Thank You note Etiquette for today

I recently read this guide to Thank You note writing in the local paper. Some of these tips are common sense, while others serve as a refresher.

The entire article is here

Gestures that deserve thanks
Always send a handwritten thank-you when you receive a gift by mail. At the very least, the giver needs to know you actually received it.

Always send one after a party or dinner for which you received a written invitation.

Always send thank-you notes for wedding or shower gifts, for gifts when hospitalized and for sympathy cards and flowers.

It's recommended, though not required, that you send one when you have been a guest at a dinner party.

It's smart to send a thank-you after a job interview.

Extra points if you send thank-you notes when friends help you out in tough situations and for gifts that were opened with the giver present and you thanked him or her at the time.

Double extra points if you send a thank-you note this year completely out of the blue. Thank a friend for his or her friendship. Thank a former teacher for his or her guidance years ago.

When to write a thank-you
Right away, Klinkenberg said. The gift or the event is fresh in your mind, and your gratitude will be more easily and genuinely expressed.

Within a week is a good guideline, although it's better to send thank-yous late than not at all. After a month, ask forgiveness for being tardy.

Brides and grooms get special consideration, up to six months.

How not to send thanks
Preprinted thank-you notes are not OK, even for children. Very small children can draw thank-you pictures.

E-mail thank-you notes do not take the place of handwritten ones.

Personalized stationery and cards are nice but not required. Still, go a notch higher than torn-out notebook paper.

How to write a thank-you
Begin with a greeting, as you would any letter, using the person's name, such as "Dear Helen" or "Dear Grandma."

The first sentence starts with "thank you" and specifically mentions the gift or gesture. (For money gifts, go straight to the next step.)

Tell how much you appreciated the person's generosity.

If you were invited to dinner, mention something specific about the meal or the house.

If you received a gift, say how much you will enjoy it or use it. If it wasn't your favorite item, some experts say it's OK to fake your gratitude a little. Others say don't lie but focus on the person's thoughtfulness.

If you received money, tell how you might spend it.

Don't stray too far from the intent of the thank-you note, such as providing news about you. A line, say, about hoping to get together soon is fine. The whole note needs only three or four sentences.

The last sentence should repeat your thanks. Be sincere.

End with a closing, such as "love" or "fondly," and sign your name.