monogram

laptop cases

Initializing iPhone: 10 Ways to Name Your Case

Use your name as inspiration to create a gadget case unlike any other, with an eternally chic monogram.

Use your name as inspiration to create a gadget case unlike any other, with an eternally chic monogram. With a variety of colors, patterns, fonts, and, of course, personal initials, you're guaranteed a completely unique case. Click through to view 10 cases that highlight the timeless monogrammed look.

Source: Flickr User hipsterhottie

gift guide

Best Personalized Gift Ideas For Little Ones

What's in a name, baby?

What's in a name, baby? Names are some of the first words that kiddos learn to recognize — and boy, do they love them! A personalized gift for tots is one that they're sure to love, since it gives them an even bigger sense of ownership. Check out these name-bearing gifts and don't leave them until the last minute — they require extra time to customize with your tyke's moniker!

DIY

Wax Works: 5 Creative and Easy Projects With Crayons

Think outside the crayon box the next time you want to get creative!
Creative and Easy Crafts With Crayons

Think outside the crayon box the next time you want to get creative! Crayons are mostly used for coloring, but there's so much more moms and kids can do with them! Add some paper, glue, and other household items to the mix and opportunities are endless. We found 5 cool crafts with crayons you don't want to miss. Grab the kids, and some crayons, and get crafty.

community

DIY: Foam Board Pelmet

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Seefree from the Su Casa group: I'm in the throws of giving my little girl a room upgrade...and one of the biggest obstacles was her single, narrow window.

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member Seefree from the Su Casa group:

I'm in the throws of giving my little girl a room upgrade...and one of the biggest obstacles was her single, narrow window. I wanted to give it more impact in the room...so with the help of some foam poster board, duct tape, Ikea drapes and grosgrain ribbon I was able to meet my goal!

The window certainly gained some attention! And what proper Southern girl doesn't love a monogram?!

To read the step-by-step for creating the pelmet and monogram, visit Hi Sugarplum!

Be sure to post your own home decorating projects in the Su Casa group!

 

Trend Alert

Trend Alert: Monogrammed Dinnerware

There was a time when monogrammed dinnerware was reserved for Southern Belles and traditional homemakers.

There was a time when monogrammed dinnerware was reserved for Southern Belles and traditional homemakers. Today, everyone is getting in the game of having their everyday plates and fine china painted with their initials. As wedding season gears up, you may even find a few ambitious registries seeking out their own personalized tableware. Monogramming is pretty, but pairing personalization with porcelain does not come cheap — these lovely Birds on a Wire Dessert Plates are $75 for a set four ceramic dishes. In the end it's just a small price to pay for eating off your very own words.

Here are a few more of my favorites.

Wedding

Wedding Etiquette: Monograms For Couples

I love the idea of having monogrammed linens made when you get married — it's definitely a must for every wedding registry.

I love the idea of having monogrammed linens made when you get married — it's definitely a must for every wedding registry. Putting your initials in thread is a fun way to assert your new relationship, and it's a subtle ode to your union that sticks with you long after the Big Day. Just don't use your new linens until after you wedding day: that's bad luck!

There are a few schools of thought to choose from before you can order your new bedding. Traditionally, from left to right, the wife's first initial comes first, followed by the husband's last initial (larger than the other two), followed by the wife's maiden name initial. A more modern monogram from left to right goes wife's first initial, followed by the husband's last initial (larger than the other two), followed by the husband's first initial. Or, go with a single initial, the first letter of the couple's last name. If a bride doesn't take her husband's last name, I'd recommend using the bride's first initial, followed by an ampersand, followed by the groom's first initial.

The most gorgeous place to shop for monogram linens is Leontine Linens; I love the Julien + Roland Collection ($85-$3,500), above. If it's out of your price range, here are a few other chic suggestions:

Stay tuned for all our wedding coverage and get involved with our awesome wedding community groups and find tons of useful tips and tricks to help you for all your wedding needs — find out how to get involved! Found Mr. Right? Be sure to download our free wedding registry checklist!

Poll

Would You Buy Monogrammed Linens?

In last week's episode of High Society, Dabney and Jules head to luxury linen retailer Frette to pick up their new monogrammed linens — which, mind you, go for at least $100 for a single Euro sham.

In last week's episode of High Society, Dabney and Jules head to luxury linen retailer Frette to pick up their new monogrammed linens — which, mind you, go for at least $100 for a single Euro sham. You get the idea that these linens are must-have among the Park Avenue set. I'm particularly a fan of artist Amanda Stone Talley's monogrammed linens with their bright orange trim and scalloped edge, but I wouldn't have my bedding monogrammed just for the sake of having my name there. How about you?

Holiday

The Seventh DIY of Christmas: Hand-Painted Monogram Tea Towels

Welcome to the seventh project in my 12 DIYs of Christmas series!

Welcome to the seventh project in my 12 DIYs of Christmas series! I decided to make hand-painted monogrammed tea towels as a gift for a friend that has everything this year. I think taking the extra step to hand-paint this everyday item gives it a personal touch, and shows more effort than any store-bought item. I decided to paint the monogram in my own handwriting and made my own stencil, so it definitely took more time. But beyond that, it's a pretty straightforward project.


Supplies:

  • Tea towels — Choose flat ones, without much texture or raised weaving.
  • Washable textile paint — I used Jacquard 113 Navy Blue ($2.79).
  • A paint brush — A thin watercolor brush or small foam brush will do.
  • Clear Con-Tact paper
  • An X-acto knife
  • A cutting mat
  • Paper
  • A pencil

 

To learn the steps, read more

runner

Steal of the Day: JCPenney Hemstitch Table Linens

Even if you don't entertain often, every home should have a classic and simple set of table linens, for the occasion that guests drop by and to nudge you to actually sit down and enjoy your brunch every Sunday morning.

Even if you don't entertain often, every home should have a classic and simple set of table linens, for the occasion that guests drop by and to nudge you to actually sit down and enjoy your brunch every Sunday morning. If you've inherited some antique linens, that's wonderful, but you may want to keep them in good shape for parties. There's no need to drop big bucks on your tabletop, especially when the JCPenney Hemstitch Table Linens ($12-$27, 50% off) are so affordable. You can choose from seven color choices, or mix and match for a table setting that's just for you. Why not buy several color options and see where the mood takes you? Also, if monogramming is your thing, your runner and napkins will be monogrammed free — how 'bout that for a steal?