Holiday Cut Off 2012

Our La Plates elves work around the clock here during the holiday season. However, we have to establish a holiday cutoff to meet all the shipping requirements to get treats to customers throughout the country. Wednesday, December 5th is our official cutoff for 2012.

Now don't you worry. If you have waited until the last minute - not a problem! We are still working...almost 24/7! We will still put your order into the works and it should get through our production in 10-15 business days. Just to ensure you have something to wrap up, request a "proof" in ORDER COMMENTS and we'll send you an image you can wrap up for Christmas morning. {Give us a few days after your order to create this.}

Is there a chance I can get my items by Christmas if I order after 12.5.12? Of course! Here's the deal, we don't want to count on the delivery service powers above during this super busy time of year. We set our cut off accordingly. If you order after 12.5.12, we will put your order into production as soon as it is custom designed for you. We love your notes of "PLEASE get this here by Christmas" and appreciate your enthusiasm. We will do our best, but request a "proof" in ORDER COMMENTS as a backup plan to wrap up.

What is a backup plan if I wait until 12.24.12 to order for my loved one? Why not order a GIFT CERTIFICATE from La Plates? That way he/she can pick out exactly what he/she wants and can design a piece it after the holidays? Just an idea - we're always happy to create a proof for you to wrap up last minute, as well.

Happy Holidays and let us know if we can help with any order details!
xo, La Plates

Holiday Gift Tags - Free Printable

 We're excited to be able to share another FAB free printable with our clients! Yes, we love our La Plates Gift Stickers that we sell online, but sometimes you just need a cute, quick gift tag to make a holiday treat complete. Hopefully this collection of SAYA patterned gift tags can help you out this holiday season.

1. click on the image below 

{it should be a standard 8.5" x 11" vertical page}

2. print on a color printer 

I prefer to print these on cardstock, but you do whatever works for you! 

We'd love to see pictures of your holiday ready gifts - complete with La Plates gift tags. Send a photo to info@laplates.com, now go wrap some gifts!

10% Off + A Gift For You

We have never been much for sleeping overnight for the best price in town on a big screen, but La Plates loves a good deal! Here's your discount code for 10% off the entire website - starting tonight for BLACK FRIDAY, onto SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY and through CYBER MONDAY!

Load up on all your monogrammed gifts for the holidays this weekend with discount code: LaPlatesLOVE - all one word, no spaces. This code will expire on Monday night at midnight CST.

Along with your discount code, we are offering a FREE digital stationery code through MeebleMail. We love the option of making your emails custom and cute! Use code LaPlatesMM12 for 1 free digital stationery design. All orders for MeebleMail are placed on their website - La Plates does not process orders for digital stationery.

Thanksgiving Seating...

Our family meals have gotten really big with the next generation of family coming along. I think it's nice to arrange family & friends by place cards, so as to eliminate the moment of "where should I sit"...no one takes it as bossy, they appreciate being led to the place that is just for them!

Below is a set of place cards we'll be using this Thanksgiving. If all works as it should, you should be able to print a set for your tabletop too:

1. click on the image below 

{it should be a standard 8.5" x 11" vertical page}

2. print on a color printer 

I prefer to print these on cardstock, but you do whatever works for you! 

We can't be there to help you with the Thanksgiving meal, but hopefully these place cards will get your table set and looking spectacular for the day. Be sure to share photos of your table when it's all set!

*Any difficulties with printing, so sorry, it's not my specialty. This is our first attempt at offering free printables, so we're hoping this is more helpful than it is frustrating - always open to suggestions on how to do these IT tricks!

Mustache Collection

We recently received news that a really great gal is fighting a really tough battle. In support of her and all the men growing mustaches in her honor, we have created the Mustache Collection. This will be available through 11.30.12, with a portion of all sales being donated in honor of Cathy's Stachies. 

Here's more about Cathy & the men sporting the Stachies. You can see their mustache progress on their Facebook Page.

For a few years now, this team of manly men has grown mustaches during the month of November to raise money for various kinds of men's cancer.  This year, we felt like a change of direction was in order.  For the month of November, we are growing "Stachies for Cathy"  - to raise money toward a potential cure for neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

Our awesome friend Catherine, pictured here, is a cool girl who was just diagnosed with this crummy disease.  Over 11,000 new patients are diagnosed in the US each year with neuroendocrine tumors, also known as the "Steve Jobs" cancer, and that number is on the rise.  This cancer has nearly always metastasized by the time it is found, giving patients little hope for a cure.

Remarkably, a potential cure for NET is sitting idle in a freezer in Sweden.  The biotech industry has abandoned it because it cannot be patented (i.e. no profit), but we don't need them!  As a community, we can raise the funds to bring this potentially wide-ranging cancer therapy to human trials, for people like Catherine and many others.

Please don't let our lip sweaters go unnoticed.  Reward our efforts by donating to the Uppsala University Oncolytic Virus fund using the link on our web page: www.cathysstachies.weebly.com

When donating, please do it in honor of Cathy's Stachies, if possible.

To read more about Catherine's story and the cancer-eating virus on ice in Sweden, visit:www.netcure.weebly.com.

Holiday Gift Guides at La Plates - 2012

We are so excited about the holiday season and can't wait to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Here are a few of our favorites that we've rounded up, all can be found at La Plates:

As always, we're just an email away! If you have any questions about products, personalization or turnaround time, send an email to: info {at} laplates.com. We're traveling for trunk shows, but will be sure to get back to you asap.

Holiday Orders & Cut Offs

We are so excited about this holiday season! We have so many items that will be perfect for everyone on your list. While most items take 10-15 business days for production {plus UPS ship time}, we have added some items that take longer for production. We must follow a calendar that allows for appropriate production times. 

NOVEMBER 2 = last day for applique pieces, beaded bags + necklaces*

*any orders placed after 11.2.12 will be processed asap, but delivery for Christmas is not guaranteed.

DECEMBER 2 = last day for guaranteed Christmas deliver via UPS GROUND on all 10-15 business day production items.

If you ever have any question whether an items can arrive in time for Christmas, feel free to email us: info @ laplates.com. Another idea for last minute shoppers, gift certificates OR order an item and print off an online image to wrap up with a note of a fabulous custom piece to come!

Monogrammed Metal Necklace

Our acrylic monogrammed necklaces have been SO popular, that we decided to make them available in metal {sterling silver and gold filled}, as well. I picked the SCRIPT, gold filled for my personal collection:

 Here we show in CIRCLE/BLOCK:

 And like mine, in SCRIPT:

All details of sizes and price available online at La Plates.

La Plates Monogrammed Glass Ball Ornaments

We are super-duper excited about our La Plates Monogrammed Glass Ball Ornaments! We love them with the three letter monograms - CIRCLE {above}, ROMAN or SCRIPT {below}.

We also offer the ornaments with a text option - we recommend using the SOLID design pattern and WHITE FONT for easy visibility. While we show 4 and 5 letter names below, we can customize with any text. Just remember, the longer the text, the smaller the font - 3 lines maximum.

We currently offer FREE SHIPPING on the ornaments - order up today!

Monogrammed Celly Case GIVEAWAY on Facebook

We're so excited about our iPhone 5 celly cases that we have to give one away. Head on over to our Facebook Page and play along! Our winner will be selected after we get to 2400 Facebook "Likes", so round up all your friends and tell them we're cool!

1. LIKE our FB post "iPhone 5 Happiness" if our monogrammed covers make you happy.
2. SHARE our FB post "iPhone 5 Happiness" if you want a second chance to win.
3. COMMENT our FB post "iPhone 5 Happiness" with your favorite design & colors, for a third chance to win.

Expires once we hit 2400 "Likes", the winner will be posted to our Facebook Page. Now go play & have fun!

La Plates Campus Rep Program - Fall 2012

This Fall, we launched our La Plates College Rep/Affiliate program. We are SO excited to have La Plates represented at college campuses across America! Do you know someone who would be perfect for this position? Besides being a MONOGRAM + FAB COLOR + DELISH DESIGN loving student, here are some other details: 

What are we looking for?
Highly motivated and outgoing students.

It's your campus, we want you to be creative and use your entrepreneurial skills to promote the La Plates brand. From carrying your favorite La Plates tote to sharing images with your Facebook friends - you decide how you want to serve up La Plates.

Why should you be a campus rep?

You will gain real world entrepreneurial and marketing experience while networking with people across your campus and the nation. The best part of all is that you get paid!

How do you learn more?
Email hostess@laplates.com and we'll get you all the details on how to become a La Plates Campus Rep.

  

FACEBOOK Election Plate Giveaway

We can't believe the election is less than a month away! Today {10.8.12} we're giving away an Election 2012 plate on our Facebook Page. Here are the details:

          1. LIKE this post
          2. SHARE this post
          3. COMMENT your {single answer} choice on the post

You have 3 separate CHANCES to win! Remember, you have to head to our Facebook Page and do 1-3...comments left on our blog won't count towards the giveaway. We'll announce the winner after midnight tonight!

We're not picking a political party, we just want to promote VOTE 2012!!

Congrats Reese!

Congrats to one of our favorite working moms & fellow monogram lover, Reese Witherspoon. We've loved her since Man in the Moon (now that's a blast from the past!) She just welcomed baby #3, Tennessee James Toth - great name. And now we leave you with our favorite quote from Reese:

Breakfast in Bed?

So I've got to be honest, this photo didn't happen in real life...but wouldn't it be nice? We snapped this when photographing our new Lucite Trays. I love this image, as it captures some of my favorite things! Quadrille Java Java fabric headboard - LOVE! Front pillows + coverlet = Leontine Linens, an amazing company with over-the-top fantastic monogrammed pieces. If I were Oprah, these would be some of My Favorite Things...but alas, that is just a dream - like this breakfast in bed scene!

A little love from the RNC

A while back the Republican National Convention contacted La Plates about designing something for their upcoming convention. We were thrilled when they ordered stacks and stacks of La Plates Cutting Boards for the event!

We're not picking favorites - we're happy to help out the Democrats too. Obama, just give us a call if we can whip something up for you and your peeps heading to Charlotte!

We're NOT Picking Your Political Party...

We just want to provide the plates! America is talking politics, why not bring some red, white & blue to the tabletop? No matter what side you see eye-to-eye with, it's so important you VOTE! These plates will be available until November 6th, 2012 - Election Day.

La Plates + Brides Magazine

We were super excited to see our Gingham Plates appear in the August 2012 Brides Magazine. I've been a fan of the mag since planning my big day almost 11 years ago.

When the magazine asked us for samples, we didn't know what the story would be about. It was so fun to see them tied to a State Fair theme, as it's been a story line in our family for years! My sweet mother was crowned Miss Indiana State Fair exactly 50 years ago this month - August 1962.

Introducing iPad 2/3 Covers!!

We are SO excited to bring you our custom La Plates iPad Covers! We have a little addiction to the iPad around here...the only thing that makes it better? A personalized cover! This impact resistant, flexible hard shell case snaps onto the back of the iPad 2 or 3 and is fully compatible with the Smart Cover (available through Apple). Access to all ports and functions - compatible with the 3rd Generation iPad (March 2012 release).

Baby Gifts

We've been catching up on baby gifts around here and wanted to share what we designed. Maybe it's the fact that I have 2 boys, so I LOVE to play with girly colors! We used our "rugby stripe" - it seems to make text pop on our plates.

We love to give gifts to the new baby AND big siblings - it makes everyone feel included. And who wouldn't love a personalized plate for the dinner table?!

Olympic Fashion

The Olympics are right around the corner. While we'll all be cheering for the amazing athletes, we're always excited to see what they will be wearing. Here are a few teams we're looking forward to seeing.

America will be wearing Ralph Lauren:

Giorgio Armani and Prada have designed the Italian Olympic gear:

Stella McCartney has designed for Great Britian:

Hermès has designed for the French equestrian team:

Jamaica will be wearing uniforms made by Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella Marley:

Casual menswear label Rodd & Gunn has designed for New Zealand:

For more practical Olympic gear to wear during the games, check out Nike. 

Vanity Fair + La Plates

Nothing like a flying home from Summer vacation, reading a little Vanity Fair and coming across our very own La Plates! Proud as could be to make the VF list of fabulous hostess gifts in the August 2012 issue. Thanks for the love!

Beach Worthy Fashion

We've all just been on our Summer vacations around here. While out and about, we were loving all the fab beach fashion! Here's what you need for the perfect trip to the beach:

Great suit: Impress everyone with a colorful Trina Turk swimsuit and matching cover up.

Cover-ups: Another great option for wonderful prints on cover-ups and swimsuits is the Roberta Roller Rabbit collection.

Lara in Roberta Roller Rabbit on vaca in Sea Island, GA

Totes: Get the perfect tote here at La Plates. Choose from our Large Canvas Tote or an adorable striped wellie tote  - both perfect for the beach!

Sunscreen: Don’t forget about sunscreen. Try Neutrogena; available at your local drug store, their line is great for the whole family!

God Bless the USA & products produced here!

We love to highlight our products Made in the USA - here are some of our favorites!

La Plates Platters

La Plates Coasters

La Plates Cutting Board

Custom Monogrammed Sandals

Monogrammed Tennis Cover

Ft. Worth Hot Spots

Our intern Liza has become a Ft. Worth local, while attending TCU. Here's her line up of favorite places to shop and hang:

Lawrence’s Gift Shop-
Always has the perfect gift for every occasion; from graduation to wedding gifts,
Lawrence’s has it all!

A Hooper Co.-
A Hooper is boutique to shop when looking for the perfect outfit.


Woodshed Smokehouse-
On the banks of the Trinity River, Woodshed provides the perfect atmosphere to
relax with some BBQ. Celeb chef Tim Love’s eclectic menu of exotic meats puts a
twist on traditional Texas BBQ. You have to try it if you’re in Fort Worth!

Brownstone-
Down on 7th Street square, Brownstone is the ideal place to unwind on the patio
with a drink and delicious dinner with friends. Be sure to take advantage of their
frequent happy-hour specials!

Dutche’s Hamburger-
Right on TCU’s campus, Dutche’s is the hotspot before every game day. Swing by for
a burger before heading to the stadium!

Billy Bob’s-
When traveling to Fort Worth, you can't forget about the world's largest honky tonk!
Check out their website and pick a weekend with a fun concert. There isn’t a better
place to enjoy country music than down in the Stockyards!

God Bless America & products produced here!

La Plates LOVES to produce items in the good 'ol USA. We'll be highlighting a few this week as we ring in the 4th of July - God Bless America!

La Plates Plates

La Plates Salad/Dessert Plates

Wooden Cutting Boards

Tervis Tumbler Water Bottles

Monogrammed Round Jewel Box

Canvas Tote & Hemp Clutch

Monogrammed Beauty Rest

Every girl needs her beauty sleep, and there is no better place to get it than on our favorite monogrammed bedding. Leontine Linens, Julia B, and Sharyn Blond Linens (located in our hometown of Fairway Kansas) are our favorite places to get our monogrammed bedding. Companies like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma are doing embroidered linens too. Check them out now to add a little something to your home!

Leontine Linens

Julia B

Sharyn Blond Linens

Pottery Barn

Williams-Sonoma

Cancer Sucks

Anyway you look at it, cancer's not fair, but you've got to fight it! We just made this plate for one of our favorite people on Earth...she gets the humor and is fighting like a champ! Damn cancer doesn't stand a chance.

La Plates for a Beach Bride

We love a good beach wedding! We recently created exclusive plates for a beach bride - we love using a couple's logo or custom monogram.

We can do custom logos on almost everything we create - this gives bridal parties a one-of-a-kind feel and gives guest a gift to take away from the event.

From plates and platters to cups and koozies, La Plates can design something just for you! Let us know if you have a wedding event coming up - we'd love to help you out!