It feels like I’ve been on the road nonstop these past few weeks, so I really loved being home this weekend — birthday parties, laundry, website work, and catching up on something I’ve fallen a little behind on: note writing. I am certainly not the voice of etiquette in 2026, but I do think it’s an interesting conversation to have — when is it appropriate to write a letter these days? Especially when you’ve already sent a text?
Here are a few notes I'm catching up on today. Maybe it will inspire you to write on of your own.
A note of sympathy.
A dear friend lost her father last week, and I truly haven’t stopped thinking about her and her sweet mother. I did send a text, of course — but it didn’t feel like enough. At the same time, I didn’t want to overwhelm her with a phone call. In moments like this, you never want to add to someone’s plate while they’re grieving.
A handwritten note feels quieter. More lasting. I pulled out my favorite neutral folded notes and sat down to write. It felt appropriate in a way a text simply doesn’t.
Notes of thanks.
My kids were invited to a special birthday celebration this weekend — family only, a breakfast at the historic Peabody downtown. I felt genuinely flattered that we were included in something so intimate, and that felt worthy of a written thank-you.
We were also invited to an Olympic-themed cocktail party, and I’ll be sending a note to the host. The decor and thought that went into it were so fun and thoughtful. When someone spends their precious time creating something special for you, I really believe a handwritten thank-you — in addition to a text — is such a lovely gesture.
I also wrote notes to my cousin and aunt who hosted us in Charlotte last weekend for the baptism, and one to Blackberry Farm letting them know what a wonderful experience we had. I made sure to mention the staff members who went above and beyond. Writing notes like that is such an easy opportunity to make someone’s day. Why not take five extra minutes to recognize excellence?
These are simply my thoughts, but I truly believe the handwritten note is more meaningful today than it was decades ago. In a sea of quick messages and instant replies, it stands out. It requires intention. It requires time.
On another note (pun intended), our Heirloom Baby Collection is launching this week. If you’re building your stationery wardrobe from scratch, I designed the small sheets in this collection to be incredibly versatile — perfect for sympathy, thanks, or everyday correspondence.
The fonts are timeless. I especially love Richmond — that crisp sans-serif paired with organic, imperfect handwriting feels so chic to me.
These are simply my thoughts, but I truly believe the handwritten note is more meaningful today than it was decades ago. In a sea of quick messages and instant replies, it stands out. It requires intention. It requires time.
If this weekend inspires you to write even one note, I would love that. And please always feel free to reach out with questions — I truly love talking about all things stationery.
xx,
Jody
This Victorian stationery box is so gorgeous! So chic to store your notes, pens, and postage!
Favorite pens on amazon!
I love these new sunflower postage stamps!