Outdoor Entertaining Guide: Summer 2025

Summer has finally arrived and for those of us up north, it’s a much-welcomed time of year because that means finally spending more time outdoors (it’s been a long and brutal winter…. What was up with that May nor’easter?) 

When the weather heats up and we all head outside, we love to entertain friends and family in the backyard. If you are lucky enough to have a pool or fireplace or outdoor space to gather at, bringing loved ones together over a meal is a great way to celebrate the season and enjoy a slower pace. More Than Paper has rounded up some great recipes, décor, and tools that you can use to transform your backyard into an oasis and serve your guests a drink that that they’ll appreciate.  Enjoy summer to its fullest with this guide to outdoor entertaining. 

 

Your Guide to Summer Outdoor Entertaining

 

Decorating Your Backyard 

Transforming your backyard into a summer oasis is a wonderful way to enjoy the warm months and create a welcoming space for family and friends. Here are some simple tips to help you decorate your backyard for the perfect summer vibe! 

 

Add Bright Colors. 

Use vibrant cushions, umbrellas, and outdoor rugs to bring lively colors into your space. Incorporate summer-themed decor such as lanterns, string lights, and colorful banners to create a festive atmosphere. String lights, solar lanterns, or tiki torches not only illuminate your backyard but also create a magical nighttime ambiance. They’re perfect for outdoor dinners or evening gatherings.

 

Create a Cozy Seating Area

Arrange comfortable outdoor furniture like loungers, hammocks, or a picnic table where you can relax or host gatherings. Adding throw pillows and blankets can make the space inviting, even during cooler evenings.  Just make sure you take the cushions in or cover up regularly, especially during storms to preserve them. 

 

Incorporate Natural Elements

Enhance the natural beauty of your backyard with potted plants, hanging flower baskets, and garden beds filled with summer blooms like marigolds, petunias, and sunflowers. These elements add freshness and vibrant color. Be sure to check out our post on gardening for more DIY tips there! 

 

Set Up a DIY Water Feature

Don’t have a pool?  A small fountain or splash pool can add a cooling effect and a soothing background sound, perfect for hot summer days.  If your kids love to play in the water, consider a slip and slide that is easy to plug in with a hose. Old school fun that kids love! 

 

By combining colorful decor, comfortable seating, natural elements, and thoughtful lighting, you can create a delightful summer backyard retreat that’s perfect for relaxing and entertaining all season long.

With your backyard decorated and ready for summer, now it’s time to entertain. We love a Mexican themed night with a taco bar and delicious margaritas. See below for our perfect pitcher of margaritas.  Best of all, serve your guests with More Than Paper’s unbreakable stem wear that’s ideal for pool decks or hard surfaces outdoors when the last thing you want is broken glass (especially with little feet running around!) 

 

From Carved Solutions, this entertaining sets is perfect for summer!  You will enhance all of your outdoor gatherings with this virtually unbreakable, outdoor-friendly Trian Drinkware. This set includes a 55 oz. pitcher, four Trian highball glasses, an insulated acrylic ice bucket, and an acrylic serving tray. Customize your set with a name, phrase, monogram, or initials for a personal touch! 

 

 

The Perfect Pitcher of Margaritas 

 

Here's a classic recipe for a pitcher of delicious margaritas:

Classic Margarita Pitcher

 

Ingredients:

·      1 cup tequila (preferably blanco or silver)

·      1/2 cup triple sec (orange liqueur)

·      1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8-10 limes)

·      1/4 cup simple syrup or agave syrup (adjust to taste)

·      Ice cubes

·      Lime wedges (for garnish)

·      Coarse salt (for rimming glasses)

 

Instructions:

• Prepare the Glasses: Rub a lime wedge around the rims of your glasses and dip them into coarse salt to create salted rims.
• Mix the Margarita: In a large pitcher like the one we recommend below, combine the tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
• Chill: Add plenty of ice to the pitcher and stir to chill the mixture. You can also refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve: Pour the margarita into the prepared glasses over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedges.
• Enjoy!

Be sure to serve the margaritas in the Personalized Tritan Pitcher by Carved Solutions that is also virtually unbreakable.  Personalize with your font of choice, see all of the options here:  Now 10% OFF! 

 

Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tequila, or citrus levels to your taste. Cheers!

 

Preparing for Summer Camp 2025

Summer camp is an exciting opportunity for young people. With a mixture of freedom and adventure unlike at home, the memories that campers create at camp will likely last a lifetime and many friendships are also likely to endure! (Ours did!)  What a great experience. 

Do you have a child headed to camp this summer?  This blog post is geared at getting your camper ready to head off to sleep away camp with tips for campers and parents.  Whether it’s your first time sending your child off to camp or your fifth, you will find something helpful here. 

 

 

Tips for First Time Campers

 

Congratulations! You have the opportunity go to sleep away camp. Embrace this opportunity and be open-minded and ready to try new activities.  Camps are a great way to meet new friends and learn new skills.  Practice your independence before you go to camp – just to get a feel for things! Get comfortable with basic skills like tying shoelaces, using a flashlight, and managing your belongings (obviously this all depends on your age.) This will help you feel more confident, though we know you will build skills once you are there.   

 

At camp, be sure to stay hydrated and eat well. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to keep your energy up for all the activities. Focus on eating the rainbow and all food groups.  (As we write to our children in every letter: “Make sure you are eating your greens!!”)  Need a water bottle?  We have some cute ones to ask your parents about.

 

These personalized aluminum sports bottles come with your choice of design and a screw off top with handle and flip up straw. . The lettering is done with a durable outdoor vinyl so it will not wash off and is sturdy for active play around camp. 

 

Also at camp, don’t forget to communicate with your counselors and staff.  Don’t hesitate to ask counselors or staff if you need help or feel homesick because they are there to support you. If you are feeling homesick, a small item like a photo, stuffed animal, or favorite book can help you feel more at home so don’t forget those things while packing.

 

These pillows are new this year and are personalized – they look adorable on your bed in your bunk and really personalize your space.  They’ll make cozying up during rest hour more comfortable, too. 

 

Try your best to be present and enjoy the moment. We love that many sleep away camps have limits or complete bans on electronics, allowing you to break free from the digital world and focus on the here and now.  Enjoy that! Camps are about making memories so go out and make some memories this summer. You won’t regret it. 

 

 

Tips for First Time Parents

 

This is an exciting time for your camper and a time to celebrate! You may be having a mix of emotions, including nerves, but trust that you have made a great decision in fostering your child’s independence and giving them an incredible opportunity.  To get them ready for camp, you should take some simple steps before hand to start building their independence.  Practice routines of self-care, caring for their belongings, and set communication expectations. Get them some cute stationery so that they can write you letters home. For littler ones, choose fill-in the blank stationery so that communication is easy and you get tid-bits of information. Here are some great options from More Than Paper. 

 

We love the playful design of this one: https://www.morethanpaper.com/EJ-CampPadSet-HeartsCampMulti.htm and the sporty airbrush design of this one: https://www.morethanpaper.com/BM-CampPadSet-AirBrushSports.htm and the classic camp design here: https://www.morethanpaper.com/KampKids-CampPadSet-KST10.htm

 

More tips: Trust the camp staff. Remember that camp staff are trained professionals dedicated to safety and well-being. Trust their expertise and follow their guidance, including their packing lists and recommendations for getting ready. Most camps require you to label everything thoroughly, so be prepared to do that. We have some great options for labeling your camper’s stuff.  Never send expensive, valuable, or cherished items, they often get ruined or lost. Be prepared to do an insane amount of laundry upon your campers return and you’ll find that you will throw a bunch of stuff away…. There are some clothing items that will just never smell the same again. Long live the smell of camp. 

 

For labeling socks and underwear, as well as light colored t-shirts, we like using these personalized clothing marker stamps: https://www.morethanpaper.com/MTP-CampClothingStamp.htm. When stamped on fabric, they will last hundreds of washes! This makes labeling socks super-fast and easy. Just stamp the bottom of them so it’s not visible while wearing said socks.   These label stickers can be applied to the tag of the garment (it is not recommended that you apply it directly to the fabric because the label may come off). https://www.morethanpaper.com/STL-401-StickonLabels-60-SolidWhite.htm.  Some camps don’t allow these as they tend to come off in the washing machine more easily, though we haven’t had ours come off – EVER!  Check with your camp what requirements they have. 

 

First time parents: you are going to do great! 

 

 

Tips for Seasoned Campers & Parents: 

 

Even if you have been to camp before or you’ve sent your son or daughter to camp frequently, you will want to review any updates to your camps drop off procedures and camp policies. Read forms and waivers before signing them again, as they may have changed. Even if you are a pro at packing, check packing lists to see what is new for this year. 

 

More Than Paper has added a few new fun items to our camp section this year, great for parents and great for campers. 

 

We love these Games, Puzzles and Riddles for Parents to send to their camper.  You don’t always have to write a novel to your camper. Sometimes they just want to know you are thinking of them! With this set, sending something in the mail is easy. 

 

Don’t forget about stationery for Mom, too.  These notepad sets come in 50 sheets and with labels included.  They are the perfect size for a quick note from home! 

 

We love all the options of stationery sets that we have for the camper that include matching return address labels (for free) and envelopes.  Visit this link to check out all the designs for boys, girls, and all ages. There’s something for everyone and all ages. (Fill in the blanks or lined stationery!) 

 

Camp is an incredible experience that we feel fortunate enough to have had growing up and to have been able to provide our own children with. The friendships, being outdoors, freedom, adventure, traditions, memories made – they are all unparalleled from any other experience.  Whether you are a seasoned or new camper or seasoned or new parent – this is an exciting time and we wish you the best experience possible! 

 

HAPPY SUMMER 2025! 

A Beginners Guide to Gardening & Gifts

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that has the potential to beautify your home.  If done correctly, it can provide you and your family with fresh produce and flowers and many gardeners say the pastime gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment.  Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, anyone can start a garden. But people often feel overwhelmed! The task of starting a garden may seem daunting so we at More Than Paper are here to give you a little confidence that you, too, can be a gardener!  

This beginner's guide will walk you through the essential steps to cultivate your green thumb. Today we are also here sharing gift ideas for the gardener in your life. 

 

Beginners Guide

 

Understanding Your Space.

The first step to gardening is to assess your environment. First, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Most vegetables and flowers need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.  Good soil is crucial for healthy plants so you will also need to evaluate the quality of the soil. You can test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels with a home kit or consult local gardening centers. Up next, understand your local climate zone. This will help you choose the right plants that can thrive in your conditions.

 

Choose the Right Plants.

As a beginner, it’s best to start with a few easy-to-grow plants. Herbs that are great starters are basil, mint, and parsley. They are simple to grow and can be used in your cooking. For vegetables, try lettuce, radishes, and zucchini because they are forgiving and grow quickly. For flowers, you can try marigolds and sunflowers because they are not only beautiful but also attract beneficial insects. Plant according to the seasons. Check local gardening calendars to know when to plant specific seeds or seedlings.

 

Gather Your Tools. 

Having the right tools can make gardening easier and more enjoyable, plus, isn’t it fun to get geared up?  You will need a hand shovel for digging and planting. You will also need pruning shears to trim plants and encourage growth.  Make sure you have a watering can or access to a hose for easy watering.  Don’t forget gloves to protect your hands while working in the soil.

 

Prepare Your Garden Bed.

Decide whether to plant in the ground or in containers – there is quite a difference! Containers are great for small spaces, while ground planting allows for larger gardens. You will want to prepare your soil and take great care there.  If you are planting in the ground, be sure to clear the area of weeds and debris and then loosen the soil and mix in compost to improve its quality.  Composting is great for the environment and a gardener’s delight!  For containers, use a high-quality potting mix found at Walmart or any garden center.  The preparation of your garden bed is critical to the success of your garden, we cannot overstate this enough. 

 

Plant Your Seeds or Seedlings. 

This seems obvious but we will say it anyway: you must follow the instructions on your seedlings!  Each plant comes with specific planting instructions regarding depth, spacing, and watering. Follow these guidelines to ensure healthy growth. Typically, you will need to water your plants immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) as your plants establish themselves. 

 

Maintain Your Garden. 

Water in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent your garden from drying out during the hot sun. Regularly check for weeds that compete with your plants for nutrients and space. Use organic fertilizers or compost to give your plants the nutrients they need. Keep an eye out for pests. Introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs, or use natural remedies like neem oil, if necessary.

 

Harvest and Enjoy Your Garden. 

Once your plants reach maturity, it is time to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables, or flowers) of your labor! Learn the signs of ripeness for each type of plant – this is often the most rewarding part of gardening for many. 

 

Gardening is often a journey filled with trial and error and learning a lot of lessons along the way. Cultivating your green thumb isn’t easy and you will likely develop a greater appreciation for nature as you go.  With these simple tips, we hope you enjoy diving into the world of basis gardening. 

 

 

Gardening Gifts 

Do you have a friend or family member that is passionate about gardening?  Finding them a gift that aligns with their interests not only nurtures their love for gardening, but also reflects your understanding of them as a friend or family member. What could be sweeter?  We have a few ideas when it comes to gifts for the gardener. 

 

Consider items that enhance their gardening experience, such as high-quality gardening tools, a personalized plant marker set, or a beautiful planter. For a more unique touch, a subscription to a gardening magazine or a seed kit featuring rare plants could inspire their next project.  At More Than Paper, we carry the following gardening theme stationery products.  All of which are great gifts for the gardener this Mother’s Day, spring, holiday, or any time of year. 

 

Gardening Note Pads

Everyone loves these themed list pads that include 50 sheets and come tied with a ribbon, ready for gift giving! 

 

Floral Stationery 

These happy, botanical blooms are perfect for everyday correspondence for your gardening friend or family member. 

 

From The Garden of / From the Kitchen of Stamps 

From canning jars to recipe cards, these from the kitchen of stamps are perfect for the gardener and the chef, or anyone who loves to share what they have harvested with their loved ones and neighbors. 

 

Happy Gardening and gift-giving from More Than Paper! 

Mahjong 101

Mahjong was introduced to the United States in the early 1920s and continues to grow in popularity in the United States, and we are taking notice. Men and women find it to be a creative, challenging, and a fun way to bring friends together, often forming social groups much like Bridge or Book Clubs.  More Than Paper always knows when a pop culture activity is trending as the stationery & gift industry takes note and products following the theme follow suit. In the last year, Mahjong products have been popping up everywhere on bags, notepads, address labels, journals, and more.  We wanted to learn more about this ancient game with modern popularity – so we dug in.  Here’s what we found out!  

History 

Mahjong is a traditional Chinese game that dates to the Qing Dynasty (around the mid-19th century.) It has been said that Mahjong was created by Confucius, who played a similar game with cards made from bamboo, though appears more myth than fact. It is believed to have evolved from earlier card games and tile games in China.

 

By the 1840s, Mahjong began to take shape as a distinct game, particularly in the coastal provinces. It was originally played with 136 tiles (today it is 144) but evolved to include additional tiles and variations. Mahjong became popular among Chinese elites and was often played in social gatherings. It was seen not only as entertainment but also as a means of fostering relationships and demonstrating skill, like it is today. 

Traditionally played by four players, Mahjong combines elements of skill, strategy, and luck. The main goal is to build a winning hand of tiles consisting of four “melds” and one pair. 

 

How to Play 

Game Components

·       Tiles: A standard Mahjong set consists of 144 tiles, divided into several categories:

o   Suit Tiles: Bamboos, Characters, and Dots.

o   Honor Tiles: Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White).

o   Bonus Tiles: Flowers and Seasons (optional in some versions).

 

Setup

1.     Players: Gather four players. Each player sits around a square table.

2.     Tile Arrangement: Shuffle the tiles face down and build a square wall (18 tiles long and 2 tiles high) in the center of the table.

3.     Drawing Tiles: Each player draws 13 tiles (14 for the dealer) to begin the game.

 

Gameplay

1.     Starting the Game: The dealer (East Wind) begins by discarding one tile, which starts the discard pile.

2.     Player Turns: Players take turns in a clockwise direction:

o   Draw a Tile: Players can either draw a tile from the wall or take the tile from the discard pile.

o   Form Melds: After drawing, players can form a meld by:

§  Pong: Three identical tiles.

§  Chow: A sequence of three tiles in the same suit (only from the player to the left's discard).

§  Kong: Four identical tiles (can be declared during your turn).

o   Discard a Tile: End your turn by discarding one tile.

3.     Winning the Game: A player wins by forming a complete hand of four melds and a pair. When a player declares victory, they usually shout "Mahjong!"

 

Scoring

Scoring can vary depending on the version (there is a different one released each year). Points are awarded for specific combinations, honors, and bonuses. Familiarize yourself with the scoring system before starting, this will be found in your kit. 

 

Tips for New Players

Familiarize yourself with the different tiles if you are just starting out.  Staying observant during the game is the best way to win— always keep an eye on what other players are discarding and collecting.  It’s also recommended to practice strategy. Balance offense (building your hand) with defense (preventing others from winning) is key to be victorious, just like other card games or individual games. 

 

Grab Your Friends

Why not try learning this ancient game that is gaining so much momentum? Host a game night with a few of your friends and start playing.  Use digital invitations or a group text message chat to inform your guests about the date, time, and location of the game night.  Create a sign-up genius so that everyone can bring something to eat or drink, or if you are feeling up to it, be the hostess with the mostess and provide the food and beverages! Make sure you have tile sets and square tables for 4. If this is a new group who has not played before, you will want to explain the rules and do a few practice rounds.  With any luck, your group will catch on quickly and you will all be experts in no time, creating a group who meets routinely for comradery and mahjong. 

 

Mahjong Lover Gifts

Do you know a Mahjong enthusiast? We have gifts for Mahjong masters and lovers at More Than Paper. Here are some of our favorites. 

 

1.     These themed cocktail napkins, “Get your Mahjong On” are perfect if you are hosting a Mahjong get together, or if you’d like to thank the host with a cute gift. 

2.     Keeping score just got a whole lot cuter with these personalized mahjong score pads that are on sale for 10% off. 

3.     Unfortunately, life is not all mahjong, there are other things to be done! Check out these to-do list pads that are mahjong themed.  

These non-personalized pads ship quickly and are just $18.00 each for a 100-sheet pad.  And our best-selling budget-friendly notepad (at just $7) is this! 

4.     We love these chunky notepads that include 200 sheets. 

5.     This washable canvas bag is mahjong themed and perfect for your travels! 

 

 

 

We hope you have fun learning a new game and jumping on this bandwagon if you haven’t already. Happy Mahjong playing! 

 

Refresh and Restock in the New Year

As the New Year rolls in, many of us feel inspired to start fresh and make positive changes in our lives. One of the easiest and most effective ways to embrace this spirit is by refreshing your home to set the tone. Especially after the clutter of holiday decorations, a clean and organized space can bring a sense of renewal and positivity.  We also have some recommendations for restocking your home with essentials (and non-essentials), so that you are not caught without things that you need throughout the year. From basic household needs to more splurge-worthy items to stock up on, you’ll find some recommendations here. Enjoy these simple and effective ways to refresh and restock in 2025! 

 

REFRESH

Remove Holiday Decorations

First things first, you’ll want to take down and store the holiday decorations carefully and systematically.  For some individuals, especially those that decorate quite a lot during the holidays, this can be a big task. Our recommendation is to go slow and try not to do it all at once! 

 

Declutter & Organize

When the holiday decorations are put away, go through each room, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, or discard. Not only does this create more space, but it also helps you reconnect with what truly matters. Children’s clothing may be outgrown, there are likely toys to donate, and you can reduce what you have based on what you use and don’t.  Embrace the mentality of minimalism and less is more. Donating your rarely used items can be really rewarding, too. 

 

Store 

Once decluttered, invest in storage solutions that promote organization, making your home feel tidier and more inviting.  Check out this personalized storage tote found at More Than Paper for under $40 including personalization.  These personalized storage totes are a great way to get organized in style. 

 

Refresh 

After the holidays, many items in your household may look drab and look like they need a boost.  Throw pillows, throw blankets, or towels, for instance, are things that need to be refreshed from time to time.  Take note of such items and replace where needed.  Our 8-piece personalized luxury towel set is a great way to refresh the bathroom.  This super absorbent 100% cotton set can be personalized with your monogram, initials, or a single line of text for your name. 

 

Consider also refreshing soaps and like-linen hand towels in your guest bathroom! Here are some of our favorites:

 

These items may be all the room needs to feel refreshed again! 

 

RESTOCK

Essentials 

Keeping your home well-stocked with essentials is crucial for maintaining a smooth household.  Being prepared for every day needs eliminates a lot of stress. For essentials, we recommend that you create a master list and include categories such as food staples, cleaning products, personal care items, and any other household necessities. Breaking it down into categories can help streamline your shopping process.  Once you have determined your essentials, take stock of what you already have before you shop. 

 

Go through the categories and your pantry, fridge, bathroom, and cleaning supplies. Make a list of items that are running low or have expired. This will help you determine what you need to restock and prevent unnecessary purchases. To save money and reduce the frequency of shopping trips for these essentials, consider buying essentials in bulk at Sam’s Club or Cosco. Items like paper towels, canned goods, and non-perishable foods often come at a lower price per unit when purchased in larger quantities. Just be sure you have a place to store these items if you are buying in bulk.  

 

Non-Essentials

During this time when you are taking inventory of essentials like toilet paper and pantry items, it’s also a great time to inventory other things in your household that you use often and don’t want to be left without. These items are not necessarily essential, but you use or need them throughout the year!  

 

As it pertains to your office, this might mean postage stamps and envelopes, as well as your everyday stationery for correspondence and notepads for your desk. Make a wish list of things you’d like to restock and then prioritize based on your budget.  Another thing to consider restocking in your office?  Address labels. January tends to be a busy month for us at More Than Paper for many of our customers that restock their easy, self-adhesive address labels for year-round correspondence of all types.  Here are some of our recommendations for when it’s time to restock the office! 

 

Everyday Stationery: See options here!

Address Labels: See options here!

Notepads for your desk: See options here! 

 

Whether it’s time to refresh or restock, clearing out the clutter, taking inventory, determining needs, and getting organized will help you start the new year off right!  Share your tips for refreshing your home and restocking on our Facebook page at More Than Paper. 

Honoring Those Who Make Our Lives Easier

In our busy lives, we tend to overlook the contributions of those who help us maintain our homes and make our lives easier. From gardeners and house cleaners to delivery personnel and neighborhood security guards, these individuals play a vital role in enhancing our comfort, safety, and quality of life. They allow us to focus on other things and take various responsibilities off our plates. During the busy holiday season, try to take a moment to honor these people and recognize their contributions to your life. Here are some thoughtful ways to honor and appreciate their efforts.

Express Gratitude Verbally

Sometimes, the simplest and most obvious actions carry the most weight. Take a moment to express your gratitude verbally. A heartfelt "thank you" can brighten someone's day. Make it a point to acknowledge their hard work during your interactions. 

 

For Delivery Drivers & Workers

One idea that has gained popularity is setting up a snack basket for delivery drivers and workers outside your home!  Start with a sturdy, attractive basket that can hold a variety of snacks. Fill it with a mix of sweet and savory options, such as granola bars, mixed nuts, trail mix, fruit snacks, chips, and cookies. Consider adding some healthy choices like fresh fruit or protein bars to cater to different preferences. Include bottled water or sports drinks to keep them hydrated. To add a personal touch, include a thank-you note at the top expressing your gratitude for their service.  Place the basket in a convenient location that is easily visible. Don’t forget to replenish it often! This small gesture can make a big difference in brightening a delivery driver or worker’s day. 

 

Write a Personalized Note

A handwritten note can be a meaningful way to show appreciation. In your note, mention specific things you appreciate about their work. For example, if your gardener has transformed your backyard into a beautiful oasis, let them know how much joy it brings you.  If you are a busy mom or career woman who is lucky enough to have someone who cleans your house, let your house cleaner know that she makes it possible for you to accomplish more with your kids or in the workplace with the time she spends tending to your home and how important that is to you!!  Small gestures like this can leave a lasting impression.  If you are looking for some personalized stationery for thank yous that also work for your year-round note writing, we have some options from which to choose. 

 

-       Personalize these notecards from your entire family using your last name in the center and first names around the loop: 

-       These family crest notecards are perfect for year-round use and messages to anyone that you may be thanking. 

 

Not sure exactly what to say?  Your note might read something like this: 

 

Dear _____, 

 

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the hard work and dedication you bring to your role. Your efforts truly make a difference in our home, and we are so grateful that you make our lives easier. 

 

From keeping everything tidy to ensuring that our space feels welcoming, your attention to detail does not go unnoticed. I appreciate the care you put into your work. 

 

Thank you once again for everything you do. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our household!

 

Warm wishes,

 

[Your Name]

 

Provide a Small Gift 

As a token of your appreciation, you might provide a small gift to show your gratitude.  Find out what their hobbies are and what they enjoy doing outside of work. 

 

-       Perhaps the recipient enjoys pickleball or mahjong. Whatever their outside hobbies may be, we have a selection of activity/hobby notepads that are very popular at a great price!  

See all designs by visiting this link! 

-       A cosmetic bag or toiletry bag is a great option for your female recipients. We love this blush pink cosmetic bag that can be stored in your purse for handy organization and a stylish look!  At just $28, this personalized gift is a thoughtful way to show that you care. 

-       We also love these inexpensive canvas tote bags that can be personalized.  The Medium Canvas Tote is the perfect size for daily use. Featuring a contrasting trim and a top zip closure, this bag also comes includes a nice outer pocket for easy access to smaller items such as a phone. There are 18 color options from which to choose and a variety of ways to personalize the text, be it monogram, name, initials, or letter. Choose the typestyle and make it yours! 

 

Bake or Make Dinner

Food is always a great way to show appreciation! Consider offering a small treat, like homemade cookies to take home. Perhaps you have a little extra time, and you have the capacity to send them home with a lasagna or other favorite homemade dish of yours. We also like the idea of making a casserole and freezing it, so that they don’t have to think about dinner (and can easily transport the dish!) 

 

This will go a long way in showing your appreciation for their efforts.   Below you will find our recipe for a delicious chicken and broccoli casserole that you can freeze.   Be sure to send them thawing/heating instructions so that they know what to do.  Include your instructions on a handwritten note or letterhead like this one from More Than Paper. 

 

-       This letterhead is not only great for jotting down reheating instructions for your casserole but a variety of other notes that you need to write this holiday season! The 50# text paper is compatible with ink, laser and copy machines, too! 

 

Provide Financial Recognition

If possible, consider giving a bonus or a small gift card during holidays or special occasions. The amount you give is completely up to you and any amount will be appreciated. This shows that you recognize their efforts and that you appreciate the extra work they do. It can be especially meaningful during seasons when money is tight in any household. Consider gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, or Amazon and Walmart.  You can include cash or gift cards in a handwritten note sharing your appreciation! 

 

Share The Work 

In today’s digital age, sharing your appreciation on social media can be a powerful gesture. With their permission, post about their excellent work, tagging them in your post. This not only honors them but may also help them gain more clients through your recommendation.

 

Support Their Growth

If they offer services beyond what you typically use, consider trying out different services they provide. For instance, if your cleaner also offers landscape services, you might benefit from that. Supporting their business growth can be a wonderful way to show appreciation.

 

By expressing gratitude, offering small tokens of appreciation, and engaging with people who make our lives easier on a personal level, we can acknowledge the hard work of many and show kindness.  By using one or more of these tips, you will surely show your appreciation for those who make your life easier.  

 

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Chicken & Broccoli Freezer Casserole Recipe 

 

Ingredients: 

 

- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded 

- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets 

- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

-Sprinkling of red pepper flakes 

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

- 1 tablespoon of butter (optional, for topping) 

 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

 

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. 

 

3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil (if using).

 

4.  Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

 

5. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, mix the breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle them over the cheese for added crunch.

 

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

 

7. Cool & Freeze: Allow the casserole to cool completely. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.

 

INCLUDE REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: 

 

To Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.  This casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Please note the date.