My generation was possibly amongst the last to be taught old-fashioned manners, including routine acts like acknowledement of the little kindnesses that people show us with a thank you note. Thank you notes are not only for occasions like thanking grandma for a birthday gift, they should be sent whenever thanks are due for a present, hospitality or a personal favour - basically any time when someone has shown a kindness in thinking of us or put themselves out to help us.
We’ve all got into the habit of emailing and Twittering and it’s sad that a hand-written note is therefore becoming a rarity. The fact of the matter is that there is no substitute for holding a note that someone has taken the time to hand-write. Imagine that you are the recipient and you’ll know that’s true.
Thank you notes should be written promptly after an event and if you’re unsure what to say just remember the golden rule: Keep it simple, sweet and from the heart. A personal reference of any kind in the note will help to make the standard text come alive – mention a particular food that the hostess prepared and that you enjoyed, tell her why her gift was so special etc.
One final note: When writing to a married couple, a thank-you letter is traditionally addressed to the wife only.
Contact me: celcelore[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
