MARISA'S MEMO: STATEMENT - MAKING MONOGRAM MEDALLIONS FROM CINCO POWELL

Substantial and shiny, the oversized round monogram pendants of Cinco Powell won't exactly go unnoticed. Statement making accessories, the attention getters that they are, allow your individuality to shine through.  Whether you are wearing it as a necklace, using it as a keychain, or as a decorative accessory on your bag, Cinco Powell's hubcap-sized (at 30 inches!) medallion tags with engraved monogram and colorful enamel border of your choosing are chic as can be.

Photos courtesy of Cinco Powell

The classic medallion with circular monogram and teal enamel border reminds me of things I had with my monogram as a child of the 80's. So basically, what's not to like? If nostalgia is involved, count me in.

The same piece with a lime enamel border. Maybe I can get a fall and summer version for seasonal color shifts.

The same great monogram with the palest blue border.

Like a silver dollar, these things have heft. Here, the chartreuse border adds zing.

AND THE MATOUK LOWELL BEDDING WINNER IS...

Thank you for all of your entries for the chance to win Matouk's Lowell bedding. The winner of the Lowell set if Cornelia Dodge. Congratulations, Cornelia!

Be sure to check out their new e-commerce site and get a look at their colorful assortment of lovely high thread count bedding including the cheery Lulu DK collections, bordered linens, vibrant embroidered towels and lively tabletop linens. Their special Massachusetts-made linens are now just a click away.

If you didn't win this set, you still have a chance to win their duvet giveaway on Facebook.

Just Like Matouk on FB and post a photo of your bed onto their wall (or one that you wish was yours) before March 15 and it could be yours!

SWEET INTENTIONS

Photo courtesy of Mark and Graham

With Mark and Graham's glass domed cake stand the medium is the message. Heading into wedding season, the hunt for the perfect gift stops here. Baked goods can now take a starring role on the counter top when placed under the monogrammed cloche and curved pedestal stand. Engrave the lid with a special date, house or last name in a host of monogram choices for a meaningful and thoughtful gift.

MAKE YOUR MARK: MEET MARK AND GRAHAM

Monogram madness has taken hold. After seeing a return to all things initialed and personalized over the past several years, the smart people behind Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn have just launched a new sister brand, Mark and Graham. Good design is at the core of the new brand, where a simple, clean, pared-down aesthetic rules. The make -it-your-own craze, combined with the plethora of great fonts, pretty packaging and an easy to use website will make holiday gift buying snappy.  Just think, you can check the wedding/shower/hostess gifts off your running list. Covering the gamut with staple entertaining items like elegant glassware and zippy napkins to cozy throws and log holders, most items can be monogrammed with an array of font and monogram styles. On your mark, get set shop, and get a head start on that list. Here are some stylish items that caught my eye:

 With easy to carry loop handles, a monogrammed glass Ice Bucket is a a go-to wedding gift.

Pretty script initials on a Mouth blown Classic Tall Glass Pitcher makes mixing a house drink that much more special.

Stock up for your Derby Juleps now with nickel-plated brass Hexagonal Mint Julep Cups that come in a set of 2. Or, use them to store makeup brushes in style.

Trays make the best gifts, especially this acrylic monogrammed version with cut out handles. For acrylic, the price is great.

In either silver or gold plate, everyone needs a  Classic Oval Signet Ring with their initial on it.

Feeling like getting gifty in advance? A peppy preppy Striped Domed Paperweight in glass is sharp choice for stockings, work friends and those that love their papers in order.

By far some of the cutest mats I have ever seen, scallop-edged Good Morning! Placemats are great to wake up to. They give a reason to rise and shine and sit at the table. Available in a set of 4.

Festive and fun, candy colored ribbon edged Typographer's Cotton Napkins in sateen are available in sets of 4 or 8.

With lime green, magenta and orange borders, natural linen Cocktail Napkins with monograms will get the party started.

A double band of colored grosgrain ribbon makes the edge of monogrammed Guest Towels stylish.

Get and give cozy. Monogrammed Cashmere Blanket with a contrast edge will be a staple this winter.

Their lined Everyday Leather Tote with monogram is generous size for toting stuff hither and yon. Choose from red, porcelain blue, white, brown and gray.

WRITE ON WITH HAUTE PAPIER

Photos courtesy of Haute Papier

Sarah Meyer Walsh with Erin Miller of Haute Papier

I love finding new stationery companies that make beautiful, timeless designs. My fondness for classic writing paper and fonts knows no bounds. Haute Papier, a young brand out of the D.C. area has gotten it right from the start. From custom letterpress cards to coasters, founder Sarah Meyer Walsh creates sophisticated yet cozy-familiar designs with monograms and motifs in Leesburg, Virginia and Georgetown studios with her partner, Erin Miller. Pretty, proper paper is making a comeback.

Custom coaster designs make a big impact for housewarming gifts and holidays:

Pick your colors:

Pick your monogram:

Pick your monogram:

The results:

The finished product is elegant and protects your furniture from dreaded water rings.

Their personal stationery can be created for a brand statement with business cards that complete the suite. I'm into it.

Inventive fonts are available along with a good color assortment 

Cut corners and a deco style font

Very Charles Rennie Mackintosh architectural

I love a good script with a flourish in an unexpected color

Live on the water. This is for you.

The newest signature stationery they flat print or letterpress your signature onto paper. Seeing people's John Hancock in the mail is a nice addition.

MONOGRAM MAINSTAY MERRIMADE

Merrimade, the stationery company has been a staple for holiday gifts and summer entertaining for years. They do what they do well, and you can rely on them for classic monograms, traditional colors and quick deliveries. They are a go to for anything monogrammed and every once in a while, whey will come out with a new item that fits into their preppy basic line up.

Their ever popular Caterer Napkins are now available as a set that includes cocktail, guest towel and lunch napkins. Buy them in bulk so you are prepared for your next fete.

Make sure your bags ends up in your hands and are visible on the conveyor belt with their large engraved Luggage Tags. Go for the red or blue to stand out. These make great stocking stuffers.

Correspondence cards in classic colors with motifs and matching hand detailed borders are fresh and well priced.

Heavyweight Hand Bordered Coasters with monogram or name adds that nice detail to a party. I love to give them as gifts since they are personalized in elegant fonts and they have a pretty fast turn around.

MONOGRAM MANIA

The Preppy Handbook may be out of print, but you can still live by its monogram mantra.

WHAT TO CARRY:

The Jane Basket Queen Bee Studio means you can hit the beach and town in style over the weekend.


Then there is the Beach Basket, also from Queen Bee Studio, that will hold a towel and flops.

Photos Courtesy of Queen Bee Studio
The Half Moon Basket (Queen Bee Studio) is good for going from pool to party.

WHAT TO WEAR:
Morgan and Company
A Monogrammed Shell Necklace by Morgan and Company is cheap, cheerful and adorable for bridesmaids.

WHAT TO DRINK FROM:
Photo Courtesy of So Luxe
16 ounce party cups are a summer monogram must have, order yours at So Luxe.

WHAT TO EAT WITH:
Photo Courtesy of Dabney Lee
Paper placemats are stress free for everyday meals. Dabney Lee has tons of fresh designs and monogram options to choose from. They come in a set of 25.

TO PARTY WITH:

Photo Courtesy of Iomoi
Okay, so I have a thing for trays. What could be cuter than this for a summer visit to an old friend with a young family? This custom Double Elephants Tray from Iomoi is handmade of Lucite and the trunk is up, so there will be good luck involved.

HOW TO GET IT TOGETHER:
Photo Courtesy of Jack and Lulu
Rainy day project, incoming! Record your classic gazpacho and rhubarb pie recipes for generations in this adorable Red Tile Lucite Recipe Box from Jack and Lulu. There is no reason to have an old ugly one around that is splattered with tomato sauce, are you ready to upgrade?

WHAT YOU NEED FOR A HOT CAR:
Photo Courtesy of GG Bailey
Car Couture monogram floor mats make a great uber- preppy gift, perhaps for Dad's set of wheels? From GG Bailey.