Lovely Lettering: A Q&A with calligrapher Alyssa Kiefer

Lovely Lettering: A Q&A with calligrapher Alyssa Kiefer

When we come across an envelope addressed with beautiful calligraphy, or a dinner menu written out by hand, adorned with authentic, hand-drawn flourishes, we probably all have a similar thought: wow, I wish I could write like that! We tapped one of our very favorite calligraphers to get the scoop: how does one get started with calligraphy?

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The Perfect Summer Lunch — Plus a Few Fun Surprises

The Perfect Summer Lunch — Plus a Few Fun Surprises

There’s nothing that says “summer” like eating outside — the balmy air, cheery table settings, and tall glasses of iced tea (or a boozy summer punch) bring back all those good warm weather feelings.

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The Importance of Being Grateful: A Q&A with author Gina Hamadey

The Importance of Being Grateful: A Q&A with author Gina Hamadey

Gina Hamadey spent an entire year writing gratitude letters to everyone who’d made a difference in her life — big or small. The result? An incredible boost in happiness, and a book: “I Want to Thank You: How a Year of Gratitude Can Bring Joy and Meaning in a Disconnected World”, where she chronicles the experience. We were honored to be given the opportunity to ask her a few questions — and very inspired by her answers. Read on for her thoughts on writer’s block, the perfect stationery, and how to integrate gratitude into daily life. 

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Letters in the time of Bridgerton: Embracing all things romantic

Letters in the time of Bridgerton: Embracing all things romantic

Maybe it’s because we’re letter people, but watching (okay, binging) Bridgerton brought on a very specific craving: to write a letter using a quill pen while wearing a corset. This wouldn’t be just any letter, though. It would be full of the latest gossip, laced with unrecognizable old-fashioned terminology, and delivered by horse and buggy. To receive such a letter, we imagined, would be pure, old-fashioned joy. 

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Signing Off: How to end a letter in style

Signing Off: How to end a letter in style

Let’s face it: goodbyes are hard. Especially in letter form, where the right ending can go a long way. Over here at Dear Annabelle, we love to geek out on all things epistolary, so we did a deep dive into the many ways to say adieu, and put together a list of our favorites for every occasion. Try one out on your next letter and see how it feels — it may just become your new signature. 

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