Appropriate Way to Say "Thank You" to People Who Have Provided Dinners?

As someone who recently was the giver in a similar situation, I feel like the person who is having meals made for them probably doesn't have the energy to write letters either! My opinion is that an email thanks is fine, with a followup when the announcements are ready if you like.

I think a hand-written thank you note would be sufficient. If they've provided you dinners then they already know how stressful your life is and that you honestly don't have time to be running out and buying gifts to show appreciation. A lovely hand-written note is absolutely acceptable.

Also, remember how great it felt to having caring neighbors and always ALWAYS 'pay it forward' to those in need. I'm a big believer in karma!

I'm late getting in on this one, but want to add my opinion. I just took a meal to a couple last night. She had surgery a week ago and people in our church are taking turns providing meals while she recuperates. Both of them thanked me while I was there delivering the meal, and that was plenty good enough for me. Then I saw the husband at a church meeting tonight and he thanked me again and told me how good the food was. That was over and above, but still appreciated. I personally feel a mailed thank you note is more than is needed in these situations.
By the way, when taking food to someone, it is much better to find a way to take it in containers that don't require the people to have to return anything. I purchased a package of the 9 X 12 aluminum pans and those work for most things. You can also save various plastic containers to hold some food items.

I agree that a thank you note (with your handwritten appreciation) is the way to go. But please separate this note from the birth announcement. Each sentiment deserves its own focus. Best wishes to you!!!

EDIT: Thought I would add...when I give someone a home-cooked meal, I INSIST that they do not send any thank you cards or notes. I tell them it's part of the gift -- no thank you necessary! If any of your friends do this, please take it seriously and do not send a note.

A handwritten note is perfect. I wouldn't wait for the announcements. Just do it separate.

Hand written note all the way, and don't wait. Too much time gone by doesn't send the message of how much you truly appreciate the sentiment. Congrats on your new baby!

A simple hand-written note would be lovely. I found that if I kept thank you notes in a basket with a pen & stamps, my phone book & grabbed the phone before sitting to nurse, I could get a few notes done here & there while feeding my little guy. It is a nice way to acknowledge their work & only takes a few minutes if you have everything together in the beginning. The hardest part is usually following through to get it mailed or dropped off. :)

Congrats on your new baby!
D.

Personally, I'd send thank you cards to everyone who helped since cards really show that you put some thought into thanking them. If you're interested, I work with a company that allows you to create personalized greeting cards to send as thank you's or any other kind of card. You could even send your birth announcements this way with a picture of your new baby on the front or inside. I'd be happy to give you some more information if you're interested.

P.S. This is great for holiday cards too!

I am late on this one. I recently was a receiver of dinners. I thanked everyone in person when they delivered dinner-many of these people were strangers to me. And then I wrote a thank you note and put it in the school newspaper. it was my son that had surgery. And-we have paid it forward. When someone needs something, and a stranger takes it on themselves to do something nice, it means alot.

I couldn't have said it better than MR.....a nice handwrtten thank you card is sufficient