Games & toasts
Thank-you notes
Four lines is enough: **thank them, name the specific thing, say how you'll use it or what it meant, look ahead.** Send within a week for parties, two to three weeks for shower gifts.
To the host, after a dinner
Dear [name], thank you for last night. The [dish] was incredible, and I haven't laughed like that in ages. I loved meeting [person]. My turn next time.
For a hostess gift
Dear [name], thank you for the [gift]. It's already [on my counter / lit on the table], and I think of Saturday every time I use it. So glad you came.
To a guest who brought a dish
[Name], your [dish] was gone in ten minutes. Thank you for making it, and please send me the recipe.
For a shower gift
Dear [name], thank you for the [gift]. [How you'll use it: we've already used it twice / it's in the nursery.] It meant so much to have you there. Love, [names]
For a group gift
Dear [names], I'm still smiling about the [gift]. Thank you for organizing it, and for showing up the way you always do.
After staying over
Dear [name], thank you for having me. The guest room was perfect, and the [breakfast / long walk / late talk] was the best part of my month. Come stay with me next.
From a kid, after a birthday
Dear [name], thank you for the [gift]! My favorite part is [detail]. Thank you for coming to my party. Love, [name] [plus a drawing]