In person thank-yous are a given, but etiquette doesn’t stop there. Your guests, and your host, all took time out to attend your special event, and likely brought gifts for you. Sending physical thank you notes—not emails—is an opportunity to show your sincere appreciation and even your creativity.
Stationery and pens
First, you need to choose the appropriate cards. If you’re on a budget, it’s OK—you can find high-quality, thick-stock cards at your local chain greeting card shop. A slightly pricier option is to find something handmade by a local artist, on a nice thick stock. Maybe even letter pressed. And don’t forget to pick up a decent black or blue pen, so you don’t run out of ink halfway through writing a card.
Treat the process with reverence
Don’t try to multi-task, or whip some notes off on the couch while you watch your favourite Netflix show. Give yourself the space and time to do this right. Put on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine and give yourself a few focused hours at the table with your cards.
Write right
The art of thank-you card writing has been slowly slipping away from most of us. With texting, emailing and social media being our primary mode of written communication, we’re just not as practiced at hand-written notes as society used to be. So here’s a reminder of how it’s done.
Begin with a personalized intro. Just a line about being glad to have seen them, mentioning something specific that the two of you talked about. Mention the gift you received from them and why you love it or how you can see using it and sincerely thank them for it. Lastly, close with a thought about how much their friendship means to you.
Skip the small talk
Here’s where the art of writing comes in. Stay focused. Don’t ramble on about the weather, or a recent gathering that wasn’t your shower. And don’t exaggerate. Your thank-you will sound insincere if you go on and on about the wonderful towels or blender they gave you.
See? Sending a proper written thank you is not as difficult as you’d think!
For a Nova Scotia retailer of quality paper greeting products, check out these local shops, in person or online:
Inkwellboutique.ca
Keptshop.ca
Dulynoted.ca