When you think about etiquette you may think about a Southern lady with a big pitcher of tea, welcoming you into her home.
Unfortunately etiquette is a dying talent. I’m sure there are a dozen factors for why this is disappearing but I know that I am sad to see it go. I was so glad to find- swimming out there in cyber space- someone who took the time to put together an article on how to be a gracious host, and even better a gracious guest. If you don’t have that wise man or woman in your life to help teach you the do’s and don’ts of staying or inviting someone into the home, check out this article on how to be a gracious host and guest.
Being a Gracious Host
The goal is to make your guests feel welcome and comforted, like they have space to be on their own while keeping the option for interacting with your household open.
A couple of days before your guests arrive, do a deep cleaning around the house, do laundry and stock up on essentials like toilet paper, paper towels and tissues. Giving yourself an extra day or two gives you time to deal with bumps and distractions that may arise.
Sending an email out to your guests with your information such as address, wifi password, telephone number and transportation information gives your guests the information they will be asking for, without having to ask for it.
If you have guests who are staying for a while, having a guest key is always nice. This allows them to come and go as they please, leaving them freedom in their schedule. This article suggests that you also leave a little note with fun places in the area to visit such as coffee shops, boutiques, sights and your favorite places to eat.
If you don’t have a guest room, the rule of thumb is to offer up your room-if possible with freshly washed linens and pillows. If you do have a guest room, make sure the bed is made and ready to go. It’s always nice to have a little treat (especially one that is location specific) on the pillow when they arrive.
Having some creature comforts are nice for guests. On the bedside table you may want to provide a couple of bottles of water, a candle and matches, tissues, a flower arrangement, travel lotion and lip balm and books or magazines.
Having a couple of premade meals in the fridge is helpful to your guests and for you! This helps you keep the dishes to a minimum (you can do them after you fix the meal and before your guests arrive) and gives your guests an easy to access option if they need a little snack or an impromptu meal.
When it’s time to say good-bye, don’t allow your guests to change their sheets or towels before they leave- even if they offer.
After their gone it’s great to follow up with an email or a letter to let them know that you enjoyed their visit.
Being a Gracious Guest
Your goal as a guest is to clean up after yourself and help your host as much as possible. Though your host may do everything for you, it’s always appreciated when you offer to do what you can. The key is to remember to be tidy and follow up everything with a thank you.
Sending your host your arrival information is always helpful, this way they can track your transportation information if you can’t update them and helps them prepare for your arrival.
Some sort of host gift is a must. It can be something simple that you bring with you or it can be something like taking them out for a meal or an activity. If your budget is tight you can always cook them a meal and do the dishes is a great option.
Again, the key is to clean up after yourself. Doing your dishes, making your bed and wiping down services after you use them is always helpful.
When you can’t find something, do not go poking around the house. Asking your host where you can find something is always the easiest way to avoid awkward situations so when in doubt, just ask.
If you plan on having a visitor while you’re staying in someone else’s home, ok it with your host first. It’s most polite to meet others outside of your host’s home when possible, especially if they’re not a mutual friend.
If you have a schedule when you’re in town, let your host know. It helps if you can supply them with a copy if it’s complicated. This helps them plan meals around you.
When you leave it is helpful if you can start the cleanup process. Stripping your bed sheets, stacking dirty towels and consolidating the dirty laundry in one space is great. Make sure you ask your host what is most helpful to them.
A thank you note or call is a must letting someone know that you appreciated your stay and their hospitality.
If you have any other tips to share, leave a comment below.
Check out the Full Article Here.
You have some really great tips going on here in your article, I have been a guest before and I naturally try to do the things that you mentioned but when it comes to being the host I never thought about having premade meals in the fridge and snacks that are pre-made for them to just grab at will. Thank you for the ideas keep up the good work.