Letter Writing Do’s and Don’ts

I’m inspired by a clean desk and fabulous stationery. I’ve said it before but it’s worth mentioning again, few things make me happier than receiving a handwritten note. While I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to shooting off text messages and quick emails, there is something special about writing and receiving a handwritten note. Here are a few of my favorite pieces of stationery (either in my desk or on my wish list), and some tips on letter writing do’s and don’ts to get you off to a good start:

My all-time favorite:

And, of course who can do without a flying pig???

Letter Writing Do’s and Don’ts :

Do start off with a great writing pen – it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, just a pen that is easy to hold, fun to write with and full of good quality ink. Nothing starts a letter off on the wrong foot worse than a pen that is low on ink and skips in and out while you are writing your message.

Don’t forget the date – dating the letter is an important step in the writing process, not to mention it will serve as a helpful recollection years later. Select a memory box or special place for safekeeping cards and notes.

Do find a quiet place to write – getting your thoughts together, grabbing a cup of tea and writing on a solid and level surface such as a desk or writing table makes putting your thoughts down on paper much easier. When you are trying to write a letter balancing a notecard on your lap, holding the cat with one hand and talking on your cell phone, resting the device between your ear and your shoulder, you are distracted and not doing your best work.

Do sign off with care – close your letter with a thoughtful sentiment. “My best” or “Fondly” would be perfect for some people, while “Love” is the only closing that would suffice for others. “Sincerely” is a safe choice when you are writing to someone who you don’t know well or share a friendly, casual relationship with.

Don’t overlook the importance of the envelope – pay special attention to the way you address the envelope. Abbreviate with care and avoid any short cuts that will take away from your correspondence. Misspelling someone’s name is a definite faux pas but so is getting the address incorrect and then marking through rather than starting all over. Failing to include your return address says that you “don’t care” whether the letter arrives or not.

Don’t forget the perfect stamp – I love stamps! What can I say? To me, the stamp that is on the letter I receive is as important as the beautiful handwriting (or the handwriting can be chicken scratch as long as it’s from someone I admire) inside. I like to have a variety of stamps for different occasions that complement the stationery I have chosen.

While technology is here to stay, the written is word is still very much in style.

Sincerely Yours,