With the holidays here, will you be hosting guests or staying with family or friends? Host and guest etiquette is something everyone needs at some point. With preparation, communication and small touches all parties will feel comfortable. Because we all want to avoid awkward situations while still making heartfelt memories, right? With these tips, a return invitation will be extended instead of a sigh of relief when you leave.
Here is some insight on host and guest etiquette:
Guests:
1. Provide Travel Information Ahead of Time
Providing arrival and departure information, along with any itinerary or dietary restrictions, helps the host plan around guests needs, including transportation and meals.
2. Ask What To Do With Your Sheets
The most common asked guest question is how to handle used linen. Hostesses either appreciate the guest removing used bed linens and others prefer to do it themselves. If not advised, kindly ask.
3. Always Offer to Help
The most common hostess request is for guests to tidy up after themselves. Guests, offer to help with preparation of meals, dishes, laundry, etc.
4. Bring a Gift
A hostess gift is a must, such as flowers, bottle of wine, offer to take everyone out for a meal or activity, or cooking a meal at home. A thank-you note, call or email is another must. Take the time to let the host know how much you appreciated their hospitality.
Hosts:
1. Advise of Rules and Coffee Instructions
Hostesses kindly communicate helpful information, such as how to operate the television and coffee maker, and any house rules, such as where to smoke or not wearing shoes in the home, what to do with used linen, etc.
2. Have Special Touches Ready to Go
Guests will feel special with these small touches: a welcome note with key, city and attraction information, WIFI password, power strip with surge protection, fresh linens on the bed, accessible extra blanket(s) and pillow(s), slippers, toiletries, hair dryer, digital clock, bedside light with books and magazines, carafe of water with glass, candle/matches, flowers, midnight snack bag, hall nightlight, trashcan, fan or heater, and snacks for the road.
Wishing you safe travels and fun visits!
What other etiquette questions do you have? Please leave a comment below!
About the Author
Beverly Randolph
Beverly Randolph, MA, is the Founder & Director of The Protocol School of Indianapolis and a certified Business Etiquette, Children's Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant. Beverly lives in Carmel and is an Adjunct Instructor at Marian University teaching business-related courses. Have any etiquette dilemmas? For more information, email Beverly at [email protected]