How to Write Thank-You Notes
Etiquette, Personality Key to Proper Thank-You
“Thank you very much for…” Does this opening line sound familiar? It’s polite, yes, but it isn’t the most creative or heartfelt way to start a thank-you note. And with December’s abundance of gift-giving, party-throwing and shared quality time, thank-you notes are (always) a must!
The key to turning a thank-you note from formulaic to memorable is to infuse it with a little personality. Unless it’s completely formal or addressed to a complete stranger, the person at the receiving end knows the writer – it’s okay to “chat” in the note.
Gift Thank-You
A thank-you should always be sent after receiving a gift, no matter what. One of the best things about giving is reading that someone enjoyed the gift (or, at the least, that they received it!) In the event of a “bad” gift, find something nice to say. At least acknowledge the sender’s thoughtfulness.
Open with something personal – “It was such fun seeing you during the holidays” is a generic example. Try to be as specific as possible. Write the note as though people may read it for years to come – reference names, places, silly anecdotes. Mention the gift specifically at least once, though it isn’t necessary to describe the gift repeatedly. Describe its likeable aspects (“the color is my favorite”).
A current debate is whether an e-mail thank-you is sufficient. Don’t succumb to the “any thank-you is better than none” mindset! Use pretty or interesting stationary and a nice pen. It’s fun to receive regular mail.
Party/Event Thank-You
After attending a party or dinner at someone’s house, it’s courteous and good manners to send a note expressing gratitude. Imagine that the host or hostess is wondering whether the guests had a nice time. A note is intended to ensure them that fun was had. (Was the party a complete disaster? Jokes are okay, as long as they won’t hurt the person’s feelings.)
What about a circumstance in which someone treats another to a meal at a restaurant? Is a thank-you needed? It depends on the relationship between parties. A note after a date, for example, would seem odd. And if two couples are constantly reciprocating, a written thank-you may be excessive. But if someone made an extra effort to take someone out – a couple treat a single person to dinner, grandparents take a grandchild to dinner or vice versa, a thank-you will never be regretted. In fact, it will be cherished.
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