THE PAPERY

1 Park Place, Unit 12, Annapolis / / Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday / / 410-268-2190

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THE WINE BOTTLE? THE box of cigars? The tea bag in the cup? Look closer. These gifts might actually be party invitations or notes of congratulations, produced by The Papery, one of the new retail tenants in Annapolis' imposing Park Place development.

The Papery is managed by Daniel Visconti, whose parents, Jackie and Al, and uncle, Richard, own a string of stationery shops around Washington, and in New Jersey and Connecticut.

Daniel's branch of the family could not be more local -- he grew up south of Annapolis in Harwood and graduated from Southern High School; his parents now live in Annapolis.

The Papery offers unique invitations -- the RSVP card is on the back of the wine bottle and Godiva chocolate cigars can be substituted in the box bearing congratulations -- as well as traditional stationery from Crane and William Arthur. The shop also designs and produces corporate and personal stationery.

"We can do invitations for a tea party for five or for a party for 40 right here in the shop," said Daniel, "so the turnaround time can be less than a week."

The Papery also does wedding invitations and custom holiday cards, and the store carries an impressive assortment of individual greeting cards, picture frames and gifts.

Know of an interesting shop that has just opened in your neighborhood? Let us know. Send a note to liz.atwood@baltsun.com.