How to:  Thank You Guide to writing impressive Thanks You notes

WHEN YOU'RE showered with gifts for months at a time, its easy to find yourself at a loss for words.  Even if you glimmer with appreciation after opening each package, you still need to write a thank-you note for each and every gift you get .  Follow these guidelines, and your pen will be your pal.

Stock up now

Months before your wedding, order or buy thank you notes, since gifts will start coming in as soon as word of your engagement gets out.   For traditional "thank-you's" plan white or ivory note cards will work, but colored or decorated notes are fine too.  Or consider ones that are the same design as your wedding invites.  The important thing is to buy cards that will inspire you to write.

Get Personal

Don't type your notes, Even if your handwriting is less that legible, your infamous chicken scratch will give your cards a meaningful-if messy- touch.

Get Organized

Keep a meticulous record of every gift you get-what it is, who it's from and from him- especially if they only just met you at the wedding.   At the very least, he can help you address envelopes. when you received it- to allow the "thank-you" process in an orderly way. (At your shower, your bridesmaids will do the honor, if you remember to ask them.)

Most people will agree that sending an note within one month of receiving any gift is the way to go.  The myth that you have a year to say "thanks" is just that.  The exception is post-wedding "thank you's," when a bride can feel okay about taking up to three months to respond to a gift.

Pace Yourself

Penning dazzling personal notes can be tiring.   Aim to write a few at a time - doing five a day for 20 days is much easier on you and will result in better notes.  (That's why you get three months after the wedding; you have a lot of notes to write.) Also, enlist your hubby.  His family and friends would probably like to get notes

Write, write, write

If you havent done it before, composing even a simple note can be a cause for anxiety.  Before sitting down to the task, think about what you want to say.  In general, your note should include: (1) a specific mention of the gift (so the reader knows you received it and that you took time to think about it),(2) how much you love it and (3) how you'll use it.  For example:

Thank you so much for the beautiful crystal vase.  It looks wonderful in our living room, and we cant wait to fill it with fresh flowers next spring.

Tricky subjects

All gifts are not created equal.  So here are a few key words (better known as euphemisms) you should know.   "unusual,""unique," and "interesting" can all be used to describe a gift that may prove to be

indescribable.  Try something like:

Thank you so much for the unusual centerpiece you were kind enough to give us as a wedding gift.

Also, if someone gives you a monetary, avoid the words "cash" or "check" in your note (it's considered crass).  Here's a tactful take:

Thank you for your generous gift.  It will really help us build the new addition to the house we've been planning.  We'll be sure to have you over when construction is finished.

After you've covered the basics in your note, you can also thank the gift-giver for traveling so far, if applicable.  And last but not least, be sure to send notes to all the people who helped make your day unforgettable. (your hairdresser, the caterer, florist, etc.).