Monogram etiquette

We love our custom monogrammed glassware program (lead-free crystal, dishwasher safe, made to order in less than two weeks). Such a great gift, starting at $39 for a set of four monogrammed tumblers (all sorts of shapes available, from wine glasses to pilsners). It's a wonderful wedding or housewarming gift (perfect thank-you for RE agents whose business might be picking up a bit these days).

Lots of people ask about the proper way to set up a monogram, so I thought I'd pass on some of the etiquette guidelines.

Married couple with the same last name: JBR (her first initial; their last name initial; his first initial). Note the middle initial (last name) is usually larger than the letters flanking it. A lot of people think the husband's first name goes first, but they would be wrong. Ladies first!

Single person: JCE (first initial; last initial; middle initial).

Married woman with her own monogram (usually used for personal stationery): JBC (first initial; last initial; maiden name initial).

Couples with different last names: B & C (an informal alternative, can be first or last name initials... first name initials are more casual).

You can also just choose a single initial for anyone. Using the last name initial is usually the way to go, but first name initial is less formal. I would choose the first name initial if this was a gift for a single friend, or a young girl (e.g., a monogram stamp for her stationery), or who knows, someone with just one name (if your friends include quirky celebrities), or (gulp) a girlfriend just divorced (who wouldn't necessarily want to celebrate her last name).

Come by and see us at Pomegranate for some more ideas... we're happy to send or fax an order form and info for our fabulous glassware. Just ring us at 541.383.3713.