Coyne and Pinckney Stationery

Names, Monograms & Initials, oh my!

While the traditional monogram is one of our favorite things here at Coyne and Pinckney, it can be difficult to figure out how to use those initials in the home or on paper. With classic stores like LL Bean and Land’s End offering a variety of monogrammed items, it might be nice to have a run down on the different choices.

So! The most common monogram design is the 3 letter – the middle letter being the first letter of your last name. This monogram is common for stationery, the diamond monogram design and for many home linens and gifts.  It is a fun way to display your name and looks great on many items around the home and office. Example: Barbara Townsend Cary would be the following,

Traditional monogram - three initials

Another common monogram is used with same size lettering.  This is nice, depending on the font and style used.  This monogram seems to be the trend for male oriented gifts and children items, although I know many of my personalized items have this monogram! Example: Elizabeth Anne Donne would be the following,

Same size letter monogram - classic and fun!

There are a few different “rules” regarding sharing the monogram with a spouse. Emily Post follows a “Ladies First” policy, so that the first letter of the lady’s first name appears first in the mono.  Then, the shared name is in the center which is followed by the husband’s first name. Also, in terms of stationery, the traditional shared mono follows the same “Ladies First” rule.  As far as home linens and items, most go by the rule that things that are shared: towels, bedding etc.,  used the shared mono.  However, we use the term “rules” loosely because we believe you should do whatever works for you (or whatever looks better to you)!  Example: Claire and Thomas Reaves would be the following,

shared monogram - great for personalized gifts

These are a just a few of the more popular ways to monogram and personalize stationery, clothes or gifts.  There are many options, but these are easy guidelines to begin and always remember to make it fun! If you are looking for special gifts, we believe there is no better way than to make it personal by monogramming it!  You can always know that a personalized gift is from the heart and will be cherished.

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2Comments »

  1. Comment by Debbi — December 6, 2009 @ 11:14 pm

    How would I monogram Lisa Baker who marries Robert Townes and Lisa keeps her maiden name. I have seen monograming with a dot between the letters. Please advise.

  2. Comment by Paul Cuenin — December 9, 2009 @ 1:07 pm

    Debbi,
    There are two acceptable options for monogramming people without shared last names.
    here is a example:

    Margaret Hunt and Chris Layfield
    MHLC (M&C would be smaller but the comment section does not allow this)
    OR
    HL (Both larger in the Same Size)

    Hope that helps!
    Thanks
    Paul
    Partner C&P Stationery

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