How do I write a thank you note for...

ejchristian86

... an antique teacup? Apparently it's a very traditional engagement gift (at least in my family) but I don't drink tea, haven't had a tea party since I was like 4, and don't even have any place to display it or keep it safe. I realize it's probably a family heirloom, and it came from a family member who is very easily offended (she didn't speak to my family for like 6 years after we didn't come to her husband's birthday party once), so I want to thank her properly, but I don't know where to start.

mollyehren

Even if your not wild about the gift you definitly got come up with a bordererline sappy thankyou. If you have a family heirloom diplay box maybe put it in that?

Simply Fated

Dear X, Thank you so much for the teacup! It is such a thoughtful gift and I can not wait until I find the perfect place to display such a lovely antique. Love, X and X

ejchristian86

You, madam, have hit the nail squarely on the head, and I award you a thousand Internet points for your effort.

And a few hundred thousand more for your signature image. I DW as well, and am in fact sending out my invitations in a distinctive little blue envelope

Avion22

In this case I think it's important to consider the emotional quality of a gift.  This teacup was not given to you to drink tea out of.  It was given to you as part of a family tradition that has stretched back generations, and presumably belonged to several female members of your family before it was given to you.   The giver obviously cares very much about you to include you in this tradition.  

I would say something like:

"Dear X,

I am incredibly touched by the lovely teacup.   It means so much to me that you thought to include me in this faimly tradition.  Every time I look at it I will think of you and all of the other women in our family.   I can't wait to display it in my new home, and someday in the future pass it on to my daughter or niece.   

Love,

X"

Mrs.B6302007

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_write-thank-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:67a90f2c-694a-4f5e-a5f9-d2ae92742004Post:e68182a5-73ca-43d1-8e36-4c18bff891df">How do I write a thank you note for...</a>:
[QUOTE]... an antique teacup? Apparently it's a very traditional engagement gift (at least in my family) but I don't drink tea,<strong> haven't had a tea party since I was like 4,</strong> and don't even have any place to display it or keep it safe. I realize it's probably a family heirloom, and it came from a family member who is very easily offended (she didn't speak to my family for like 6 years after we didn't come to her husband's birthday party once), so I want to thank her properly, but I don't know where to start.
Posted by ejchristian86[/QUOTE]

I think the suggestions above are good.  Focus on the tradition and sentiment behind the gift.

I get that tea isn't your thing but something about this post, especially the bolded sentence, comes off snooty to me. Tea cups aren't childish so I don't get the point of that sentence being necessary to your post.  I mean, we ALL get gifts that we secretly (secretly being the key word) think "What am I supposed to do with THIS?" but a gift is more than just an item - it's a special thought and in this case, I think the thought is lovely.   It just sounds like you're only thinking about the tea cup rather than the thought behind it.  It's coming across as very unappreciative and that you're only "grateful" because you don't want her to be mad rather than being grateful that she choose YOU to be the recipient of a family heirloom, whether you will actually display it or not.

jessicabessica

I agree with Mrs.B.  Also, if you're finding this thank you note difficult, writing many of the rest of your thank you notes may get rough.  

marriedfilingjointly

Ditto Mrs. B and Jessica.  You seem really bitter about this gift.  I suggest you make haste in learning how to accept gifts graciously.  

::recalls writing a TY card for the 6th Johnson & Johnson baby wash/lotion set Josie received and wondering if anyone reads the news::