Tag: proper etiquette

Manners never go out of style.  How many know this proper etiquette?

Where have all my empty cards disappeared?  I used to keep a pile of them on hand but must have used the very last one and now have to replenish.  I didn’t go out specifically looking for the last batch – just came across some very pretty cards which I have used for a multitude of purposes. However I always end up staring at the empty space to which I’m supposed to write something clever and nothing innovative comes to mind.  It’s a bit of a struggle at first but something always manages to get written even if it’s something very simple and unadorned.  Some people just have an effortless gift with words. The main thing is to do it.  This coming from one who, for the first time in several years, did not send out even one single handwritten Christmas Card and still feel guilty about it.  More and more people are sending e-cards for holidays so maybe this is becoming more acceptable. Still, to all those (mostly out of towners) who did not receive a Christmas card from me this time, please do not take it personally.  This never happens for birthdays or other special occasions.

That said, are manners becoming obsolete?

As in fashion, writing is an art. In fact, etiquette expert Emily Post even suggested that, “the letter you write…is always a mirror which reflects your appearance, taste, and character.” For thank you notes, this may be especially true. A handwritten thank you is eminently tasteful; it demonstrates certain gratitude and anyone who has ever received one knows how much appreciation the gesture fosters.

Etiquette requires you to send a thank-you note in the following situations:

  Wedding gifts

  Bridal shower and baby shower gifts

  Holiday, birthday, Bar/Bat mitzvah, graduation, and housewarming gifts

  Sympathy letters, flowers, mass cards, or donations made in the deceased’s name

Thank-you notes are not necessarily required but are a nice gesture in the following situations:

  When a host has treated you to a cocktail party, dinner, or concert

  After a job interview

  Anytime you feel particularly indebted to someone

A thank-you note is exclusively about expressing your gratitude, so don’t worry if your note seems short and simple. The only hard and fast rule is that it be sincere — even if you cannot stomach the present, you can express gratitude for the gesture, at the very least.

Remember that an imperfect letter that comes with heartfelt sentiment is better than a perfect note that was never written.

“A little “thank you” that you will say to someone for a “little favour” shown to you is a key to unlock the doors that hide unseen “greater favours”. Learn to say “thank you” and why not?” ― Israelmore Ayivor

  Cards by Garance Doré.
 To order – http://www.garancedoregoods.com/