Etiquette for Hostess Thank-You Notes

Thank you notes have been a staple of proper etiquette since long before Emily Post wrote down the proper rules of etiquette. Hostess thank you notes should be written for anyone who throws a party, event or shower in your honor, as well as anyone who opens her home to you.

Time Frame

Thank you notes should be sent out as soon as possible to the host or hostess of an event. At the very least, a note should not be sent out more than a month after a small event or three months after a large event.

Function

Thank you notes serve as an expression of gratitude for the time, effort and thought the host put into an event in your honor.

Features

Thank you notes should be handwritten on stationary. Do not use thank you notes that are computer printouts or cards where you only have to fill in the blanks.

What to Include

Include details in the thank you note about the decorations, refreshments, people invited and time it must have taken the hostess to plan the event. The text of the note should show appreciation and recognition of her efforts.

Expert Insight

As thank you notes should include details about the event that was hosted for you, it is best to write the card when you return from the event, and it is fresh in your mind.

References

• Emily Post