Design with Connection in Mind 💌

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Heart & Fire gathering hosted by Nectar and Vessel and Fresh Take Co at the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, MA - an evening dedicated to fostering connection and conversation amongst hospitality professionals.

It was truly one of the most beautiful events I have ever attended - a color palette of rich turquoise, bold chartreuse, pops of red and royal blue, Spanish tiles as escort cards, beautiful sun-shaped menus and more. Amidst a hot and busy summer season, it was an invitation to slow down, exhale and savor. But beyond the decor and delicious food, there was something more - there was connection.

And it had me thinking about how good design is more than just decor or making something beautiful. It’s about infusing the beauty with intention, and creating opportunities for connection and conversation where you otherwise might not find it.

It’s about thinking beyond how something looks, to how something feels.

That feeling element came through at every touchpoint, but particularly via conversation topics sprinkled throughout the three course meal by our host Naomi, intended to help guests go deeper than the usual “this is where I’m from and this is what I do” small talk of most industry events. Amidst tastes of Spanish salad, we discussed with our table mates something we’ve been ashamed of in ourselves that we’ve grown to love. While savoring sensuous paella, we chatted about where we’re looking to bring more vibrancy to our lives. And between bites of dense olive oil cake, we shared the deepest desires we’re manifesting right now.

I attended this event 37.5 weeks pregnant, anticipating the night out would drain what little energy I still had. Instead, I left feeling fuller than before - in stomach, heart and soul - and like I had made some true friends at this event that I hope to stay connected with beyond. And it had me thinking of the importance of centering this kind of connection when we take the time to come together - and how stationery can help foster that. To go beyond just conveying information and invitation, to inviting conversation, connection and reflection.

If you’re looking to bring a little more intention into your event, here are some ways you can do that through your stationery:

💌 Handwritten notes to each guest that serve as both place cards and touchstones of gratitude, thanking them for coming to celebrate your special day and sharing why their unique presence is so important

💌 A conversation prompt at each table number inviting guests to share a favorite memory of you and your partner

💌 A blurb on your invitations encouraging guests to come prepared with a treasured love story to share

💌 Questions on cocktail napkins inviting you to find someone new and start up a conversation

💌 The story of how you and your partner met written out on the back of your dinner menu to spark discussion

If you’re looking for help creating stationery that is as intentional as it is beautiful, and personal as it is playful, I would love to work with you! Learn more & inquire at the link below to get the conversation started.