Have you ever seen such a lovely and sophisticated application of pink in a wedding invitation? Not I. The gold edging, the Memoriam font, the fact that the bride and groom built them together… love it all.

First spotted on Oh So Beautiful Paper and Paper Crave

Ever since my friend Katharine showed me her holiday card, I’ve been thinking about a black and white Christmas.

Turns out there’s plenty of lovely inspiration to be had! Take these Christmas card designs from Tiny Prints:

Altogether chic. Wrapping inspiration? Check.

Martha Stewart

Black and white striped ribbon (love this stuff) looks so sharp paired with fresh greens. I also love the fresh, simple combination of white tulips and paperwhites tied with a velvet ribbon. (They’d look equally as good in a vase as in a bouquet.)

Country Living

Jose Villa

The Inspired Room

What do you think? Is a black and white Christmas for you?

I LOVE Christmas cards! Love getting them, love sending them. I especially love reading family newsletters, even though everyone else seems to hate them!

Though J and I basically send out a joint card (by default, I suppose, since J wouldn’t send out any cards without me!), I don’t like the idea of doing a photo card until we’re married. I also don’t like the idea of doing a readymade card at this point, even though there are gorgeous options to be had (See here and here for my picks! I particularly love this design my good buddy is sending out.) Of course, I’m sure I will be singing a different tune when I need to churn out 100+ cards, but for now, my list is manageable — 39 this year.

I was very happy with last year’s card, but struggled a long time this year waiting for inspiration to strike. I had numerous starts and stops at the craft table. Then, I happened upon this image from Martha:

Martha to the rescue! With this color palette as my guide, and Kate Spade glitz on my mind, this is what I came up with:

They say “be merry and bright on the inside.” :) What do you think?

P.S. Curious what my Christmas cards looked like last year? Here’s a peek.

Love love LOVE this baby announcement, designed by Jamie Tallerico and printed by Sycamore Street Press. The handwritten type is so classic and sophisticated but still fun, and the bowtie is a dapper little touch. Bravo!