Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: https://ballantynemagazine.epubxp.com/i/48068
important. With just a little extra time and effort on your part, the recipient instantly recognizes the sentiment behind your unique expression of gratitude. "It used to be that the 'thank you' or handwritten note was as common as an email is today, but now it's a rarity. It's something very special," says Holly Bretschneider, president of Salutations, a stationery and gift store in Ballantyne Village. "That feeling that you get when you open your mailbox and see a handwritten note that's not some computerized pre-printed thing is really becoming more and more rare these days," she says. "It's almost like you've been given a gift back when you receive one." And taking the time to craft your message by hand might even provide your receiver with the perfect getaway from his or her daily digital monotony. Even if your handwriting is poor, the extra effort doesn't go unnoticed. Drive Home Your Message "People are so overrun with emails, texts and Facebook messages now that I think they're realizing, especially for job interviews, the handwritten note or thank-you card is something that is going to send your heartfelt message the best," Above: Salutations Store Manager Melanie Meyers recommends notes be personal and specific. Right: Remember to select note cards appropriate for the occasion. Below: Salutations is a stationery and gift store in Ballantyne Village. Bretschneider says. "If you actually take the time to sit down in this day and age and pick out a nice stationery, hand-write the note, address the envelope, put a stamp on it and stick it in the mail, then you're really sending the message home." Given the power of putting pen to paper, here are some tips from etiquette experts on crafting memorable thank-you notes. First, address the giver with a personal greeting. Be sure to include all names associated with the party at hand. Open your message with an immediate expression of gratitude. And be specific. "I think when you're trying to convey a 'thank you' for something, it's important WINTER 2011-2012 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 33 "It used to be that the 'thank you' or handwritten note was as common as an email is today, but now it's a rarity." — Holly Bretschneider, Salutations