While those who believe in brutal honesty at all times may not agree, I'm a big believer in the little white lie to keep the peace. I became an expert in writing flowery thank you notes to my stepmother for the atrocities she sent me (not quilts, but other things, mostly crafts). There was always something to praise, be it the colors (or one of the colors), the time she spent, her thoughtfulness in sending me a gift, etc.
It takes so little effort and means so much to the recipient. The strategically applied little white lie can avoid friction and please the sender who, after all, had generous thoughts in mind when they chose to send the gift to you.