The Consummate Hostess

 As you well know, I am a firm believer in the beauty and importance of a well written thank you note. There is nothing that communicates grace and appreciation better than a thank-you note sent the old fashioned way. That said, it is easy to get a little confused about when it is best to send a note or when a phone call would be sufficient. Below is a go-to guide, according to Emily Post, that is sure to solve all of your thank you note woes!

Occasion: Birthday, anniversary, holiday, and other gifts

Obligatory: Always, unless you have properly thanked the individual in person.

Optional: Only if you have given thanks in person. Even if so, a note in the mail is always appreciated.

Occasion: Shower gifts

Obligatory: A note to each person who has given a shower gift, even if thanks were expressed in person.

Optional: Optional only if someone insists on no thank-you note.

Occasion: Gifts to an ill person

Obligatory: Notes to out-of-towners and calls or notes to close friends are obligatory as soon as the patient feels well enough to do them.

Optional: A close friend or relative of the ill person could write notes on his or her behalf, if desired.

Occasion: Congratulatory cards or gifts

Obligatory: All personal messages or presents must be acknowledged.

Optional: Optional for preprinted greeting cards with no personal message. Form letters from firms need not be acknowledged.

Occasions: Wedding gifts

Obligatory: Even if spoken thanks have been given, all wedding gifts must be acknowledged within three months of receipt, but preferably as the gifts arrive.

Occasion: Host/hostess gift received after visitors have left 

Obligatory: Even though the gift itself is a thank-you, the host must thank his or her visitors (especially if the gift has arrived by mail).

(Images via Boston.com & crane.com}

 I suggest that you print off this list and store it with correspondence items. I keep a little trunk that is full of stationary, my address book, this guide, stamps, etc. that is stored beside my desk, it helps me to write a note in a timely fashion. Check here for my picks for beautiful stationary. My final thought on the subject: it is never inappropriate to write a gracious note of thanks.