A gentleman’s guide to writing a thank you letter
A little effort goes a long way…
The thank you letter is something of a dying art. These days, it’s far too easy to fire off a quick text or send an email than put pen to paper, but a little effort goes a long way – there’s nothing quite like receiving rich ink on smart paper to brighten one’s day. Whether you’re thanking someone for a generous gift, an excellent party or simply a kind gesture, a hand-written thank you note shows sincerity and appreciation – and all it takes is a few minutes. Here’s how to go about it…
Handwrite it
There’s something so… sterile about a typed-out note. A good old-fashioned hand-written letter adds an element of personality.
Use high quality stationery
Step away from the Post-It notes. A proper thank you letter warrants proper paper and pen. Invest in high quality writing paper from somewhere like Smythson or Mount Street Printers (plain A4 or A5 paper will do, but headed paper is appropriate for formal letters) and use blue or black ink. Looking to refresh your pen supply? Here are some of our favourites.
Keep it concise
The best thank you letters are meaningful yet to the point. No need to waffle on: a few sentences will suffice. And keep the page one-sided.
Be specific
Acknowledge the effort that has been gone to by referring to specific details in your letter – such as how you’ve been putting your new gift to use, or why a particular gesture meant so much to you. It’s important to explain what you appreciate, as well as why.
Write (and send) your letter as soon as possible
There’s no point in waiting weeks after you’ve received a gift or attended an event to pen your thank you letter. Write it while it’s fresh in your mind and don’t forget to post it immediately.
Anything is better than nothing
Okay, so you’ve been totally slammed and forgot to send a thank you note. Not ideal, but certainly not the end of the world. Anything is better than deafening silence, so send a kind text or email apologising for your tardiness and thanking them for their generosity.
Add some elegance to your desk set-up with these stylish letter openers...
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
