We live in a day and age where we primarily communicate through electronic means (e.g. e-mail, skype, facebook and twitter).  These avenues are all great for sending quick and easy messages and keeping up with your loved ones, however, relying on these to send more personalized messages can take away the warmth in doing so .

Of all the things that an IT Girl must master, writing thank you notes is one of the most important.  Some would consider handwriting thank you notes a thing of the past, but IT Girls should keep this art alive and graciously acknowledge people who have assisted them or gifted items to them. Doing this shows good manners, and great feminine character.  When someone has gone out of their way for you, the best way to show your appreciation is through handwritten thank you note.

(Photo Credit)

Why should I handwrite my thank you notes?

Taking the time to handwrite and send a personalized thank you note is a great way to make your recipient feel your true gratitude.  To take time out of your already busy day to acknowledge how someone else has helped you says that you appreciate that person.

 When should I send a handwritten thank you note?

Handwritten should be sent:

• When someone gives you a tangible gift including but not limited to: baby shower gifts, bridal shower gifts, wedding gifts, birthday gifts, gifts or notes of congratulations, and gifts or notes of sympathy.
• After a job interview.
• When someone has helped you or gone out of their way to make arrangements for you. (e.g. you party or wedding planner)
• To the hostess of a dinner party or event that you were invited to or attended.
• To an acquaintance friend thanking them for their friendship or support.

What will I need?

You will need blank notecards/stationary, a nice ink pen, envelopes, and your recipient’s address.  You do not have to spend a lot of money on your stationary.  I like to frequent stores like Papyrus, Target, and Etsy.com to find feminine one of a kind notes.

(Photo Credit)

What does the thank you note need to say?

Follow these 6 easy steps and examples for the perfectly versed thank you note.

1. Greet the Recipient:  “Dear Uncle Michael”  It is very easy for forget this simple but crucial step.  You do not want your note to appear pre-frabicated or insincere and personally greeting your recipient is the best way to avoid this. Acknowledge the person as well as the gift.
2. Express Your Gratitude: “Thank you for the Starbucks giftcard that you included in that beautiful birthday card you sent me last week.”  Make sure your appreciation can be felt through your note by using lots of descriptive words to describe your gift.
3. Discuss Use of Gift:  “I spend a lot of late nights studying and writing, and I cannot think of a better way to help me stay awake then by enjoying a drink from my favorite coffee house.  This gift card is really going to come in handy on nights like these.”  Express in you note how much you love the gift, and how you will use it.  Get your point across, but don’t overdo it.  If you received cash, vaguely express how the cash will be used. “Your gift will be a great help in the purchase of my first home.”
4. Mention a Past or Future Meeting:   “Sorry I was not able to make it to your holiday party.   I cannot wait to see you at my college graduation.  We have so much to catch up on”  If it is someone that you do not see or talk to often you can say, “I hope all is well and you are in good health and spirits.” or “I hear that your online tutoring service is really taking off.  These college classes are so hard, I may find myself on your website sooner then I thought.”
5. Express Gratitude…Again:  “Again thank you for your wonderful gift.”
6. Give Your Regards: “Love, Maisha”  You can also use “Sincerely,” “Yours Truly, “With Love,” etc.

• If you received money as a gift DO NOT mention the amount in the thank you note.  Use language like ” Your generosity was greatly appreciated.”  as opposed to “Thanks for that $100 check you wrote me.”
• If you do not like the gift that you received DO NOT lie and say you love it.  DO try find something positive about the gift to include in your note. DO NOT mention that you plan on returning it.
• DO use your neatest handwriting, and correct grammar in your note.
• If you have a lot of notes to write, DO recruit your kids, best friend, or significant other to help write them.
• DO get your thank you notes sent out within a week of receiving a gift.
• DO NOT rely on notes with a pre-printed thank you message inside of them followed by your signature.  Blank notes with your own personal message written in them are the best.
• DO add you favorite thank you quote.

Compliments of www.emilypost.com

For a basic table setting, here are two great tips to help you — or your kids — remember the order of plates and utensils:

1. Picture the word “FORKS.” The order, left to right, is: F for Fork, O for the Plate (the shape!), K for Knives and S for Spoons. (Okay — you have to forget the R, but you get the idea!)
2. Holding your hands in front of you, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your forefingers to make a lowercase ‘b’ with your left hand and a lowercase ‘d’ with your right hand. This reminds you that “bread and butter” go to the left of the place setting and “drinks” go on the right.

Some other things to know:

• Knife blades always face the plate
• The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate
• The bread and butter knife are optional