IS THE THANK-YOU NOTE STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

By Cindy Edwards

Yes, absolutely. In our fast-paced world, it is more important than

ever to slow down and be grateful.

I remember as a young girl receiving a beautiful powder blue envelope

addressed just to me. I opened it to retrieve a matching note card that

bore the monogram of one of my best friend’s mother. I had taken her

a small gift while she was recovering from surgery. It was such a small

token, but the note that she wrote made me feel like it was the best gift

in the world. It was sweetly written and made me feel so grown up. I have

never forgotten that feeling, and I hope that every time I write a note it

makes someone else feel just that wonderful.

There is something special about the hand-written note.Whether

conveying your appreciation for a wedding gift, a dinner invitation or

a thoughtful gesture, the thank-you note will always be an important

part of a civilized society. Emails and phone calls are certainly acceptable

ways of expressing your gratitude, but I believe the hand-written note is the best.

Some people dread note-writing and put it off until the task is so daunting

that they simply cannot catch up. Here are a few tips that make note-writing

easy and fun:

Purchase beautiful stationery, note cards or paper. This is a fabulous

way to express yourself. The choices are limitless in price and style.

Try to avoid preprinted “thank you” cards.

Examples of Stationery

Half sheet/letter sheet
This is my personal favorite. Many people consider this the most formal

form of stationery. They are traditionally ecru and sometimes white.

They have a fold along the left-hand side and must be folded again in

order to fit into the smaller envelope. I use the half sheet for almost everything

from replying to invitations to sympathy notes.

Informal/folded notes

Usually personalized with a woman’s married name, these are small note cards

in various colors that fold over and fit into small envelopes. Informals are actually

not “informal” for today and are perfect for thank yous, sympathy and replying

to invitations.

Correspondence cards

These are more informal than the above mentioned. They are flat cards perfect

for thank yous and correspondence of any nature. Correspondence cards are

very appropriate for men to use in almost all situations that require stationery.

Try to write notes in a timely manner, preferably within a week of the

event or receipt of the gift. Keeping note cards in a convenient place with

your address book, good pen and stamps will make it easier. Whether it is

beside your bed or at your desk by your computer, keeping supplies handy

will make them accessible and remind you of what you need to do. Even if

you do not get to it right away it is never too late to thank someone for a kind

gesture.

Five easy steps to the perfect note:

Step 1: Greeting
Dear Mary

Step 2: State what you are grateful for
Thank you for the lovely flowers that you sent for my birthday.

Step 3: Write two or three sentences of why it was special
You know how I adore roses.

They were so beautiful and made my house smell divine.

Step 4: Repeat your thanks
Thanks again for remembering me in such a lovely way.

Step 5: Closing
Fondly,
Cindy

When you should send a note:

Following the receipt of a gift

To express sympathy

Following a dinner party or overnight stay

To express congratulations

Any time someone does something nice for you.

Take time to express your thanks. It will not only make

someone else feel good, it will enrich you.