Custom Holiday Greeting Cards and New Year Invitations: Choosing a Finish That Shines

Holiday cards and New Year invitations are the pieces people actually keep: on the fridge, the mantel, the office shelf. A metallic finish turns them into small gifts. Here’s how to choose between foil stamping, Akuafoil, pearl paper and raised foil for custom holiday greeting cards, corporate Christmas cards, New Year cards and New Year’s Eve party invitations, plus occasions across the season and a simple ordering timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Foil stamping: one classic foil color (gold, silver, red and more) for timeless cards.
- Akuafoil: metallic in any color, gradients and holographic-style effects.
- Pearl paper: soft, all-over shimmer.
- Raised foil: gold, silver or holographic foil you can feel, on velvet.
- Order early: design, proof, print and mailing all take time in the busiest season.
Which Finish Fits Your Card?
| Finish | The look | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| Foil stamping | One solid foil color: gold, silver, rose gold, copper, black, blue or red | Classic holiday greetings, corporate cards, elegant invitations |
| Akuafoil | Metallic in any color, gradients | Colorful, photo-rich holiday cards and party invitations |
| Pearl paper | All-over shimmer | Winter scenes, large mailings, soft and elegant cards |
| Raised foil | Foil you can feel, on velvet soft touch | VIP clients, executive holiday cards, keepsakes |
| Dual raised | Two raised finishes on one piece | The most premium holiday cards and invitations |
Custom Holiday Greeting Cards
Corporate Christmas and Season’s Greetings Cards
For clients and partners, a flat or folded card with your logo and a foil greeting is warm without being flashy. Gold or red foil on a deep green or white card is a classic. Teams that celebrate differently often choose “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.” Shop Flat Foil Greeting Cards, Folded Akuafoil Greeting Cards, Folded Pearl Metallic Greeting Cards or Folded Raised Foil Greeting Cards.
Thanksgiving Thank-You Cards
Sending in November lets your thanks arrive before the December rush. Copper or gold foil on cream feels warm and seasonal.
Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid and Lunar New Year Cards
Blue and silver foil suit Hanukkah; gold and red are favorites for Diwali and Lunar New Year; gold or green-and-gold Akuafoil works beautifully for Eid. Akuafoil is a good pick when the design calls for several metallic colors.
New Year Cards
A New Year card in January stands out because almost nobody sends one. Silver or gold foil “Happy New Year” with a thank-you for the past year is a thoughtful client touch.

Custom New Year Invitation Cards
New Year’s Eve Parties
Silver or gold foil on black is the classic New Year’s Eve invitation: a countdown clock, champagne glasses or fireworks in foil, with the details in ink. For colorful fireworks and gradients, choose Akuafoil Invitation Cards. For foil you can feel, try Dual Raised Invitation Cards.
Office Holiday and Christmas Party Invitations
Red, gold or silver foil on a 5″ x 7″ or 4.25″ x 5.5″ card, with an RSVP line or QR code in ink. Shop Foil Invitation Cards or Pearl Metallic Invitation Cards.
Diwali, Lunar New Year and Eid Celebrations
Gold and red foil, or multi-color Akuafoil for lanterns, diyas and lattice patterns.
Foil + Spot UV for the Holidays
Use foil on the greeting or names, and Spot UV on complementary details: snowflakes, stars, ornaments or confetti. The two shines work together without competing. Keep each in its own area. Spot UV is offered on 16 pt C2S.
Wording Ideas
- “Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season.”
- “Thank you for a wonderful year. Here’s to the next one.”
- “Happy New Year from all of us at [Company].”
- “Join us as we ring in the New Year.”
- “Warmest wishes for a bright Diwali.”
Holiday Ordering Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks before | Choose the finish, collect addresses, start the design |
| 6–8 weeks before | Approve the proof and order (foil prints in 5–7 business days) |
| 4–5 weeks before | Sign, address and stuff envelopes |
| 3–4 weeks before | Mail holiday cards and New Year’s Eve invitations |
Need envelopes? A2 envelopes, A6 envelopes and A7 envelopes fit our most popular card sizes.
Need help with your holiday cards? Chat live, call (888) 391-0199, or see our Foil Printing FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best finish for corporate holiday cards?
Foil stamping in gold, silver or red is a timeless choice. For a premium keepsake, choose raised foil on velvet; for colorful designs, Akuafoil.
When should I order holiday cards?
Start 8–10 weeks before you plan to mail, and approve your proof about 6–8 weeks ahead. Foil cards print in 5–7 business days, plus shipping.
What foil color is best for New Year’s Eve invitations?
Silver or gold foil on black is the classic New Year’s Eve look.
Can I send New Year cards instead of Christmas cards?
Yes. New Year cards arrive after the holiday rush, so they stand out, and they suit clients who celebrate different holidays.
Can I combine foil and Spot UV on holiday cards?
Yes, on 16 pt C2S. Use foil for the greeting and Spot UV for complementary details like snowflakes or stars, in separate areas.
Do you offer envelopes for holiday cards?
Yes. A2, A6 and A7 envelopes fit our most popular card sizes.

