the perfect note
I keep a number of vintage etiquette books on my desk that serve as both reference guides and inspiration. Though many of the passages are antiquated and humorous ("... the wife, as the social secretary, should write the bread-and-butter letter") , I occasionally come upon a few kernals of wisdom. I especially enjoy this remark regarding thank you notes:

Thank you notes can be brief and informal, but they should always be written promptly and personally. There is no need to go on at great length. Just make the note sincere and specific. 

They go on to provide a sample:

Dear Joan, 
Thank you so much for the beautiful scarf. It is just the color I needed to pep up my gray coat, and it's such a soft, lovely one, I can hardly bear to take if off when I come inside. Thanks again, Joan. You were so sweet to remember my day.
Love, Sally

Though the formality of the handwritten note has all but disappeared these days, the spirit of thankfulness remains entirely relevant. I think Sally has shown us that expressing our gratitude can be as simple as putting pen to paper.