Follow the basic thank you note formula: say thank you, mention the flowers, and say what they meant to you. Be specific ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

I find it impractical to spend a couple hundred dollars on a floral arrangement that will soon be dead, and would prefer to ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with money in it, rather ...

Dear Miss Manners: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

Miss Manners agrees that ultimatums with friends can be awkward, but in this case, a time limit would have been helpful. Or ...