Occasions for Sending
Pray tell, why send a thank you note? Aside from practicing your penmanship and having a spectacular excuse to purchase luxurious paper goods (my vice!), sending a thank you note shows gratitude and appreciation for whatever lovely gesture someone has done for you. It signifies more than putting pen to paper – it’s taking that extra thoughtful step. Also, while better later than never, strive to send it within two weeks of receiving the gift, gesture, etc. So, the million-dollar question: When do you need to send a thank you note?
- If someone has so generously given you a gift (e.g. wedding, birthday, Christmas, etc.)
- If someone has interviewed you for a job
- If someone has graciously done you a favor
- If someone has hosted you in their home
- If someone has invited you to an event (i.e., they treated you to a concert or play)
Foolproof Thank You Note Formula
Follow this formula for a foolproof thank you:
- Line 1: Address the person with “Dear”, i.e., “Dear Paige,”
- Line 2: Open the note by thanking them for the gift, gesture, etc. “Thank you for the wonderful cookbook, it was so thoughtful of you.”
- Line 3: Let them know that you are enjoying the gift and what it means to you. “I adore the Barefoot Contessa, and have loved learning new recipes from this amazing cookbook. I recently made the roasted chicken and it was delicious!”
- Line 4: Close the note with a final thank you. “Thank you so much again for the beautiful gift, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”
- Line 5: Sign the note with a salutation and your name, with the salutation depending upon your closeness with the recipient. If it’s a dear friend or family member, most sign it “Love,” where as if it’s a work colleague or acquaintance it’s recommended to sign it “Fondly,” “Best,” or “Warmest Wishes.”
- The recipient’s name and address need to be written as follows:
- Recipients Full Name
- Street Address
- City, State, and zip code
- Recipient’s name:
- Unmarried woman: Ms. Holly Golightly
- Unmarried man: Mr. Doc Golightly
- Married woman: Mrs. Holly Golightly or Mrs. Doc Golightly
- Married man: Mr. Doc Golightly
- Divorced woman: Mrs. Holly Golightly or Ms. Holly Golightly
- Divorced Man: Mr. Doc Golightly
- Widowed woman: Mrs. Doc Golightly or Mrs. Holly Golightly
- Widowed man: Mr. Doc Golightly
- Married Couple: Mr. And Mrs. Doc Golightly
- Married Couple, husband is a doctor: Dr. Doc Golightly and Mrs. Holly Golightly
- Married Couple, wife is a doctor: Dr. Holly Golightly and Mr. Doc Golightly
- Married Couple, both are doctors: The Doctors Golightly or Drs. Doc and Holly Golightly
- Don’t forget to write your return address. You can hand write it in the top left corner of the envelope, affix a return address label in this same place, or use a return address stamp on the back of the envelope above the seal.