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Following a wonderful evening at Diane’s, Umbert must thank her for her invitation.
Say « thank you » is part of the international savoir-vivre. It also helps to maintain cordial relationships. It is a form of respect.
The fact that you decline or accept an invitation is not the problem, but you have to thank for the invitation, that’s the most important.
Thank you Dear ! Here is a Process on how to thank
“Politeness is for the mind what grace is for the face”, Voltaire, French philosopher
« La politesse est pour l’esprit ce qu’est la grâce pour le visage », Voltaire, philosophe Français
In this article :
1) What are the different types of “Thank you”
2) Thank before the party
3) Thank during the party
4) After the party
5) How to decline
1) What are the different types of “Thank you”
The automatic “thank you”, for example at a shopkeeper. It’s the one you use automatically.
“Thank you” says with his heart, to a friend or someone who is helping you.
The “thank you” for an invitation, that’s the one we are talking about.
The hypocrite or forced « thank you », try to avoid it, find a real excuse instead off playing.
2) Thank before the party
Answer as soon as possible to accept or refuse an invitation, in the 24 hours.
Answer through the same canal as the invitation.
So if it’s a card, answer with a card, if it’s online, answer online.
The card must be white, the ink color blue or black, stay neutral. Nevertheless, if you are a real artist, you can create something for the host.
Show that you are very happy to be invited.
Never asked if you can bring someone with you, unless it’s a friends party.
If you are on diet, that’s not a problem, just let the host know before. Same for allergies.
If you are a couple, don’t forget to mention the other person.
3) Thank during the party
Arrive 15 minutes in advance, and adapt you style to the dress code, it shows that you respect the host. Too early may disturb the host, too late is not respectful for the others.
Thank the host with a gift : chocolates for a diner, wine, flowers or something more personal if they are friends like a coffee table book.
If the host has children, bring something for the kids, the all family will appreciate.
You can send the gift before you arrive, bring it, or send it the next day.
Regarding the flowers, the best is to go in a nice flower shop, and ask some advices describing the host. Always stay neutral and chic. Add a thank you card.
After a dinner, leaving, thank your hosts for this wonderful evening. Make a compliment on the housekeeper’s attire, the dinner or the bouquets is always welcome.
For a particular moment such as a wedding or a baptism, things are more a protocole. You have to first thank with a card, then send a gift with another card.
Don’t make any gift if it is just a cocktail party. A thank you card will be enough.
4) After the party
Call your host the next day to thank, or send a handwritten « thank you » card.
Avoid the email, it is less friendly.
If you were the host, thank the guests for coming. Say a big thank you for the flowers, wines or chocolates they offered.
You have 1 month to thank everybody if it’s a wedding or baptism.
5) How to decline
You can answer that you thank the host for the invitation, you are very happy to be invited,