5 Often-Overlooked Times You Should Write a Thank You Note

5 times you should write a thank you note (but might have overlooked)

At More Than Paper, we believe that the art of a writing a thank you note is not a lost cause. Now more than ever, we need to slow down and take the time to acknowledge others for their kindness. Many people think to send a thank you note for large acts (such as when a gift is received or you were a guest), but there are plenty of times that acknowledging a smaller act of kindness goes a long way.  We’ve assembled 5 times when it’s appropriate to send a thank you note that tend to get overlooked. 
 
Volunteer Coaches 
Teachers are often celebrated during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week, and if they are lucky, a room parent will acknowledge their birthday. Often overlooked are our children’s coaches who are often volunteers in recreational leagues. These coaches have a tremendous impact on the trajectory of a young athlete and many character lessons are learned in sports. Coaches sacrifice evening time with their own family to hold practices, and time out of their weekend to coach at games. More than the time spent, Coaches are instrumental in your athlete’s self-esteem. They are building lifelong skills of resilience and teaching your child how to deal with defeat and how to be a gracious winner.  A coach that not only teaches them fundamental skills of the sport, but also lifts up your athlete and teaches them how to be a good winner and loser, deserves recognition in a formalized way. A thank you note is a great way to do that! 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just say thanks – be specific!  Recall a couple of moments throughout the season that the Coach went above and beyond, or recount valuable skills and lessons that your child has learned. Sometimes humor is appropriate here! 
 
A Committee Member’s Contribution 
If you’re involved in volunteer work, you often run across hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into an event or activity routinely.   Sometimes there are logical conclusions, such as an event fundraiser or an election of individuals to a Board of Directors.  During those times, take the time you need to reflect on all the people who helped make that event a success, or their commitment to the organization. Closing the gap and acknowledging the contributions of others – big and small – will go a long way to building relationships. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Talk about the impact that you witnessed the person make. Be specific about their contribution and how it contributed to the success overall or what the person means to the organization.  

Your Son or Daughter who did something RIGHT 
Sometimes parenting feels just like correcting behavior that isn’t quite right. Sit up! Use your manners! Stop picking on your brother!  Our job as parents is to point out what our kids need to do better to make them good humans. We’re guessing you also know that it is critical to tell your children what they are doing right to build their self-confidence and reinforce the behavior you want to see again.  No one likes to be told all the time that they are doing it wrong. 
 
Have you ever considered writing your son or daughter a thank you note or a written acknowledgement that you see how hard they are working? Have you recently observed something wonderful that they did? Putting your thoughts into writing, even after you may have commented, is a more formal way to express your feelings that really crystalizes in one’s memory.  The next time your child does something right, consider a quick note left on their pillow expressing how proud of them you are.  
 
How to acknowledge:  Keep it age appropriate with not only your vocabulary and sentiment, but also the length. Shorter can be sweeter for some. Only you know what will resonate with your child!  
 

Your Neighbor’s Small Act of Service 
Neighborly acts of service such as bringing you a piece of mistaken mail, bringing in a package from the rain, or moving your trash bins are very simple gestures. Do you need to acknowledge them with a thank you note? Not necessarily.  But doing so may help future goodwill and build relationships.  A small note to say hello and thank you is a touch point to create a stronger relationship and will make your neighbor feel seen and appreciated for something so small.  In a world that is so divisive and negative right now, small acts of kindness can mean so much. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just mention the tiny act of service but the bigger picture and how you appreciate being neighbors with someone like them. 
 
Your School Principal
Teachers are lucky enough to be celebrated regularly (though perhaps we could do more!) Principals and Heads of School rarely get much fanfare. They are tasked with the weight of finances, staffing and human resources, balancing education with athletics, clubs, and hearing the voices of many who often differ.  Many also must make disciplinary decisions that can be difficult. Celebrate the overall guidance and leadership that a Head of School provides. Consider sending a quick thank you note – not at the end of the school year – but perhaps at a more “random” time. If there is a milestone or achievement that is worth celebrating, that can be an appropriate time, too. In a non-self-serving way, building a relationship with your leadership can be valuable when you have concerns that you need to address.  It’s hard to listen to people that are always critical of your performance, so be sure to shed light on positive moments when you can.  It will make addressing the more contentious matters easier. 
 
How to acknowledge: Express overall gratitude and appreciation for their leadership. Recognizing a specific action is great but the overall sentiment showing approval of the direction of the school is the most critical message to convey. 

 

The stationery shown in this post can be found at More Than Paper with the following links. Shop thousands of ways to express your gratitude for moments big and small by visiting us at More Than Paper!  
 
 

Holiday Planning 2025

Old Navy launched their first holiday commercial and email and mailboxes are full of pre-holiday specials. To the consumer, the holidays have arrived.  At More Than Paper, we’ve been thinking about the winter holidays for months now. We’ve added a slew of new greeting cards, gifts, and holiday gift-giving ideas and are excited to showcase all that’s new for the holidays (you can jump to the holiday category right now by visiting our site! 
 
This year, we are vowing to slow down and enjoy the time with our children and family. It feels like it’s all going too fast! But how is Mom able to slow down and enjoy the time with her family while simultaneously being the “magic maker” (you know… the one that does all the decorating, shopping, wrapping, cookie baking, and honoring all the traditions?)  It seems like a contradiction. 
 
Let’s explore some ways to get a jump start on your holiday planning so that you can enjoy your time this season. Avoid the burn out with these simple tips and products to help you get started on the 2025 holiday season. 
 
Plan your calendar
Have the party invitations and school calendar events begun to stream in?  Start out by blocking out key dates for events that you will be attending.  Then, you can add in dates that you want to accomplish your gift shopping, baking, decorating, and other traditional events. We love a paper calendar to write it all down!  Also great to have on-hand? A festive notepad to dress up your desk and get yourself in the spirit. 

We also love these other chunky notepads: that includes 200 sheets. These are also great for gift giving as the pads come tied with a coordinating ribbon. 

Develop a budget 
We’ve said this before but will urge it again.  Make sure to set a holiday budget! List who you’re buying for and set a rough spending cap. Track all your online purchases on a spreadsheet and mark when they come in the mail. (This helps you keep track of what you have purchased and ensures you get all of your items!) Look for easy savings: early-bird sales and discount days like Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals.  
 
You can also brainstorm DIY gifts that add personal flair without breaking the bank. Consider thoughtful, low-effort DIY options (custom bookmarks, photo magnets, photos in a frame).  Since these items take time to produce, make sure you order ahead! Personalize these gifts with a note or write something special on a gift tag – one meaningful touch beats a pricey item. Consider investing in stationery that you could use all year-round but that works for the holidays, such as below, and handwrite personal messages of season’s greetings when you deliver cookies or a bottle of wine. 

 

Simplify meals and entertaining
Freeze a few batches of soups or casserole dishes for easy weeknights when you are at holiday concerts or events at school that you just don’t want to cook after. Making a bunch of dishes ahead and freezing will save you time and will allow you to eat healthier than if you just run through the drive thru! 
 
Deck the halls with intention
Pick one or two festive decor projects (a garland for the mantle, a centerpiece for the table, a menorah on a shelf). Declutter first, then decorate; a clean space amplifies the holiday feel.  Sometimes less is more and maybe this year, you don’t have to go ALL OUT.  Choose a couple of spaces within your house where you regularly congregate, instead of attempting to decorate the whole house, which can feel overwhelming. 
 
Nurture traditions
Lean into small rituals: a weekly holiday movie night, an ornament-making session, or a baking Saturday. Start a gratitude jar: jot one thing you’re grateful for each day. Whatever your holiday traditions are, make sure you make the time to nurture them!
 
Do you send holiday cards in the mail to your friends, family, and colleagues? Consider ordering them now in October or early November so that it’s one less thing on your list.  More Than Paper has a great selection of holiday cards and all styles from photo-mount holiday cards to digital-photo holiday cards, to letterpress, foil-stamped and digitally printed personalized greeting cards, interfaith holiday cards to boxed cards that are not personalized. We also have a selection of cards that give back to non-profits, which is a wonderful way to support causes that you care about and send some snail mail love. 
 
We love these holiday cards that are photo mount (you add your photo to the card using adhesive). These are letterpress printed and you can upgrade to double thick for a fee (make sure to weigh them at the post office to ensure you have the proper postage).  These are beautiful, keepsake cards for the stationery aficionado. 

 
Check out this charity card where you designate the charity of your choice!  With this, you can also create your own sentiment. 

 
This exquisite Hanukkah card by Crane is a piece of artwork. Available personalized and boxed:
We know that with a little advanced preparation you will find the time to slow down and enjoy the holidays. So, make the most of it this year – if it all seems like it’s going by so fast, it’s because it is! 

 

How to Plan a Family Vacation: Step by Step

Smart itinerary planning and a well-packed bag are the foundations of a smooth and memorable family vacation.If you are looking to plan a family vacation and are not sure where to start, start here. 

More Than Paper is here to share our favorite travel hacks and accessories, practical planning steps, and trusted online sources to provide you with nearly everything you need to plan a family getaway. Looking to uncover great restaurants and want to know what to pack in your suitcase? We also have you covered. 

 

How to Plan a Family Getaway

You want to take a family vacation…. Where do you start?  Luckily there are so many online resources that nowadays you can plan a family vacation entirely online.  We share many of those great resources below.  If you are just getting started, follow these basic steps:  

 

1)    Define your family’s vibe and budget.  Are you after beaches, cities, theme parks, or nature adventures? Establish a rough price range and how many days you can travel. Be careful and specific about what days you have off from work, check school calendars, and be sure to look at national calendars for holidays and events. Traveling during non-peak holidays will save you lots of money.  

2)    For a family vacation, you will want to choose your destination with kid friendliness in mind. Avoid wineries or creating an itinerary that has a lot of events 21+ or hotels that don’t allow for kids. Look for destinations with family-friendly activities. A lot of this can be done by reading reviews! 

3)    Pick travel dates and book early.  Summer is peak season for family travel; book flights and accommodations early to lock in better prices and room configurations suitable for families. Most travel is available to book a year in advance. 

4)    Secure Transportation. Decide between flying vs. driving. If driving, map out scenic stops and rest breaks. If flying on your family vacation, check family seating options and the best itineraries that work with your schedule. Sometimes you can save money by leaving very early in the morning. Only you know best if that’s something your family can handle, or if it will be a complete disaster! 

5)    Select family-friendly accommodations. Look for suites, apartment rentals, or hotels with kid pools, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and good access to the activities you want. We tend to look for rooms that have a kitchenette and separate space for adults/kids to sleep, when budget allows. If you have a AAA membership, ask about potential discounts.

6)    Plan activities with kid-friendly pacing. Mix high-energy days with slower ones; include at least one “down day” to recharge. There’s nothing wrong with a down day by the pool or beach if you are exploring a city and have a lot of museum tours or cultural events. Give yourself some grace and remember, this is a vacation. 

7)    Healthwise: it’s a good idea to confirm vaccines needed or health requirements if traveling abroad. 

8)    Consider buying travel insurance.  Travel insurance can protect you if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or something comes up for work or school. 

 

Smart Safety Ideas for Travelers

Doing a couple of things ahead of your trip will pay off in the long run if you have an emergency, so try these simple tips before you go.  First, make copies of important documents like passports and IDs.  Bring one copy with you and leave another copy at home.  Carry the amount of cash that you estimate you will need for tips, for travel, plus extra for emergencies. When you are at your location, take a photo of your hotel placard or carry a card with your hotel name and local emergency numbers. 

   

For your daily itinerary

Each day should include: a main activity, a backup option, and a dining plan. Build in downtime for naps or rest. We recommend creating a family travel notebook or digital doc that includes flight details, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, and a rough daily plan. 

 

Where to Find Great Travel Resources

·      TripAdvisor: Offers reviews, family-friendly hotels, and restaurant options; great for scouting activities and neighborhoods.

·      Google Travel: Itinerary ideas, flight and hotel suggestions, and user reviews; handy for quick planning and maps.

·      Booking.com and Hotels.com: Wide range of family-friendly accommodations; often shows property amenities like cribs and suites. 

·      Lonely Planet and National Geographic Travel: Trusted destination guides with practical tips and cultural context.

·      Family Vacation Critic: Specifically curated for family-friendly destinations, hotels, and activities.

·      Travel + Leisure and AFAR: Inspiration, top picks, and seasonal travel ideas with family-friendly options.

 

Travel Resources for getting there and getting around

·      Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo: Compare flight prices and routes; set price alerts.

·      Rome2rio: Clear, practical transport options between cities, including driving, trains, buses, and ferries.

·      Airbnb Family programs or family-friendly listings; VRBO for stand-alone homes with kitchens and multiple bedrooms.

 

Restaurants & Dining Out 

Food is an important part of travel, not just because you need to eat and will be hungry, obviously, but because experiencing local food is critical to experiencing the culture of the region you are visiting.  But you should be careful not to have any plan of where you are going to eat and just “wing-it.” Although that can be a spontaneous option, it can also lead into falling into pricey tourist traps.  Use these resources to find great restaurants: 

·      OpenTable: Easy reservations, especially for family-friendly dining with seating availability.

·      Yelp and Google Maps: Real-world reviews and local recommendations for family-friendly meals and ambiance.

·      Eater and Michelin Guide (where available): Great for selecting standout restaurants and culinary experiences.  Eater is by far our favorite source to find great restaurants that are both delicious and off the beaten path. 

·      Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon): Helpful for quick menus and user ratings in many cities.

 

Activities

When it comes time to plan local activities and experiences, you will also want to plan ahead and make reservations and buy advanced tickets.  For day trips, tours, and family-friendly activities, use these resources Viator or GetYourGuide. Check to see if AAA has discounted tickets (if you already have a AAA membership). 

 

 

Packing 

Smart packing will make your trip great. Now that you have your itinerary and a rough guide of what you will do daily, be sure you pack accordingly.  We like to pack with cubes and small bags.   Separate items into zones like electronics, toiletries, undergarments, and outwear. Pack smaller bags into a larger one.  Some of our favorite things to pack that aren’t always considered are: 

 

·      Insulated water bottles and hydration packs like Drip Drop or Liquid IV for fast hydration on the go. We like these personalized aluminum water bottles at More Than Paper that are ideal for kids because they make it theirs! 

·      Lunch coolers to keep drinks cold on hot days. Create your own lunch cooler with these personalized, insulated and zippered lunch tote. While traveling, it can store personal items. Once you have made it to your destination, it can be used to bring snacks or keep drinks cool as you are out and about during activities. 

·      Portable handheld or rechargeable fan (which can be handy when sightseeing in heat or waiting in lines)

·      Sun protection gear such as reusable UV-protective hats, child-friendly sunscreen (reef-safe when possible), sunglasses for all ages, and a lightweight cover-up or rash guard.

·      Quick-dry microfiber towels can be easy to pack and great for beach days, pool time, or hostel stays with shared spaces.

·      Don’t forget a universal travel adapter and a compact power bank if you are traveling out of the country to keep devices charged across multiple countries; consider one with USB-C and USB-A ports.

·      Noise-canceling or comfort earbuds can be super helpful for long flights and hotel rooms with noisy neighbors.

·      Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos because summer showers are common; a compact rain layer is worth it

·      Dry bag or waterproof phone case to protect devices during beach days, boat trips, or river adventures. Also, a dry bag is great for storing wet clothes as you travel.

·      Travel-sized first-aid kit and kid-safe meds. Bandages, fever reducer, electrolyte packets, antihistamines, and seasickness tablets if needed. Consider storing any of these in these small travel cases that can be personalized with the content’s names (e.g. “medication”, “first-aid”) or your own monogram / initial.  , or  or https://www.morethanpaper.com/CBS-7019.htm

·      RFID-blocking wallet or money belt brings extra peace of mind when in crowded markets or big cities.

 

There you have it!  We hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to planning and packing for the best family vacation yet.  What did we miss? Be sure to let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page. 

 

 

Getting Organized and Ready for Back to School: A Practical Guide

It’s about this time in July that moms suddenly realize that the end of the lazy summer days will be here before we know it and it’s time to get prepared for what’s ahead. As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many moms (like us) find themselves balancing a mix of excitement and relief that a more normal routine is coming.  As well, sometimes there are feelings of stress. It’s not just stress with buying supplies and new outfits—the return of school floods us with numerous to-dos.  From fall sports tryouts and physicals, to Parents Association meetings and planning back to school class activities, the list is long. 

We’ve developed a practical guide to help moms get everything in order and start the school year on the right foot.  Getting organized and prepared doesn’t have to be very overwhelming. With a little planning and some routines in place, we hope you’ll be ready to face the back-to-school season confidently without a lot of stress—making it a positive experience for your entire family! Wishing you good luck this school year ahead. 

 

1. Create a Family Calendar

Start by setting up a family calendar—digital or paper—that includes school schedules, extracurricular activities, appointments, and other important dates. This helps everyone stay on the same page and reduces last-minute surprises. Consider using apps like Google Calendar or Cozi for real-time updates and shared access.  If you are “old school” (like us), consider investing in a family desktop planner like these below. 

 

These notepads by Kelly Hughes Designs are great to keep your day-to-day organized and get clear on your own schedule and what’s a priority.

 

This pad helps organize family members busy weeks ahead with a dedicated row per person. Quickly and easily scan what is going on with this notepad! 

 

2. Organize Supplies and Back-to-School Shopping

Thankfully, school supply shopping has gotten easier over the years with some schools making their lists available at Target or Walmart, or an innovative company like “First Day School Supplies” where you can order an entire kit with the click of a button.  If your school doesn’t have these easy options, make a list of school supplies based on your child’s grade and teacher’s requirements communicated through the school. Shop early (July) to avoid the last-minute rush and to find the best deals. Don’t forget essentials like backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothing. Organize supplies into designated bins, drawers at home, or even right into the backpack so they’re ready when needed.  We love these storage bins found at More Than Paper that are great for extra paper, school supplies, and office items. 

 

This natural canvas storage bin has sturdy handles and construction making it a great way to store just about anything with style. You can monogram or personalize how you see fit, too! 

 

Want a personalized cooler for lunches that can grow with your child, these are super popular:

 

 

3. Establish Morning and Evening Routines

Consistency is key to a smooth transition. Start adjusting bedtimes at last two weeks before school begins to ensure your kids get enough rest. Don’t wait until the last week or night before to return to a normal bedtime routine! If you can, plan and practice morning routines—showering, dressing, brushing your teeth, breakfast—so everyone knows what to expect. Evening routines like homework time, reading, and preparing school bags can also help set a peaceful tone for bedtime. Make sure your kids are getting off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime to foster deep sleep and less stress – this is what the experts say is best! 

 

4. Meal Planning and Prep

For moms, we cannot emphasize the impact that meal planning can have on simplifying your life. Meal planning can save time and reduce morning (and evening) chaos when there are practices, games, recitals, rehearsals…and life!  Prepare breakfasts and lunches in advance or assemble ingredients the night before. Involve kids in packing their lunchboxes—it teaches responsibility and makes them more excited about their meals. We have a few grocery pads and meal planning notepads that can help you get excited about all this planning. Check out our favorites below! 

 

They key to meal planning is getting organized at the grocery store.  Get organized with these personalized grocery pads that organize your shopping list into categories, making your shopping trip a breeze.  Keep these pads within easy reach, and you’ll have plenty of organized shopping trips in your future. 

 

 

5. Set Up a Homework Station

Another great idea is to set up a specific spot in your home for homework and study. Keep supplies like pencils, paper, and calculators nearby. Having a dedicated workspace helps children focus and makes it easier for you to monitor assignments. We recommend a good wireless printer, stocked and ready to go with ink and paper, so that children can print out assignments or papers and reports.  Another great thing to have on hand? Poster board. How many times have you had to run to CVS or Walmart last minute because your child suddenly has a project due tomorrow that requires poster board?  We also recommend stocking up on pencils (you can never have enough), highlighters, annotating tabs for the older ones, and index cards. Index cards are ideal for making your own flashcards (though now, Quizzlet and other online digital platforms have replaced much of that!) 

 

Another cute addition to the homework station, a cute desktop calendar so that today’s date is always known:

 

 

6. Review and Organize Paperwork

School forms, permission slips, report cards, and newsletters can pile up quickly. Create a filing system for your home, either a physical folder or digital storage—to keep everything organized. Regularly review and discard outdated papers. There’s a great meme that circulates at the beginning of every school year about needing to quit your job to keep up with all the school communication. If this sounds familiar (and overwhelming), consider checking your email only once a day (in the evenings) and give yourself dedicated time to deal with school-related emails. 

 

7. Plan for Extra Activities and Transportation

Do you know that phrase work smarter, not harder?  What about “it takes a village to raise a child”? Get smart about your transportation and use the support of other families when you can. Coordinate carpool schedules with other parents – chances are there are opportunities for you to reduce your driving time. Confirm extracurricular activity schedules with coaches and mentors and check to see who is on your team. Being proactive and planning early can help avoid last-minute scrambling and will create a system that you can work with.  For example, if you know another family that is on the same baseball team, you could agree that you will always drive them to practice, if the other family doesn’t mind picking them up. 

 

Family calendars like these will help you plan for extra-curricular activities and make it easy to spot when you have conflicts and need to coordinate carpools. This one is a great price, too! You’ll get 60 sheets for $25!  

 

8. Prioritize Self-Care

Don’t forget about YOU!  Remember to schedule time for yourself whether it’s a walk in the morning, a quick workout, reading, or a relaxing bath. Taking care of your well-being will give you the energy and patience needed to support your family through the busy school year. We know that it can be a lot! 

 

One final tip?  Try to embrace some flexibility and go with the flow. Even with the best planning, things will not go perfectly. Stay flexible and keep a positive attitude, as best as you can.  Always remember that this period in life won’t last forever… When you start thinking about it that way, we’re willing to bet you may just have some perspective and get a little misty-eyed. 

 

 

Writing to Your Camper: Summer 2025

For the 26 million children who attend 15,000 summer camps across the United States, this is a time for growth. 

For many parents, one goal of sending their child to camp is fostering a deeper sense of independence. Learning to grow without constant parental supervision, taking new risks, embarking on new adventures, making new friends are all experiences that create a deeper sense of self and build a stronger independence. But that doesn’t mean that campers don’t still want to hear from their parents. In fact, many are homesick and do want to hear from Mom & Dad! In those cases, it’s a delicate balance between sending just right number of letters to your camper letting him/her know you are thinking about them. 

 

One of our campers attends a sleepaway camp in North Carolina (Camp Rockmont) and the Assistant Director writes a great blog about the value of homesickness. We thought we’d share it.  It’s a beautiful post.  (Cliff notes: What a blessing that you have created such a wonderful bond with your child and built a loving, safe household that your child misses When your child is homesick at camp, I hope their camp counselors lean in and say, “tell me more.” There is nothing more sweet than the bond of family and the safety and security of home.  But this is where the growth happens. Outside of their comfort zone!) 

 

When writing to your camper, we’ve heard conflicting advice. Do you write “I miss you” to your camper, or does that create feelings of angst or guilt if your camper doesn’t exactly miss you or is having a great time? Or, does writing “I miss you” provide security, and is it honest and something you should absolutely share with your son or daughter?  

 

Finding what works for you is no easy task and our only advice is that you be you and follow your heart.  Where More Than Paper can help more is sharing the wealth of stationery and unique greeting card options that make letter writing to your camper easy! Here are some great options for writing letters to your camper from home. We think you will be surprised at these innovative solutions for touching base with your camper. 

 

Start with this basic notepad and envelope/return address label set. “Hi From Home” stationery 

is non-personalized but you will choose the customization of your return address label sets and choose if you want lined paper or blank.  The pad includes 50 sheets. 

 

Up next, we love this set of Games, Puzzles, and Riddles. There’s only just so much news you can report on at home. (Last night, we wrote a note about what we ate for dinner…. Does our camper really care? We think not!)  .  Your camper can share these jokes with his or her bunkmates and keep everyone laughing. Each set comes with the 8 greeting cards shown with an assortment of colored envelopes! 

 

For sending to your sports and gaming loving boy, we think this sports greeting card pack is super cute!   Whether you are wishing them to have a ball or to play like a champion, Send your camper fun letters with these packs of folded note cards. There’s also a “girlie pack” available with makeup, stuffed teddy bears, and more. 

 

This company has created age appropriate card pack sets, like this one that is targeted for ages 10-12. Each set comes with the 8 greeting cards shown with an assortment of colored envelopes. 

 

We also love this just from Mom, “Hi From Mom” notepad and envelope/return address label set. The notepad has 50 sheets and is perfect size for a quick letter to your camper. 

 

Whatever you choose to write to your camper – whether it’s a heartfelt note, a reminder to brush his teeth, expressions that you miss her, or what you ate for dinner last night – we think you will find that More Than Paper has you covered on the ways in which to express your message this summer.  Most items are on sale and ship quickly!  Get your orders in soon so you can start sending for summer 2025! 

 

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!