Stationery

Crane's stationery

For centuries the art of writing has been fundamental in creating and fostering personal relationships across miles. With the advent of the Internet and electronic mail it seems as if the fine art of writing is falling to the wayside but we hope that isn't true.
Although e-mail may currently be the easiest form of communication there really is nothing like receiving a stamped letter amongst your pile of bills and direct marketing fliers. You sit down and savor the opening of the envelope and appreciate the time it took the sender to create such a heartfelt sentiment. For those of you at a loss for the perfect gift that keeps on giving, why not say it in writing or, better yet, encourage more hand written sentiments with the gift of fine stationery.
The following is a list provided by Crane's fine stationery regarding the traditional uses of stationery.

Informal Notes- Folded once, and starting in size from the smallest mailable note (5"x71/2"), this paper is used for brief correspondence: thanking for wedding presents, a dinner, responding to informal dinner invitations.

Correspondence Cards- These stiff cards come in five sizes and are perfect for brief thanks, so brief that you don't need to use the back. Your name or monogram is engraved at the top or top corner.

Formal Letter Sheets- This folded sheet is double the size of an informal, but folds forward a second time to fit in the same size envelope as an informal. This larger size note allows you to expand on your thank-you thoughts.

Thank You Notes- These sentiments may be written on any of the above stationery. A thank you note is a gift in and of itself and should be handled as soon after the need for it arises. A tardy thank-you says to the benefactor that you were too busy to thank them for their kindness and if you know you're late, and the person you are writing knows it; don't apologize for being late as it will change the whole tone your note. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to writing thank-you notes. Crane's (our authority in hand-written correspondence and etiquette) prefer to follow this rough guideline.