Thank You Very Much!

With the holidays just passed, it's the perfect time to send those little hand-written thank you notes for lovely gifts received and parties and visits hosted during the season. Writing thank you notes may seem a bit daunting, but it really is easier than you may remember - as with so many things, just starting is the hardest part.

First, choose your stationery. A beautiful folded note card or personalized flat notes would be the perfect backdrop for your note. Full sized stationery may be a bit large, as your note will likely be brief, but if you're up for filling a page, then you can certainly make that your choice. There are loads of wonderful options out there, both specifically for thank you notes or just lovely stationery, many suitable for children as well as adults. Make your stationery choice speak to your personality!

Now, for the note.

1. Start with a personalized greeting.

Dear Auntie Mary,

2. Express your gratitude, specifically. “Thank you for the gift” doesn’t cut it.

Thank you so much for the beautiful hand-knitted scarf and gloves. You are so talented!

(Easy, right? Just a couple more guidelines. For a monetary gift, do not mention the specific amount, but thank the gift-giver for their generosity. If the note is for a host or hostess, thank them for their hospitality.)

3. Describe how you will use the gift or provide more specifics.

We are off to a cold and snowy start to the winter, and I'm certain they'll get much use over the coming months. The raspberry color is gorgeous, and will brighten the gray winter days ahead.

(For a monetary gift or gift card, you may also mention how you plan to use it, for example "I have been saving for new golf clubs, and now look forward to having them before golf season begins". For a host or hostess, give some specifics about your visit that were particularly memorable, for example "Dinner was fabulous, as always, and you invite such an interesting group of friends, making the conversations unforgettable".)

4. Personalize a bit more, mentioning something in the past and / or future.

I have always wanted to learn to knit, and am hoping you'll come for a visit and perhaps give me a little lesson. I'll give you a call in the next week or so to see if we can arrange a date.

(You're almost done.... this isn't so hard, is it?)

5. Give your thanks again, and close.

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly

And there you have it! Here are examples of a few completed notes….

Dear Auntie Mary,

Thank you so much for the beautiful hand knitted scarf and gloves. You are so talented!

We are off to a cold and snowy start to the winter, and I'm certain they'll get much use over the coming months. The raspberry color is gorgeous, and will brighten the gray winter days ahead.

I have always wanted to learn to knit, and am hoping you'll come for a visit and perhaps give me a little lesson. I'll give you a call in the next week or so to see if we can arrange a date.

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly


Dear Larry and Michelle,

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Dinner was fabulous, as always, and you invite such an interesting group of friends, making the conversations unforgettable.

I am planning to get some friends together next month for dinner at my house, and will call to check dates with you!

Thanks again!
Fondly,
Molly



Dear Uncle Pete,

Thank you for your generosity. I have been saving for new golf clubs, and now look forward to having them before golf season begins.

I can’t wait for the first day of golfing (after the snow melts, of course). I’ll give you a call so we can make a day of it!

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly


See how easy that was! And if you check back later today, you’ll find a post with a lovely selection of thank you cards. Surely there will be at least one to inspire you to write your notes!

Molly, Artful Sentiments

photo courtesy of Artful Sentiments