How to Write A Thank You Note

It was said that before Jackie O attended a dinner party that she already had a blank thank you card and a pen on her desk waiting to say thank you for the time spent at a wonderful event. After she returned from an event, writing a thank you was the first thing she did while the events of the evening were fresh on her mind. It is sad to think that times are so busy that people do not take the time to acknowledge the extra time and money someone took to entertain them and make sure that they had an enjoyable evening.

Writing a long hand note and mailing it isn't hard and has a way of meaning much more than an email, or a passing "thanks for inviting me".  A personal handwritten thank you note is a way of saying it really meant so much for you to think of me.

Know that the best thank you notes are the easiest to write. All you really need to think about is three or four sentences written from you heart. It seems we are nagged about the task of putting a pen to paper and then addressing the envelope or use the excuse, "Well I told them in person, so I don't have to write a thank you note."

Etiquette is about being respectable, thoughtful, and kind.  It means so much more to a person when you express the satisfaction by writing spontaneously the impact a gift or event had on you and how much it pleased you. 

So how do you start? Start by using stationery or a nice card, a pen, and write conversationally. (Write the way you talk!)

Steps to writing:

Step 1: Salutation. "Dear" or "Hi".  This is a greeting. It does not have to be formal. Use what ever your personality is.

Step 2:  Write your first Thank You!  Make this a short sentence. Thank you for the great evening, or thank you for the lovely flowers. This is a short sentence that thanks the giver with an adjective describing your gratitude.

Step 3:  Write the details. Describe the event, or gift, and what made it so special. It only takes a couple of sentences. The evening was such fun and the food was the best.  Remember the recipient will remember that you took the time to send a note.

Step 4:  Second Thank You. This sentence will restate your gratitude.  It can say something like Thank you again for the invitation, you have made memories that will last a lifetime.

Step 5:  Close and signature. Say Love, Sincerely, Best Regards,  and sign your name.

Get the note in the mail as soon as possible. It is never too late to express thanks but an immediate response reinforces the gratitude . Remember even if you say thank you in person, a follow up note is always appreciated.