HOW TO WRITE A LETTER

Etiquette expert Karen “Manners Are Sexy” Cleveland offers a modern lady’s guide to penning the perfect piece of post.

1. Do a test run. “Grab some scrap paper and test out what you want to say. This avoids wasting precious stationery when you’re stuck with what to say or how you want to articulate yourself.”

2. set aside some time. “While it takes literally seconds to fire off a text, writing a letter takes time. Plan to sit down (fancy that!) and commit to a few moments of time. I like to write a few letters at a time, as it’s easier once you get into a groove. Some good music, a cozy spot and some tea or wine don’t hurt, either.”

3. balance your message. “The best letters strike a balance of updating the person you are writing to and inciting a discussion with a few questions. If you carry on ad nauseam about yourself and don’t bother to ask a few questions of the recipient, it might come across as a bit self-important.”