Modern Etiquette :: A Three-Part Recipe for a Thoughtful Note

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A Simple Three-Part Recipe for a Thoughtful Note

One of the most often asked questions we get at RedStamp is how to best send a proper, hand-written note. What to say + how to find the time/materials to do it. In this day and age of easy texting and emailing, our "writing desk" has gone mobile. Literally. Which isn't a bad thing. In fact, Modern Etiquette embraces these ways of communicating for the right recipient and the right occasion. 

But this also presents a rare opportunity of breaking through the clutter by sending a paper note. What's amazing is that hand-writing a note can take about the same amount of time as an email if you keep materials + inspiration on-hand and the message light + easy to write. 

I started blogging my notes on StylishCorrespondence.com in order to inspire content. Most of my notes follow a certain rhythm that comes naturally to many. It helps me to think of it as a three-part recipe ::

1. Revisit what prompted the note 
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange 
3. Reveal what comes next

Take a peek at some of my personal examples using this simple recipe ::
Examples
Please join us in our ongoing discussion on Modern Etiquette on our Facebook Page or post below. Share your tips, questions + comments on anything etiquette.

Modern Etiquette :: Three Considerations for Every Correspondence

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modern etiquette {mod-ern | et-i-ket} ::

1. properties of conduct that stem from consideration, comfort and respect
2. inclusive guidelines that exist to help people feel comfortable in today's social situations.
3. a respectful core framework to RedStamp's mission to make relationships stronger.

Etiquette has received a lot of tough press in the past. And we get it. With all that's facing our society right now, who has time to worry about which fork goes where? Or how to properly phrase an invitation?

But Modern Etiquette is different. Like society, Modern Etiquette has evolved into something that's useful. Practical. A set of guidelines {not rules} that make it easier to correspond with friends/family/colleagues/acquaintances/strangers because these considerate guidelines are really just a framework to help you think of thoughtful + intentional things to say or do.

At RedStamp, we talk a lot about Modern Etiquette in part because we receive a lot of great questions about Modern Etiquette. "How can I make guests feel welcome my party?"; "How should I say thank you?"; "How do I write a kind note of sympathy?"

Each situation is unique. And in our years of helping our community figure out the right thing to say and the right way to say it, we have crafted three key considerations that will help you figure out the best way to say just about anything...

1. Be Gracious. Channel hospitality if you're the host; gratefulness if you are writing a thank you note; kindness if you are expressing sentiments from sympathy to congratulations. Always be personal.

2. Be Timely. Don't get caught up in the exact rules that say you have three days to write a thank you note or that you must allow at least three weeks to plan for a party. Instead, think about the message you communicate in following these rules. The quicker you are to thank someone, the more appreciated they will feel. The earlier you announce your party, the more likely you will be to reserve time on guests' calendars {and the more time they will have to prepare for your party}.

3. Be Relevant. Correspondence is always about the sender AND the receiver. So, always consider your audience. What do they need to know? What should they know? What will make them feel comfortable and good about themselves/the situation at hand? From invitations to thank you's, this tactic is a sure fire way to remember to include all the relevant information.

Have any questions on Modern Etiquette for an upcoming event? Or a party you'd like us to discuss? Post them below.