How to Be an Awesome Houseguest

With the holidays coming up, chances are you might be staying at someone’s house. While it’s great to have a free place to stay, it could also be filled with tension. Here are a few tips to ensure that your stay is pleasant and that you keep from irritating your hostess. (Not that you would do that.)

Bring Your Own Pillow
You may be staying on the couch or a pull-out bed, and bringing your own pillow will help you get a good night’s sleep.

Bring a Hostess Gift
Even if your lovely hostess refuses, you should bring a simple gift to let her know that you appreciate the fact that she’s opening her home up to you. Ideas for this gift could be candles, gift cards, stationery set, food items, wine, or something personal you know your hostess would like.

Watch What You Say
Resist the urge to offer helpful “tips” to your hostess while she is baking or preparing your room. Even if she refuses help, don’t badger her about “making you feel bad” that she’s doing it all herself. She’s trying to be hospitable, so make sure you do the same and gauge what you say. A simple suggestion might be taken as bossiness or rudeness on your part.

Be Mindful of Your Hostess’ Time
You may feel comfortable gabbing until two or three in the morning, but pay attention to signs that your hostess may be tired and not up for it. After all, she’s not going to tell you “no,” so it’s up to you to be mindful.

Offer to Help
It’s not unreasonable to help out with the meal or cleaning when you’re staying with someone. Always offer a hand, which your hostess will probably decline. But that’s okay. Just making the offer will make her happy.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Just because you’re welcome for “a few days” doesn’t mean you should stretch it to a week. Get a hotel or stay with someone else if you need to extend your trip.

Send a Thank You Card
Thank you cards may seem old-fashioned to some, but I believe it’s still a nice way to acknowledge the effort your hostess put forward in order to accommodate you. She didn’t have to do that, so be sure to let her know you appreciate it with a handwritten note she will cherish long after you leave. A thank you card also leaves a lasting, positive impression. So if you committed a gaffe or two during your stay, she’ll remember your gratefulness instead.

Image: sxc.hu.