White House Style

The White House Long Ago, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Watercolor on paper
Image from the J.F.K. Presidential Library & Museum, www.jfklibrary.org

With all the excitement surrounding the Obamas' move into the White House there have been some wonderful articles about the White House's historical role as a showcase for American decorative art and culture. Here is a small selection of the recent coverage, including comparisons of the stylistic choices made by former First Ladies, as well as profiles of the taste makers who will be assisting the Obamas in transforming the White House into their new home:

Vogue's profile of the Obama's new Social Secretary, Desirée Rogers.

Domino's profile of Michael Smith, the White House's new interior decorator.

From The New York Times, "Hints of Agenda and Tone for New First Lady."

Via Domino's Daily Dose, Nick Olsen's comparison of Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan's decorating styles:
First Lady Decorating Smackdown: Jackie vs. Nancy, Round 1
Jackie vs. Nancy, Round 2

The New White House China, via Pigtown*Design. (You can view additional Presidential Services on the official website of The White House.)

For images of the famous Kennedy White House Restoration, check out the website for the J.F.K. Presidential Library & Museum, www.jfklibrary.org.

Calligraphy by Sarah Hanna

The calligraphy above is by the wonderfully talented (and wonderfully nice!) Sarah Hanna. Sarah addressed these particular envelopes for a bride who ordered Blue Ribbon's Rococo wedding invitations and I think her florid script complements the design perfectly. Visit Sarah's website (www.sarahhanna.com) to view additional samples of her work and to read her tips and suggestions for working with a professional calligrapher.

Historical Invitations

This summer I've been enjoying the new Edith Wharton biography by Hermione Lee. One of my favorite tidbits so far has been this reprint of Wharton's wedding invitation, issued by her widowed mother on the occasion of her marriage to Edward "Teddy" Wharton.

Isn't the script beautiful? I especially like the look of the superior lowercase characters used for "Mrs." and "Mr." I wish the author had included more information regarding what format the invitation was issued in. I'm not sure if the style of the times called for a flat card, a single-fold card, or a double-fold card...

Edith Wharton's wedding invitation as reproduced in Edith Wharton, by Hermione Lee (Vintage Books, 2007)

Reading List : Invitation Wording & Etiquette

As a stationer, I am often asked to guide customers through the sometimes daunting task of wording their invitations. My approach to invitation etiquette: know the rules so you can decide when to bend them. It helps to have some time-honored references to turn to. That said, here are some of my favorite resources.

The Wedding Invitation Handbook, by Julie Holcomb
Indispensable. I turn to this book regularly for it's balance of traditional etiquette and contemporary style. In addition to providing sample wording for all types of situations, this book reinforces the idea that it's o.k. to bend the rules when the situation calls for it. It's also one of the first mainstream invitation guides I know of to provide sample wording for commitment ceremonies. Available from Plus And Press.

Crane's Wedding Blue Book
A wonderful reference for traditional wording and etiquette. It is particularly helpful with diplomatic and military titles. I bought mine at Kate's Paperie in New York, however this title is very common and should be available at any well-stocked bookseller. (Crane's also reproduces most of the content on their own website, crane.com.)

Emily Post's Etiquette, by Peggy Post
A great all-around etiquette guide. Skip the abbreviated wedding version - this is a general reference every well-mannered household should own. The current 17th edition is available from Amazon.com.

Wedding Invitations, by Jennifer Cegielski
I often recommend this beautifully illustrated book to anyone who is just beginning their invitation search because it does a wonderful job of explaining the many printing, paper and style options used for modern wedding invitations and offers sound advice on what to expect from your stationer. This guide also includes more information than most about how to address, assemble and mail your invitations. Also available from Amazon.com.