Prep and Proper: The Inaugural Post

Hello Shmintaland followers! This is the first in a series of guest posts about etiquette in a modern world. Every few weeks, we'll talk about oft forgotten rules of etiquette and how they fit in with a rapidly changing society. The goal isn't to be stuffy, but to be thoughtful. As Emily Post famously said, "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." Now, let's get to it!

Here it is, almost December, and the holidays are upon us! It's a wonderful time to connect with family and friends, old and new, and celebrate the season with the ones we love. But amongst the cocktail parties, marathon cookie baking, and the endless search for the perfect gift, its easy to lose our manners. I'm not referring to stealing parking spaces or cutting in line (although, honestly dear, that sort of behavior is unbecoming), but how often we fail to adequately express our gratitude to those around us.

In the age of e-mails, texts and tweets, nothing will be more appreciated or unexpected than a heartfelt, handwritten thank you note. Think it's outdated? Think again! As texts and Facebook posts become more and more overused, they also become cheap--take the extra 10 to 15 minutes and put pen to paper. When your handwritten note arrives in the mail, the recipient will pay special attention to what it says, and what it means: that he or she really matters to you. There are so many instances this holiday season when a thank you note would be appropriate: to the host of a holiday party you attended, to the friend who house sat while you were visiting out-of-state relatives, and (0f course) to the friend or family member who took the time to get you a gift.

Now, some of my favorite thank you notes:

Kate Spade "Quip" Thank You Notes, with phrases
like "How did you know?" and "You've done it again!"

Perfectly Preppy Monogram Stationary (Crane & Co.)

More Monogram, this time Calling Cards

Vineyard Vines "Rope Whale" Notecards

Happy Writing!

P.S.-- At a loss for words? Look to The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication by Margaret Shepherd for help writing the perfect note.

images compliments of: Hayden Avery, Kate Spade, Crane & Co., and Vineyard Vines