How to be the Perfect House Guest
The holidays are wonderful yet can often create stress and lots of work. Maintaining an attitude of grace and joy can be stretched to the limit. Often, the stress created during the holidays can come from the guests in our homes.
The host and hostess have typically put in many hours of hard work preparing their home, laying out guest towels, stocking up on needed essentials, cooking and of course cleaning. Knowing that you are going to have guests in your home requires planning and smooth execution. Great entertaining does not happen by itself.
My mother taught me the importance of being a great house guest. Whether I am staying overnight or just for a a few hours, being a guest in someones home comes with some responsibility. Your host and hostess will greatly appreciate the effort made by a house guest with good manners.
Here are some tried and true House Guest Tips:
- Bringing a small gift is always a lovely touch. Nothing over-the-top, just a little something that says, "thank you".
- When you arrive, do not place all of your bags, etc. on the kitchen counter. Most likely they have cleaned this surface for the food preparation. Ask where you should place your belongings.
- If staying overnight, wait to be shown to your room and then place your things neatly either in the closet or tucked away in the corner. Do NOT place your bags on a freshly made bed.
- Fold back the nice bedspread prior to sleeping and place the decorative pillows neatly on the floor.
- Please do NOT wad up your wet towels and leave them on the floor or on the carpet! Hang your used towel up when finished with it each day.
- Ask if it is alright to eat or drink in your bedroom. Some prefer you not to do this so make sure you ask.
- Keep your room tidy throughout your stay. Others may be touring the home and your sloppy ways are not appreciated.
- Make your bed daily. This is just good manners.
- Before you leave, ask if you should strip your bed and where to place the linens.
- Wipe out the sink.
- Don't allow yourself to be over-served with alcohol. Sure you might be staying, yet a sloppy, slurring guest is never fun nor attractive.
- Fore Pete's sake, OFFER to help. Clean out the dishwasher, clear or set the table, take out the trash, or anything that can help. Whatever you do, don't just sit on your duff and expect to be waited on for everything. This can get old quickly.
- Write a thank you note after you get home. Always a good thing to do!
Being a great house guest will most likely insure that you may be invited back! These things are the right thing to do and will be so appreciated. Being a house guest comes with responsibility. Show your good manners this holiday season!
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