[House of Manners] Thank You Cards

THANK YOU. Yes, you.

I think I have mentioned this but I LOVE LOVE LOVE recieving snail mail. Love it. And I LOVE sending snail mail. My mother always had us write thank you cards that day or the morning after we recieved any gift. No matter the size or who it was from, be it from my sister or even my mom.

I am glad to this day (not so much back then) that she had us do that. Teaching a small amount of gratitude goes further than childhood.

It is such an elegant touch to any occassion.

Rule of Thumb:

They are an absolute MUST after recieving a gift.

Please send no more than two weeks after.

Only exception: Wedding gifts (since you are on your honeymoon a little extra time is allotted but no more than a month).

Personalize those beautiful cards to your personality, your initials, your new initials, your party theme, anything!

Own your thank you card and make it unique and heartfelt.

xoxo- Tee

Photo Credits: The one and only Pinterest!

[House of Manners] Respondez S'il Vous Plait

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Oooo french!
For all the english speaking readers...RSVP (means please respond). This is one topic that lights me on fire.... Only becuase I feel as if it is disrespectful to the host. I live try to live on manners every single day (this is no easy task, FYI.). 

Responding to any type of invitation is just the simple way of thanking the host! They went through planning the event (making preparations, inviting guests, food, etc). It might be grabbing drinks or lunch. It might be formal or informal. It might be a small group or a large group of people. People you know or don't know every well. The fact of the matter is...it is still an invitation. No matter if it is a Yes or a No...respond.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Reading through my Bible (Emily Post Etiquette)...I notice a variety of parties. All forms of communication can be used with an invitation as well as the response! In Person, On the Phone, Email, Facebook, Evite, Paper Inviations...the list can go on.

To name a few types:
Anniversary Party
Child's Party
Dinner Party
Graduation Party
Open House

I google everything. Yep..everything just to make sure to check it out see what others have to say..just because my generation "googles" probably! lol.

Researching so many articles I should of just stopped at the first few... ehow has the best recap with easy peasy instructions. 5 steps...everyone can do 5 steps, right?

Photo Credit: Pinterest

See below or visit their page!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Invitation
• Telephone, computer or appropriate means of contacting someone

1. • 1
     Read the invitation. The host should have a telephone number, email address or some instructions on how to reply to the invitation. Less formal events typically note the RSVPs at the bottom of the invitation. Real formal events send a self-addressed, stamped RSVP card for you to answer and return via U.S. Mail.
   • 2
     Respond to electronic RSVPs, too. As the world is becoming more "e" based, many invitations are sent using electronic software such as Hallmark or Evite.com. It saves on stamps and is almost a guarantee the person will get it. Electronic emails arrive faster and allows you to answer the RSVP with a click of the reply button. If the host desires, e-invitation system will show you who plan to attend the party and have RSVP'd.
   • 3
     Pay strict attention to the deadline. The host will set the deadline for the RSVP a couple of days before the event. It is important that you adhere to this because party preparations are made based on the number of RSVP responses received. The caterer need to be notified and many require a 24 hour notice. Don't wait until the day of the event and show up. That is poor etiquette and just plain rude.
   • 4
     If the invitation says "Regrets Only", you only need to RSVP if you cannot attend the event. Otherwise, the host has already counted you in. Remember to contact the host if you cannot attend.
   • 5
     Do not answer yes to the RSVP and fail to show up. Only a matter of serious illness or death should keep you away. It is bad etiquette and rude to RSVP stating you will attend and not show up.

I leave saying this...no matter your response...just give one! Just do it!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Peace. Love. Seeya!

[House of Manners] Please and Thank Yous

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Continuing the weekly topics brings us to Tuesday...Manners. I am sure everyone of us has been told to "Mind our Manners" in some point (mostly when we were younger). How true that is though!

To start this beautiful Tuesday morning off I thought I would cover the basics. Start way back in the beginning with the simple please and thank yous. Often referred to  as "the magic words"!

These two words, they go a LOOOONG way. In your personal life, in your professional life, anywhere you go those words are monumental. In short, both terms are polite ways of showing someone that you appreciate something they've done for you. You want to show someone you are nice not rude and the tone of your questions or statements are the way to get there!

Photo Credit: Girls with Pearls

Challenge today is to use your please and thank yous and see what happens!

To to leave you on this fine Tuesday...a little Barney song to remind us of our magic words! And to laugh that I used a Barney song...enjoy! You can go here to listen to the song also!

There are lots of things
We can do to be nice,
Sometimes they're hard to remember.
But there are two little things
You should never forget,
From January through December.

He's talking 'bout please and thank you,
They're called the magic words,
If you want nice things to happen,
They're the words that should be heard,
Remember please and thank you,
'Cause they're the magic words.

Use 'em in the morning, at noon, and night,
'Cause it's a great way to be polite!
Please and thank you,
They're the magic words.

We're talking 'bout please and thank you,
They're called the magic words.
If you want nice things to happen,
They're the words that should be heard!

Remember please and thank you,
'Cause they're the magic words.
Use 'em in the morning, at noon, and night,
'Cause it's a great way to be polite!

Please and thank you,
They're the magic words.

Happy Tuesday ya'll!