Let’s talk about the art of the handwritten note. It’s a lost art! With email, text, instant messenger + etc. Most think an electronic thank you is more than acceptable in this day and age. More times than not, there is nothing that can match the significance behind a handwritten note. To hold a card with a familiar signature is almost like receiving a hug in the mail!
I have notes from people sitting on my desk, stashed in drawers, hidden away in boxes, I even carry recent ones in my handbag… handwritten notes are truly tiny pieces of art. Art to cherish. They are pieces of a loved one’s mind written down of paper.
Stock up on personalized stationery. Minted has a ton of incredibly beautiful and versatile note cards! When the cards are sitting on your desk, it’s much easier to write the note and get it in the mail right away. Another tip: buy stamps ahead of time. This is where I tend to fail at this process. I write the notes on time but then don’t have stamps and then well you guessed it. Notes are late. Yet another reason why I think there should be drive-thru post offices! I’ve been saying it for a LONG time.
My favorite pieces from Minted right now…
Now, let’s talk going paperless.
I was completely anti-electronic invites up until just about a year ago when I received a message from Pingg.com. Their site works really well for events like Business After-Hours and Class Reunions. Then I was introduced to Paperless Post and decided that there was indeed a little more room for paperless correspondence when done like this…
Times when it’s okay to save-a-tree:
- A quick “thinking of you” note or “thank you for being there today to listen to me vent” note to a girlfriend.
- Thanks for the coffee today!
- Thanks for hosting playgroup this week.
- Little notes of encouragement.
- Simple correspondence. I’m sure you get the point.
You can also go paperless for at-home parties and or save the dates for fundraisers or social events. Not so much for weddings because as shocking as it may seem, there are lots of people that still do not use email. I’m thinking of sending a Paperless Post invitation for our housewarming party once we are in our new little abode!
Here’s the thing to remember…
Use common sense. If someone sends you a gift, send a handwritten note to show your great level of appreciation. If you go to an impromptu dinner at the neighbor’s house (something that happens often), send a nice Paperless Post note to show your appreciation and to also let her know that next time you’ll host!
Other great places to stock up on paper stationery and invitations: Paper-Source, Tiny Prints, and Wedding Paper Divas.
Images via minted.com and paperlesspost.com
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I think going “paperless” with bills is completely appropriate and the best idea in ages. But, I agree with you, the handwritten note IS a lost art. I can’t bring myself to throw away any sweet sentiment that I’ve ever received in the mail! Thanks for this post, it has inspired me to send some notes to friends & family asap! Have a great day, Nina!
Prissy Southern Prep´s last blog ..BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
I think the handwritten note IS best! It is a lost art unfortunately. However, I do love Paperless Post! Great for small thank yous or for parties where you know your friends will respond via email rather than by mail. It is MUCH better than Evite imo.
SouthernBelleJM´s last blog ..And the winner is….
Good Stationary is my weakness. The thick paper, the raised print, the lined envelopes. Ah, Heaven. I love to send them but so rarely get them returned, I get a quick note on Facebook “cute cards, great to hear from you” etc. Such a bummer. I hope more people pick back up the old snail mail form!
Katie´s last blog ..Spring Game…
I love handwritten notes… I had never heard of paperless post… but they are super fun, and I do think a quick email is appropriate sometimes… I will most certainly be using them in the near future!
Elle´s last blog ..Relevant Magazine and What Preppy Wore Day 2
Ninas must be alike because I swear we are the same person sometimes! I could not agree with you more on this post and I love how you compared a familiar signature to a hug in the mail. That is so true. I have cards stashed away in boxes and keep recent ones in my planner/purse, too! If you have not checked out “The Art of the Handwritten Note” you need to…such a sweet book!!
Nina´s last blog ..We’re Smitten with the Mitten!
I love handwritten notes. It’s the best feeling to receive something non-bill or magazine related in the mail. I totally agree about the drive through post office too! That would make life so much easier. Thanks for sharing the paperless post! Such a neat idea, I cannot wait to try it!
Christina´s last blog ..Almost Swimsuit Season!
I COMPLETELY AGREE! I miss getting hand written notes. I am a big advocate of sending them and still do!
I admit, I currently do not do “real mail” at all.. mostly because nobody writes back! I recently invested in having a custom stationary design done, and also bought some adorable cards on Etsy… and am planning to start sending snail mail to people that I know will appreciate it
I would have to agree that it is a lost art!
April´s last blog ..Good Morning Monday… I can’t wait til Tonight!
I am a huge fan of paperless post! Love them!
Silvia P.´s last blog ..OTH aka. One Tree Hill
Just a tip to cure your No-Drive-Thru-PO blues…did you know you can get stamps at most ATMs?