Imagine ... you’ve been invited to stay at a friend’s house for the weekend. You’re excited, maybe a little nervous, and wondering how to ensure you’re the perfect guest. After all, being in someone else’s home is different from staying at a hotel. There are unspoken rules, small courtesies, and subtle expectations that can make the difference between being warmly welcomed back or subtly avoided in the future.
So, how do you strike the perfect balance? Let’s go through the essential do’s and don’ts of being a gracious guest and discover how to be a good house guest.
What to Bring Along
First impressions matter, and arriving empty-handed is never a great look. A thoughtful gift goes a long way in showing your appreciation. A bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a scented candle, or even a bouquet of flowers are classic choices. If you know your host’s tastes, tailor your gift accordingly - perhaps some nice coffee beans if they’re a coffee enthusiast or a book they might enjoy. If they have children, bringing a small treat for them is a thoughtful touch, and if pets are in the house, a little snack for their furry friend wouldn’t go amiss either.
Additionally, consider bringing something practical for your stay, such as your own toiletries, a towel, and any personal necessities so that you’re not constantly asking your host for things. If you’re planning to stay more than a couple of nights, you might also offer to contribute something tangible - maybe bringing along some breakfast items or offering to cook a meal one evening. Thoughtfulness like this truly defines how to be a good house guest.
Using the Bathroom
One of the trickiest spaces to navigate as a guest is the bathroom. Some hosts are meticulous about their bathrooms, while others take a more relaxed approach. Either way, a good rule of thumb is to leave it as you found it or ideally, even better. Wipe down the sink after use, don’t leave hair in the shower or sink, and always replace the toilet roll if you finish it. If you’re staying overnight, keep your toiletries neatly stored instead of sprawling them across the counter. And for heaven’s sake, always ask if you’re unsure about the hot water system - nothing’s worse than an unexpected cold shower at an ungodly hour.
It’s also polite to be mindful of hot water usage, especially if multiple people need to use the shower. Taking an excessively long shower can be inconsiderate, particularly in homes with smaller water tanks.
Dining Etiquette
Mealtimes can be a minefield if you’re not careful. If your host has prepared a meal, be gracious and appreciative, there’s nothing more disheartening than spending hours cooking only for a guest to barely touch their food. If you have dietary restrictions, give your host a heads-up well in advance so they don’t prepare something you can’t eat.
Offer to help set the table or wash up afterwards, it’s a small gesture but makes a big difference. If it’s a more formal setting, take cues from your host: wait until they start eating, avoid speaking with your mouth full, and for the love of all things civilised, don’t double-dip the hummus.
If you’re staying multiple nights, it’s polite to offer to take your host out for a meal or contribute in some way. This could mean buying some groceries, ordering takeaway one evening, or making a home-cooked dish to give your host a break. Small gestures like this reinforce how to be a good house guest.
Children and Pets: Extra Considerations
If your host has children, be mindful of their routines. Some children have strict bedtimes, and it’s not ideal if you’re being overly loud past that hour. If you’re bringing your own kids, ensure they behave appropriately, no running riot through the house, no sticky fingers on the walls, and definitely no tantrums at the dinner table.
The same courtesy extends to pets. If your host has a dog or cat, don’t feed them table scraps unless explicitly given permission. Some pets have special diets, and you don’t want to be responsible for an upset stomach or a scolding from the vet. If you have allergies, mention this ahead of time rather than suffering through a weekend of sneezes and watery eyes.
If your host has a pet that seems a bit wary of strangers, don’t force interaction. Let the animal come to you in its own time rather than trying to cuddle it immediately.
Respecting House Rules
Every home has its own set of rules, and as a guest, it’s your responsibility to adapt to them. Some households prefer shoes off at the door, while others have particular guidelines around meal times or noise levels. Pay attention to your host’s habits and follow their lead.
If there are shared living spaces, be mindful of how you use them. Don’t sprawl your belongings across the living room, and always clean up after yourself in communal areas. Even if your host insists that you “make yourself at home,” remember that their home is not a hotel, and consideration goes a long way. Understanding and respecting boundaries is key to knowing how to be a good house guest.
Small Thoughtful Gestures That Make a Big Difference
Leave a Sweet Note – A handwritten note expressing gratitude before you leave is a charming touch that makes a lasting impression.
Offer to Take a Walk Together – If your host enjoys a morning or evening walk, offer to accompany them. It’s a great way to bond and show appreciation.
Bring Fresh Pastries or Breakfast Supplies – Bringing something for breakfast the next morning, like fresh croissants or fruit, can make your host’s morning much easier and more enjoyable.
Knowing When to Leave
The golden rule of visiting: don’t overstay your welcome. There’s an art to knowing when to leave. Pay attention to subtle cues. If your host starts tidying up, yawning, or making remarks about an early morning, it’s time to wrap things up. If you’ve stayed overnight, don’t drag out your departure. A lingering guest can be exhausting, even if you’ve been an absolute delight.
A good practice is to express gratitude before leaving. A simple “thank you for having me, I had a wonderful time” goes a long way. If you’ve stayed more than a night, consider sending a follow-up message or even a handwritten note as a token of appreciation.
Post-Visit Etiquette
Once you’ve left, a little follow-up can go a long way in cementing goodwill. Send a quick message thanking your host again and perhaps even mention something you particularly enjoyed, whether it was a lovely meal, a great conversation, or a fun activity.
If you accidentally damaged something during your stay, be upfront about it and offer to replace or repair it. Most hosts will appreciate the honesty rather than discovering a broken mug or stained cushion after you’ve gone.
Final Thoughts
Being a guest in someone’s home is a privilege, not a right. The key to a successful visit is simple: be considerate, be appreciative, and be adaptable. Small acts of kindness - offering to help, respecting house rules, and showing gratitude - make all the difference.
And remember, the best guests are those who leave with their hosts thinking, “I’d love to have them back.” If you follow these guidelines, you’ll never have to wonder how to be a good house guest again!
If you know someone who might find this helpful, don’t keep it to yourself—please share it.
You never know how much of a difference it could make in someone’s life.
Liked what you read? I'd appreciate if you bought me a coffee - it encourages me to keep writing helpful articles like this one. Just click the link below to send a small tip my way. It's quick and secure! Thank you very much!
Comments
Post a Comment