guest etiquette

so I've been seeing a lot of posts around the blogosphere lately about hosting guests in your home. many sites are recommending that you put together some kind of packet for your guest with details about the house, things to do in the area, emergency contact, etc. I get where people are coming from with this, but it all seems a little impersonal to me.

of course, having fresh towels, maybe a spare toothbrush, an alarmclock, etc. available to your guests is a must. but chances are, if someone is staying in your home (if that is your sorority house, family mansion, or very, very old but *charming* college house in my case), they are probably close to you. personally, I wouldn't want my friends to feel like a concierge if I am staying with them, and frankly I would feel like they didn't want me around if I found a list of activities in the area.

what do you think? how much is too much if you're having a friend stay with you?

I ♥ paper.

seriously, I love paper. there is just nothing like it. lately I've been following this awesome blog from a paper store... just for the inspiration.

they just came out with the cutest calendars, and I am totally in love! personally, I use a lilly calendar which I had color-coded by activity, but that just became too complicated.

compulsive organization aside, there are still a million reasons to love paper. I'm a big fan of personalized stationary and hand-written notes. they are completely underrated and under used. in case anyone is interested, I found an article explaining the circumstances under which one would want to write a note. they list gift thank-yous, invitation responses, condolences, business lunches, invitations to a friends' home, and apologies. I'd add to that: a thank-you for a party, birthdays and thinking of you.

of course and email is nice as well, especially if you are in a pinch (no stamps, no nice paper, pen is out of ink, etc., etc... trust me, I'm in college too). but if you have a minute or two there's nothing more personal!

teacupcakes

how cute are these? teacupcakes... too perfect. thanks to Hostess with the Mostest for the tip!

thanks for visiting.

thanks for visiting alpha chi par.tea. as you may know, alpha chi par.tea. is an event associated with Alpha Chi ParTee, the zeta lambda chapter's annual fundraising event. par.tea. is a tea party and trunk show highlighting some amazing designers and delicious food, all while raising money for a great cause.

we're hoping to make this blog something that incorporates all elements of par.tea., with a little design, etiquette, style, things we love, and of course, a little tea.

we'd love to hear what you have to say. please feel free to comment, or email us at alphachi@alphachipartee.com.

if you'd like to know more about our cause, please visit our event website, www.alphachipartee.com.