by: Lisa Hartwell
As children we were taught it was a common courtesy to send thank you letters. Remember the chore of having to sit down after a birthday or Christmas and thank grandparents, aunties and uncles for your presents?
As adults, we often forget the value of a thank you letter or note, even at the most important times. Yet, there is nothing more touching than receiving a personal, handwritten thank you card or letter for something you have done. Emails and texts may be the way of the future but they cannot compete with knowing somebody has made the effort to put pen to paper to write their heartfelt thanks, just for you.
After attending a party, dinner or event of any kind, send a card or letter to the host to thank them for their hospitality. Thank you letters vary depending on your relationship with the host and how formal the event was, but in general the following should apply:
- Write the letter or card and envelope by hand, on personal stationery (a card, note or appropriate writing paper).
- NEVER scribble it on a piece of notebook paper as if you can’t be bothered to give it due care and attention.
- If you have attended with a partner, always include their thanks with yours, and mention the host’s partner (if they have one).
- Be sincere
- Draw attention to something you particularly enjoyed – a specific dish on the menu, the flowers…
- Send your letter promptly after the event – a thank you sent weeks later suggests they were an unimportant afterthought.
Similarly, if you have hosted a party or dinner and friends have helped you in any way, or you have received a gift or flowers from one of your guests, make sure you follow-up with a swift thank you letter.
Writing thank you letters is a way of showing you are both a gracious host and a congenial guest, and is a courtesy that should never go out of fashion.