Whilst I can easily be defined as a Twitter-aholic, I do despair over the fact that having emails, texts, and instant messaging at home and on-the-go, has meant that the art of the handwritten word has been lost.
Not often do we pick up a pen and write a letter; and we have iPhones, tablets and computers electronically telling us where we have to be and what we have to do. No longer do most of us
write our schedules in beautiful diaries that we can keep and look back on for years to come.
It is time for us to appreciate the beauty of writing by hand; and the enjoyment that it can give.
Despite having a smartphone and every other time-keeping and communications gadget our planet possesses, I insist on using a beautiful pink leather Smythson diary to keep track of my busy schedule. There is nothing quite so simple and enjoyable as turning the pages to see what the next week has in store, or neatly jotting in that lunch date with a much loved friend.
The same with correspondence. Stationery can be such a lovely representation of who we are, and the buying of it opens up a whole new world of shopping. Why type out an email thanking someone for a beautiful present, when you can write them a letter with your own hand? I have several handwritten cards and letters of thanks that I have received from friends, and will treasure forever. I firmly believe in the power of the handwritten 'thank you' note. Sending words in the post is so much more personal, and the recipient will appreciate it all the more.
Ettiquette guide Debretts say that "Receiving a thoughtfully penned letter from a thoroughly modern girl should command delight. The impact is lost, however, if a piece of photocopier paper with the scrawl of a biro is extricated from a business envelope featuring the logo of an employer. Every sophisticate should have a stationary supply and stationary; as like clothing, it is an interface to personality."
When writing a letter or card, it is good practice to always include your address. Also, your sign-off (e.g. Best Wishes) should, as Debretts instructs, reflect your relationship with the recipient.
Some of my favourite places to buy stationary include Liberty department store in London. Their iconic Liberty print designs are beautiful.
I also adore the quirky card designs that Scribber stores stock nationwide. They have a wide range of fun slogans and chic prints; and i've popped many of them into a postbox in the past.
Next time you are going out shopping, remember you've got something new to add to your list.
A previous abridged version of this article by Laura Pearson-Smith appeared in Frost Magazine in 2010.