedule a Photographer (August/September)

If you want to go the professional photo route (and it’s a great excuse to get yearly family photos), I like to schedule a photographer by early August. If you have a photographer you use or love, ask them when they open up their holiday photo schedule. Make sure to confirm their turnaround time. I recommend ordering cards by late November, so you’ll need to have your photos back by then. Then schedule them or mark a to-do on your calendar. 

Step 2: Think Location and Outfits

Start thinking about outfits and locations. You do not need to buy everyone new outfits. We’ve always used what we already have. Consider coordinating rather than matching everyone’s clothing. Choose a color palette or theme that complements each other and your location. Incorporate layers, textures, and patterns to add depth and visual interest to the photos.

For photo locations, think of places that hold meaning for your family or reflect your desired aesthetic. Outdoor locations such as parks, gardens, or scenic landscapes provide natural beauty and amazing lighting. Or think about tucked away city streets or architectural landmarks for different feel. Consider the time of day, travel time and weather conditions.

Step 3: Take Photos (October/Early November)

You’ll need to take your photos in the fall in order to make your timeline work. For the last two years we’ve taken photos ourselves. If you opt to do professional photos (a great gift for yourself and family) then hopefully you were able to pre-schedule a photographer and make sure their turnaround time aligns with your timeline. If you weren’t DIYing is totally doable, whether you want a casual or polished vibe. 

Step 4: Select a Card Design (Mid-November)

Once you see your photos or proofs, review them (edit if you’re doing this yourself) and choose the perfect photo(s). Upload your favorites to your card site (here are my favorite sites for ordering holiday cards) and see what works best.  

Step 5: Finalize Your Card and Mailing List (Late November/Early December)

Pick your card! Consider theme and style. There are options for traditional, modern, rustic or whimsical. Think about your photos and what complements it best. Take into account the colors in your family photo and choose a card design that complements them. Identify how many photos you want to share and what orientation they are. Ensure the design allows your photo to be the focal point and doesn’t crop awkwardly or losing important details (or people).

My number one suggestion is to pay for the recipient addressing (or choose a company that does it for free). Not having to hand address cards is my number one stress reliever and time saver. Compile or update a list of those lucky friends and family you’re sending your card to. Review it for anyone who may have moved and reach out to update addresses. Each site will have a different mailing list template that you may need to format your addresses to. If you use the same company each year, this becomes easier and easier. I always print a few extra so I can do one-off mailings for those who I need to send a second one to due to an address issue or if we received a surprise card and want to return the gesture.  

Step 6: Order Complementing Stamps (Late November/Early December)

The USPS has a few holiday stamp designs each year–and you can’t always pick them up from your post office. Shipping is free, but to ensure you have them on hand when you’re ready to send out your Christmas cards, order them along with your cards.

Step 7: Send the Cards (Mid-December) 

To ensure your cards reach their destinations on time, plan to send them out by mid-December. The earlier in December the better. You don’t want friends and family thinking they were 86’d from the list.  Take into account the shipping times for different locations, especially if you have international recipients. Some card companies will not only print your addresses but send them for you, if you really want to have a no-fuss experience.  

Step 8: Monitor the Post for any Returned Cards (December)

Each year one or two cards get returned. Make sure you update your mailing list for next year and hand address a new card and get it in the mail. Don’t forget to follow up with any friends or family members who sent you cards as well. Send them a heartfelt thank-you text or if you’re feeling in the spirit- make a phone .

Organizing your Christmas cards well in advance will save you from the stress and chaos that often accompany the holiday season. By following this step-by-step timeline, you can ensure that your cards are prepared, addressed, and sent out in a timely manner, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Remember, the purpose of Christmas cards is to share warmth, love, and good wishes, so don’t let the process become overwhelming. Embrace the holiday spirit and

Let’s Be Real…

You’re probably here because you’re wanting to get cards out and struggle every year: but as a reminder this is not something you have to do. If the idea of this stresses you out, it’s okay to take it off your plate. I love the process of giving and receiving and I love looking back on our previous year cards (it’s such a lovely snapshot in time). But if you think you have to, change that mindset. You don’t. The season is not about piling on your to-dos but slowing down, appreciating the season and connecting–however way you want to do that. 

There are plenty of alternative ways to spread holiday cheer and connect with loved ones. Send an e-card (Paperless Post has beautiful designs), make a funny video and post it to your social media channel, or put together a Google or Amazon photo album and send an email with message and link.

Whether you choose the professional route with a photographer or opt for a DIY approach, the key is to plan ahead and enjoy the process. Remember, while sending holiday cards is a beautiful tradition, it’s not obligatory. The holiday season is about slowing down, appreciating the moments, and connecting with loved ones in whatever way brings you joy.

Builder Grade to Black Beauty: A Metamorphosis of a Half Bath

In the whirlwind of parenthood, where moments of solitude are as rare as a full night’s sleep, writing about decor becomes a cherished escape. Amidst nap times and moments of self-play, let me bring you an update on a room that you’ve seen once before—the half bath. It has transformed from a basic builder-grade space into a sanctuary. And after months of potty training, I’ve fully put my time into this room. Perched on this stool, reading books to my first born–this little room has been a place where we’ve spent quite a bit of quality time.

A Ceiling of Whimsy: The Magic of Wallpaper

half-bath-black-and-white

The ceiling, the often-forgotten fourth wall. We (well, Billy) took matters into our own hands and put up a beautiful black and white floral wallpaper. I can’t help but smile at the whimsy it added to the space. It is like a secret garden blossoming above. The best part: this affordable trick required less than one roll of wallpaper. The beauty of little spaces!

Practicality Meets Charm: The Corner Cabinet

Enter the charming corner cabinet, the perfect piece for extra storage. It added warmth with its beautiful wood tones and became our little treasure chest tucked. The papered back and shelves match the ceiling–it’s a touch that brings a sense of intentionality to the room. As guests reach for a hair tie or a spray of dry shampoo, it feels nice to appreciate the pop of pattern.

It’s stocked with things both I and guests might need –a hair tie, bobby pin, hair spray, dry shampoo or an extra roll of toilet paper. This practical addition combines functionality and charm. A little freestanding piece can make a space feel complete.

corner cabinet

Going Bold: Picking Black Paint

I love embracing bold colors in small spaces. We painted the bathroom black soon after we moved in and I still love it. The juxtaposition of darkness against the crisp lines and fixtures creates a striking contrast. Often it is in the unexpected choices that take the room to the next level.

Reflection and Whimsey

The swan mirror brings a touch whimsy to the space. The golden frame adds a hint of glamour, reflecting the light and casting a warm glow. Its gentle curves complement the curve of the vanity. It adds a touch of enchantment and a sense of grandeur. As I catch a glimpse of myself in its reflective surface, I can’t help but feel a surge of joy in the transformation of this once humble half bath.

Styling and photographing a space is no easy feat, and ours is far from perfect. Most days the towels are askew, and the shelves get cluttered rather than curated. But it’s in the imperfect moments, the little quirks and unexpected surprises, that a space becomes a reflection of who we are. So in this phase of life especially there is space for imperfection, of not-quite-done, of evolution and experimentation. Delight in the moment. They are fleeting.

Sources

  • Mirror: Anthropologie (old)
  • Wallpaper: House of Hackney
  • Cabinet: thrifted
  • Sink: Thrifted
  • Shelf brackets: World Market

Blue and White French Nursery

I’ve sat down a few times in the last two years to write this post. For some reason writing about decor on the internet just doesn’t seem like a priority after having a baby. But I do think it’s nice to take a moment to capture the moment.

This room is so special to me. There is nothing better then nesting for your first baby. So many hopes and dreams get imbued into it. I wanted this room to be calm and a place I liked to be. I also wanted it to be gender neutral to transition a future baby.

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Welcome Baby and 6 Tips for Your DIY Fresh 48 Photos

Readers, meet Philip Oliver! “Pip” was born in late March in 2020 during a nationwide shutdown.

Because of coronavirus, it was just me and Billy at the hospital. I had booked a photographer for a Fresh 48 session, which are photos that happen in the hospital in the first day or two of life. I loved the idea of capturing our first moments when we became a family of three.

A week or two before I went into labor, the hospital changed the visitor policy to include only the “birthing partner” (dad, in our case) and no one else. No grandparents, aunts, uncles, and no photographers. We were scared of further restrictions and not even having my husband there (a few hospitals in New York had taken that step based on positive cases), so we felt lucky to have each other.

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5 Things to do in San Antonio

First, let me say, San Antonio surprised me. I have never thought much about Texas, in my mind it just seemed, too big, too hot and too boring. But that has changed – I’d visit San Antonio again in a heartbeat. There is so much history to soak up, great architecture to take in and the nicest people

Where I stayed: The Menger Hotel, a pretty, Instagram-worthy, historic and supposedly, haunted hotel.

Cathedral of San Fernando

The Cathedral is in ‘the center of San Antonio,” which makes this a quick hit on a lunch or break. It is the oldest standing church building in Texas, and is simply an exquisite sight.

Amsterdam in Love

Last fall we took our first big leap into international travel. Billy had just finished training for a regional airline and had a week before work would begin. It was also our five year wedding anniversary as well as our 10 year dating anniversary. Did the stars align? Yes. Did I work really hard to make them align? Yes.

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