I did think that I was going to get new stationery for my birthday from London, not the grey boots which were a complete indulgence.Some lovely thank-you cards were delivered however and I now have some gorgeous new cards to add to my collection.
These are from Scribbler in London but you can buy online as well for overseas readers.
There is a theory that you give gifts that you would like to receive yourself. I like to send thank-you cards and use notepaper because I personally love to get snail mail and cards. The thrill of pulling a beautiful envelope out of a pile of bills cannot be replaced by text messages or emails of thanks.
I send cards for all sorts of reasons but here are some occasions where you might send a thank you card or note:
- You have been to an event or party at someone else's expense
- You've received a gift
- Someone has done you a favour
- Weddings (always, always thank your guests by snail mail!)
The key to thank-you notes is that they must be personalised. There is no point writing to your guests ahead of time and thanking them for un-opened presents. If you are going to take the time to hand write a note, make mention of the gift/event/favour that has been bestowed upon you- recognising the persons effort is the highest form of gratitude you can express.
Over dinner the other night, I got talking with a male friend of mine on the topic of shaking hands when you meet. 
