The Perfect Thank You Note by Vera Wang Papers + A Contest!

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and here at SMP, there is nothing we value more than a bit of mom advice. From life to love and everything in between, she’s usually right (ok, always right!). One of mom’s most highlighted lessons? Always send a thank you note, and send it promptly. Well, we couldn’t agree more, so SMP teamed up with Vera Wang Papers to dish the skinny on thank you note etiquette!   From birthday flowers to wedding gifts, a thank you note is always in order! So here you have it, a helpful list of thank you note tips from Vera Wang Papers + SMP! 

1. Be gracious in a timely manner: Yup, we all know the rules, sometimes we just let the note writing slip down the to-do list! But according to Crane & Co., the sister brand to Vera Wang Papers, thank you notes should be sent out as soon as possible after you receive a gift. One to two weeks is ideal, as the note should be a thoughtful gesture to the gift giver — not just a reminder of what was given!
2. Give credit where credit is due: Be sure to address your note to the person or people who gave you the gift! So, even if you know Aunt Jane did all the shopping, Uncle Joe should still be included. After all, everyone likes to feel appreciated.
3. Name drop: Get specific when you mention what you’re thanking them for, even mention the gift by name! Let’s be serious, the world we live in is filled with automated + generic emails, so it’s nice to receive something that is personalized just for you!
4. Go the extra descriptive mile: Go ahead and give the gift givers what they want — to know whatever it is they bought you will go to good use! Mike and I loved the gold serving dish you so graciously gave us! We are so excited to use it when we have family over for Thanksgiving. It will be perfect for the turkey! 
5. Say it with style: Last but surely not least, make sure your notes are reflective of your personal style! You can even go so far as to order thank you notes when you order your wedding invitations so your guests will know who they’re from before they even glance at your signature! Whether you choose to go custom or keep it elegant with some fabulous boxed notes, be sure the style speaks to you!

With all this amazing new advice, I’m sure you’re chomping at the bit to get your thank you note writing on! So, it’s time to stock up on some gorgeous paper goodies to have on hand. We’re loving the new boxed sets from Vera Wang Papers. Offered in a stunning selection of paper colors, font styles and fabulous envelope designs, you’ll love sending your thanks when you get to write on something so pretty! Head over here to check out the full collection of boxed notes and stationery. To celebrate two exciting recent occasions — the new Vera Wang boxed stationery launching online + Mother’s Day — Vera Wang Papers is hosting a fabulous Pinterest contest!

The Prize: FIVE winners will each receive TWO boxes of Vera Wang Papers thank you notes or correspondence cards of their choice (up to $56 in retail value).

To Enter: Log onto your Pinterest account (Don’t have one? No worries! Email concierge@crane.com and they’ll send you an invite) then follow Vera Wang Papers and create your own board called “Dear, Mom.” Then, fill your board with 10 pins or more inspired by your own mom and the things she loves — be sure to incorporate one pin from our 2014 Boxed Collection board! (Take a look an example) Next up, email us a link to your board at concierge@crane.com and be sure to tell your friends to enter, too!

To Win: Contest begins on Saturday May 10, 2014 and ends on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Winners will be announced on the Vera Wang Papers blog and Facebook page on Friday, May 16, 2014.

Terms & Conditions: Can all be found here! Good luck!