Posted by admin at 18 November , 2009

Want to know what’s in this holiday season? Fashions are trending to bold royal colors like rich purples, greens, blues and reds. Animal prints and vintage inspired fashions and accessories are also going to be hot items.

The good news is that we have the latest design trends all ready to go in a variety of holiday cards created to impress. Take a look at this designer inspired exclusive photo cards.

Or, consider taking a favorite vintage photograph and printing it in sepia tones. Your Christmas cards will be on the leading edge of high fashion!

Better yet, you don’t have to fight the crowds at retail or wait for black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving) to shop and save! For your holiday cards, you can order them online now and be fashionably early.

You’re either in or you’re out! But either way, your fashion forward seasonal greeting is sure to warm those lucky enough to be included on your holiday card mailing list this year!

Tags: borderless cards, CardsDirect, Christmas Cards, fashion, Greeting Cards, Holiday Cards, holiday-photo-cards, Photo Cards, project runway, sepia photo cards
Posted in: Business Christmas Cards , Christmas Cards , Holiday Cards , Photo Cards , Photo Holiday Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 13 November , 2009

Holiday cards are a great way to strengthen existing business partnerships and encourage new ones. Holiday cards help you stay connected with friends and family too. Whether for business or pleasure, here are some points of etiquette to be considered before this year’s cards go in the mail.

1. Consider the recipient. With so many attractive holiday cards to choose from, what should you look for when selecting the perfect card to send? You first need to consider the recipients. A card that says, “Merry Christmas” may not be appropriate for business as not everyone on your list may celebrate this religious holiday. A “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” sentiment may be the better choice so as not to offend anyone.

2. Choose quality cards. The cards you send are an extension of your business and professional image. Very nice looking card designs with matching envelopes on top quality card stock are available at affordable prices. Personalization and custom imprinted verses add a touch of elegance as well. If unsure, work with a vendor who will furnish a sample so that you can confirm the quality before you make your purchase. From a high end unique layered card design embossed and stamped in foil to value cards that are thoughtfully designed and personalized, choose the best option for you and your budget.

3. Personalize. Nothing is more professional or of a higher perceived value than a personalized holiday greeting. Printed in ink or foil, many card designs also allow your company logo to be included as well or feature die cut windows through which your imprinted company name can be seen. You might also want your actual signatures printed as well.

4. Customize your message. Put thought into your sentiment or verse. At cardsdirect.com you have the ability to print whatever you want so make the most of this feature by targeting your message to your recipients.

5. Show off. Holiday cards are generally displayed throughout the holidays. Front imprint cards will easily show off your company name. Even better, Calendar Cards are displayed the whole year long!

Take advantage of this marketing opportunity and send professional best wishes for the holiday season in style. The minimal expense and effort is certain to be rewarded throughout the year ahead.

Tags: Calendar Cards, CardsDirect, Christmas Cards, corporate-holiday-cards, custom printed cards, die cut cards, front imprint cards, Greeting Cards, happy holidays cards, Holiday Card Etiquette, personalized greeting cards, quality cards, seasons greetings cards
Posted in: Business Christmas Cards , Calendar Cards , Christmas Cards , Customer Appreciation Cards , Greeting Card Etiquette , Holiday Card Etiquette , Holiday Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 11 November , 2009

I admit I sincerely enjoyed receiving Christmas cards each year as I was growing up. I knew Santa was coming soon by the sudden influx of colorful holiday cards brought by the mailman. I remember fondly my mother allowing me to go ahead and open the cards that included the words “and family” or “and girls” (I had a sister) or “Dear Occupant” as part of the address. And, of course, I got to also open those that actually included my very own name too. An even bigger thrill was receiving a card addressed just to me!

So don’t forget to remember the entire family when addressing those envelopes and remember these pointers:

If you know the individuals by name on an informal basis, go ahead and list them all. For example:
Bob and Mary Jones
Bobby, Barbara and Ben

The more formal treatment would be:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones
and family

For something in between you could use:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
and family (or) and children

Another source of mystery to me was wondering why my last name seemed to change from card to card. My maiden name was Cress and I remember receiving holiday cards addressed to The Cresses, The Cress’s, The Cress Family, and so on. We even got them addressed to The Crest Family but that is an entirely different story.

Rules of thumb:
If the family name ends in O or Y, add an S—The Romanos , The Sandys
If the family name ends in S, X, Z, CH or ES, add an ES—The Joneses, The Foxes, The Cortezes, The Bunches, The Marshes
If in doubt, just add the word “Family” as in—The Jones Family
The use of an apostrophe indicates possession or ownership like The Jones’s House so doesn’t really apply for holiday cards. Of course, if you are sending holiday party invitations you may want to indicate that the party is at the Jones’s House.

Party, did someone mention a party?! Count me “and Family” in!

Tags: addressing envelopes, CardsDirect, christmas card etiquette, Christmas Cards, Holiday Card Etiquette, Holiday Cards, holiday party invitations, party invitations
Posted in: Christmas Cards , Greeting Card Etiquette , Holiday Card Etiquette , Holiday Cards , Holiday Invitations , Invitations , Party invitations | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 9 November , 2009

The holiday season offers unique opportunities to position and grow your business, not to mention thanking those who have been loyal customers you have depended on throughout the year. Consider these tips for taking advantage of opportunities presented during the holiday season.

1. Offer special discounts and promotions. Everyone is looking for ways to save this year and you may be able to capitalize on volume sales by offering a promo code or gift with purchase that will actually generate profits.

2. Send Holiday Cards. Keep your company name in front of your customers and business associates by sending personalized and custom imprinted holiday cards. Front imprint cards are great for a unique visual presentation and staying connected with current and past customers is vital. Maybe you would even like to consider including a promo code or special offer printed right on the card itself as a special added bonus.

3. Relate to your customers. Not everyone celebrates Christmas during this time of year. Be sensitive to your customers by relating to their differences. Perhaps Kwanzaa or Hanukkah Cards are more appropriate. For business it may be better to send Season’s Greetings Cards or Happy Holiday Cards instead of Merry Christmas Cards just in case your customer doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

4. Appreciate your employees. Take this opportunity to let your employees know how much they mean to your business. A holiday office party doesn’t have to be an expensive extravaganza. A potluck can be just as fun. And don’t forget to add each employee to your holiday cards list.

Take advantage of all the holiday party invitations you will be receiving by attending as many events as possible. You never know when you might meet your next major customer!
5. Network.

Enjoy the holiday season while remaining thankful and positive. The holidays can be stressful for some but if approached with a positive attitude and viewed as an opportunity for personal improvement and business growth, you are certain to reap rewards for your efforts throughout the coming New Year!

Tags: Business Christmas Cards, business holiday cards, CardsDirect, Christmas Cards, corporate-holiday-cards, hanukkah cards, happy holiday cards, holiday party invitations, party invitations, season's greeting cards
Posted in: Business Christmas Cards , Christmas Cards , Holiday Card Etiquette , Holiday Cards , Holiday Invitations , Party invitations | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 29 October , 2009

If you read the blog posting, “Support the ASPCA” then you know that holiday photo cards including or featuring your pets are a great way to celebrate and remember the season. But many of us have pets that just won’t sit still for a camera. I know my cat, “Bag-o-Donuts” was one of the worst when it came to smiling for the camera!

Well, if you have this problem but still want to send holiday cards that feature our furry friends, here are some other dog gone great card design options for your consideration.

Or maybe you are more of a cat person. These purrfectly delightful season’s greetings will charm everyone on your holiday card list this year.

OK, so maybe that last cat was rather large but you get the picture! Send us your favorite pet snapshot. We’d love to see it!

Tags: aspca, CardsDirect, cat cards, cats, Christmas Cards, dog cards, dogs, Holiday Cards, Photo Cards
Posted in: Christmas Cards , Holiday Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 27 October , 2009

Ricky Gervais visited our table at the HBO Luxury Lounge and chose an exclusive CardsDirect photo holiday card to benefit his charity of choice, the ASPCA. Mr. Gervais wanted to share a photo card with a picture of a cat on it to honor his new pet, but one wasn’t readily available. He can, however, upload his own cat photo for a very special photo holiday card, just as you can too!

Pets are special all year long but especially loved during the holidays. Remember to include them in your family holiday photo or feature them all by themselves! This photo holiday card design Mr. Gervais chose to support will result in a donation to the ASPCA through our Cards for a Cause program

Here are a few more examples to help you visualize how your pet might be included in your holiday photo cards once you send us your favorite pet image.

Will you include your pet on your holiday cards this year? Any tips on how to make them say, “cheese”?

Tags: aspca, Cards for a Cause, CardsDirect, Christmas Cards, Holiday Cards, Photo Cards, ricky gervais
Posted in: Cards for a Cause , CardsDirect , Charity , Charity Holiday Cards , Christmas Cards , Holiday Cards , Photo Cards , Photo Holder Cards , Photo Holiday Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 21 October , 2009

It is not too early to begin gathering your mail going to troops and their families stationed overseas. The deadline for the 2009 holiday season is fast approaching. In fact, the United States Postal Service has set Friday, November 13 as the deadline for sending holiday cards and packages to all APO (Air/Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) zip codes.

The USPS sends military mail on commercial airlines, special charter flights and military aircraft, all at domestic mail rates. There are few things more appreciated by our armed forces and their families than thoughtful packages, letters or Christmas cards from home.

Here are some patriotic holiday cards that would certainly be appreciated by those serving our country and their supportive families.

Why not order a bunch of personalized patriotic holiday cards and send them to those who would appreciate them most. But don’t be late, ready your holiday mail now and remember those overseas working to protect our freedoms here!

Tags: CardsDirect, Christmas Cards, Holiday Cards, Patriotic Cards, troops
Posted in: Christmas Cards , Holiday Cards , Patriotic Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 14 October , 2009

30 Rock is back on tv this Thursday, October 15, but you don’t have to wait to see your favorite characters! Yes, Liz Kenneth, Pete, Toofer, Frank and Cerie are appearing on CardsDirect.com right now!

Come check out these 30 Rock ’in celebrities participating in the CardsDirect Cards for a Cause campaign. Yes, Liz Lemon aka Tina Fey has selected a CardsDirect exclusive photo card design to support. Her signature appears on the back of the card along with the charity she has selected, Autism Speaks. Proceeds from the sale of these celebrity selected card designs will benefit the charity of their choice.

And Liz/Tina isn’t the only 30 Rock celebrity to jump on board. Take a look at the cards the rest of the cast has chosen and the charities that will benefit:

Hopefully your business isn’t quite as wild as this behind the scenes office of a variety television show but I’m sure you have your moments! Reward those customers, business associates, friends and family who have stuck with you this year by remembering them with a celebrity signed holiday card that also benefits charitable organizations. I want to go to there!

Tags: 30 rock, Add new tag, alzheimers research foundation, autism speaks, Cards for a Cause, CardsDirect, charity cards, Christmas Cards, compassionate care hospice, disabled american veterans, for the troops, Holiday Cards, jack mcbrayer, judah friedlander, katrina bowden, keith powell, ms awareness foundation, personalized holiday cards, Photo Cards, scott adsit, tina fey
Posted in: Cards for a Cause , CardsDirect , Charity , Charity Holiday Cards , Christmas Cards , Greeting Cards , Holiday Cards , Photo Cards , Photo Holiday Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 17 September , 2009

The holidays are special times and often call attention to special needs.

CardsDirect strongly promotes charitable organizations and is proud to offer a selection of holiday greetings that provide benefits for these good causes. Proceeds from sales of selected card designs are donated to charities so that your purchase of cards not only sends your best wishes to others but provides necessary funds for worthy causes as well.

From distinctive illustrated designs that benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to patriotic holiday cards with proceeds going to For the Troops, watch CardsDirect.com for many more Charity Holiday Cards being added soon.

This year, send a personalized holiday greeting your customers, business associates, friends and family will enjoy as well as one that will help charitable organizations help others in the year ahead.

Tags: charity christmas cards, charity greeting cards, Charity Holiday Cards, Christmas Cards, Greeting Cards, Holiday Cards
Posted in: Charity , Charity Holiday Cards , Christmas Cards , Greeting Cards | No Comments »

Posted by admin at 10 September , 2009

Looking for something a bit different to send this year? Why not consider an attractive holiday greeting that is also earth friendly! Recycled greeting cards may be the perfect answer.

Recycled greetings have come a long way. It is almost difficult to tell which are printed on recycled paper now that paper processing has been refined to include nice, clean white paper made from recycled fibers. The recycled symbol printed on the back is your only clue in some instances!

Of course, if you prefer, brown Kraft recycled paper in which you can see some of the recycled fibers is still available. With hundreds of designs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect seasonal greeting that also lets your customers, business associates, friends and family know that you are doing your part to help save planet Earth.

Consider sending a “green” greeting this year!

Tags: Christmas Cards, Greeting Cards, Holiday Cards, Recycled Cards, recycled greeting cards, recycled holiday cards
Posted in: Christmas Cards , Greeting Cards , Holiday Cards , Recycled Cards | No Comments »