Etiquette: How to be a Good House Guest
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Learn the ABC of being a thoughtful guest
While we all know the basics of being a good guest – take gifts for the host family, thank them for their hospitality and invite them to visit you – it requires a little more consideration when the duration of your stay is for longer. It is important to realise that you are invading and intruding in someone else’s space. Here is a guide to some manners your must have and must display while being hosted for longer than a meal or an evening.
Fit in
Being a good guest means bringing minimum inconvenience to the host’s day-to-day family life. Get to know the house rules and the way things are done. Here again, open communication helps; ask about the timings for meals and what time they go to bed and wake up. While you might be on a holiday, they will have their work/school to attend, so try not to disturb their timings.
Being a good guest means bringing minimum inconvenience to the host’s day-to-day family life. Get to know the house rules and the way things are done. Here again, open communication helps; ask about the timings for meals and what time they go to bed and wake up. While you might be on a holiday, they will have their work/school to attend, so try not to disturb their timings.
You can also enquire about things like – if you can smoke in the house/guest-room, and if there are any specific things to keep in mind about their children or pet. But then asking about everything might be little uncomfortable, the wise thing to do here is to observe and pick up on simple rules. If they have a shoe rack at the entrance, take your shoes off before you go in. Basically, be mindful of the space they have created and try to blend in. Do they eat meals only in the dining room or do they sit in the living room in front of the TV to eat? While your host might want you to feel comfortable and not insist that you follow their ways, respect the house norms. They will appreciate it.
Help with chores
They have opened their home to you and the best way to show your appreciation is to be helpful while you are there. Yes, she might not let you do any chores but offer to help in the kitchen or to set the table. You can also carry out other simple tasks, such as watering the plants and going along for the grocery shopping.
They have opened their home to you and the best way to show your appreciation is to be helpful while you are there. Yes, she might not let you do any chores but offer to help in the kitchen or to set the table. You can also carry out other simple tasks, such as watering the plants and going along for the grocery shopping.
The best way to being a thoughtful guest is to clean up after yourself and your kids. After your meals, take your plates to the sink, tidy up your beds in the morning, do not leave used towels in the bathroom, instead put them out to dry.
Do as much as you can to keep the room you are staying in and the bathroom you are using, clean. And make sure your children also follow these basic courtesies. Your host might have a maid to help her around but not adding extra work to their daily routine will earn you brownie points for sure.
Tip: Take off the bed sheet, pillow covers and put then along with towels you have used in a pile at the corner of the room or in the laundry basket before you leave. If you are staying even longer, offer to do a cycle of laundry.
Time out for the host
If you are staying for more than a couple of days, make plans to get out of the house and give a bit of a breather to your hosts. Visit the must-see spots in the city or meet with other friends/relatives. Tell your host about your plans so they know when to expect you back home.
Treat your hosts
Take the family out for dinner/lunch; it will be a welcome break for your host from the kitchen. Another nice gesture would be to take their children out for a fun day. The parents can enjoy a relaxing day at home all by themselves, all thanks to you.
If you are staying for more than a couple of days, make plans to get out of the house and give a bit of a breather to your hosts. Visit the must-see spots in the city or meet with other friends/relatives. Tell your host about your plans so they know when to expect you back home.
Treat your hosts
Take the family out for dinner/lunch; it will be a welcome break for your host from the kitchen. Another nice gesture would be to take their children out for a fun day. The parents can enjoy a relaxing day at home all by themselves, all thanks to you.
Come prepared
While most hosts keep essentials, such as toiletries and towels for their guests, it is always better to carry your own supplies. And if you or anyone travelling with you requires a specific type of pillow or shampoo/soap, remember to pack these first.
In case you require new supplies, ask about the nearest store where you can buy them. Chances are, your host will happily give you a new toothbrush, but the gesture counts.
While most hosts keep essentials, such as toiletries and towels for their guests, it is always better to carry your own supplies. And if you or anyone travelling with you requires a specific type of pillow or shampoo/soap, remember to pack these first.
In case you require new supplies, ask about the nearest store where you can buy them. Chances are, your host will happily give you a new toothbrush, but the gesture counts.
Leave on a good note
While we all thank our host while leaving, how about doing a bit extra? Leave a thank you note (handwritten please) along with a thoughtful gift in the room. Pick something, which shows that you have put some thought into it. And be more expressive in your note. People always like compliments and it is always good to focus on the positives.
Read how to prepare your home for long-term guests
Tell us:
What etiquette have we missed out? Share with us in Comments below.
While we all thank our host while leaving, how about doing a bit extra? Leave a thank you note (handwritten please) along with a thoughtful gift in the room. Pick something, which shows that you have put some thought into it. And be more expressive in your note. People always like compliments and it is always good to focus on the positives.
Read how to prepare your home for long-term guests
Tell us:
What etiquette have we missed out? Share with us in Comments below.
You must always convey the duration of your stay to your hosts. That’s the first most important information they need and want. Then let your host know your travel details, such as train/flight schedule, well in advance. This way it will be easier for her and the family to plan their day around your arrival.