How to be a Good House Guest: Holiday Visitor Etiquette Tips Visiting family and friends during the holidays is a time-honored tradition. However, if you’re invited to stay as a guest in someone’s home, it’s important to remember the basics of house guest etiquette to ensure you don’t accidentally overstep your bounds. Here are some simple tips to make sure you’re the perfect holiday house guest.
Be Considerate
It’s important to be respectful of your host’s home, coming and going quietly and treating their things with care. If you’re ever unsure of something, it’s always best to ask. That way, you’ll avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications. Here are some other ways to be considerate when you’re a house guest:
• Follow house rules
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Don’t leave a mess
• Respect the host’s privacy
Be Respectful
No one likes to feel taken advantage of. If you’re a guest in someone’s home, make sure you’re respectful and don’t push your luck. Here are some other tips to show respect when you’re a house guest:
• Respect their house – don’t wander around uninvited
• Don’t be argumentative – even if you don’t agree
• Stay in the designated area – don’t just assume you can explore everywhere
• Don’t pass judgement – don’t criticize the way your host runs their house
Help Out
Your hosts need some help when you’re a guest in their house. Be sure to lend a helping hand with tasks around the house. Whether it’s doing the dishwasher, helping to make dinner, or just tidying up, always be willing to pitch in. Here are some other ways in which you can help around the house:
• Offer to run errands
• Offer to fill up the guest bedroom
• Help with laundry
• Cook a special dish
Bring a Gift
Your hosts will appreciate a special present to thank them for having you. Choose something personal that they will enjoy and that won’t take up a lot of space. Here are some ideas of presents you can give your hosts:
• A nice bottle of wine or their favorite spirit
• A box of their favorite chocolates
• A bouquet of flowers
• A small decorative item for their home
Be Appreciative
Whether you stay for a weekend or for a whole week, your hosts will appreciate it if you’re genuinely thankful and appreciative of their hospitality. Thank them for their generosity and let them know how much it means to you. Here are some other ways to express your appreciation when you’re a house guest:
• Leave a thank you note
• Post a review – once you’re back home, post a review of the host and the time you spent with them
• Offer to treat them to dinner
• Send them a thank you card when you get home
Follow Up
When all is said and done, make sure to follow up with your hosts. Even if it’s just a phone call or a quick text, it’s nice to let them know that you enjoyed your stay and that you appreciated their hospitality. Here are some other ways to follow up with your host:
• Send a postcard with a few words of thanks
• Offer to help out with any projects they’re working on
• Take them out to lunch/dinner
• Send them a thank you gift
Remembering these simple tips when you’re a guest in someone’s home can make all the difference. Your hosts will appreciate your thoughtfulness and it will ensure that your visit is a pleasant and memorable one. So the next time you’re invited to stay, keep these etiquette tips in mind, and you’ll be the perfect holiday house guest.
