Can you believe the holidays are upon us? Each year the gatherings seem to begin earlier and earlier and I find it best to plan as many details, from parties to gift giving, well in advance to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable season.

When throwing a party,  I like to have a theme that carries through the entire evening. From the invites to the table setting, I specifically choose select items for an effortless continuity that creates a succinct ambiance. While the theme “equestrian” is often associated with spring and the Kentucky Derby, it also easily lends to any winter holiday gathering.

Just recently, I was introduced to Seven Barks Fine Goods, a specialty paper company that is a collaboration between Rebecca Smith, best known for her authentic equestrian accessory and decor business, Rebecca Ray Designs, and owned by her brother, Chris Yuhaszthe, an entrepreneur in the printing industry. The Seven Barks brand “likes to keep the past alive by celebrating the American experience between animals and people.” From letterpress correspondence cards to recycled paper placemats, the line offers everything you will need to create an equestrian backdrop for your holiday party.  While it is difficult to choose a favorite item in the collection, the heavy weight snaffle bit wine/gift tags are already finishing many of the hostess gifts I have already prepared.  

Seven Barks is also a brand that you will feel good about supporting. Explains Rebecca, the line “is packaged and assembled by a private workshop of differently abled adults who are paid by us to learn a job skill in a safe environment. “ Additionally, the products are made in America from recycled paper in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

An admirer of Ms. Smith because of her creativity in integrating authentic equestrian elements throughout her Rebecca Ray Design Collection and her dedication to sustaining American industries, I am now an even more impressed after purchasing select pieces from the Seven Barks collection.  Whimsical, yet elegant, the equestrian themed papers will lend well to both your gift giving and entertaining needs this holiday season.

Salut!