Etiquette Tips from Polished Peyton
House Guest Etiquette
With summer on the horizon, it’s great time to talk about etiquette while being a house guest. Growing up in the same small town as past generations of my family, we rarely traveled to stay overnight with family or close friends. I didn’t really experience being a “guest” until I was in college. I remember calling my mom to tell her that I was going home for a weekend with a girl I had met in the dorm. I’m sure my mom ended our conversation saying, “Be kind and help out.” Twenty-five years later that advice still applies. Whether visiting a cousin for a beach weekend, overnighting at your in-laws, or caravanning to a college friend’s home, there are a few rules of courtesy to follow.
State your Dates
Always let your host know the dates of your visit. Three days is a good limit. Be sure to let your host know what time you will arrive and depart.
Bring a Gift
Present your host with a locally made gift from your hometown or something you know they love, whether a favorite wine, homemade treat, or fresh flowers. Taking your host out for a meal is also a much appreciated gesture.
Flowers thank you
Go with the Flow
Be excited for whatever your host has planned (or not planned). Bring a good book for relaxing and a pair of comfortable shoes for seeing the local sights. Be prepared to entertain yourself.
Put Away Your Phone
When at a guest home, treat your cell phone like you’re at the dinner table—don’t use it. Check emails and texts in the privacy of your room. If you’re expecting an important phone call, let your host know in advance that you might need to step away to take it. Time with your host should be your main priority.
Help Out
Make your bed, keep your bathroom clean, and always offer to help in the kitchen. Ask where your host would like dirty sheets and towels placed when you are leaving. If you brought children with you, get them out of the house for an hour or two, especially if your host is an empty nester.
Don’t Forget your Toothbrush
Most hosts have extra toiletries for guest, but try to bring everything you need. Use only a small amount of what they leave in the guest room. If you love a certain soap or lotion they set out, ask about it. That’s a great compliment to your host.
Please and Thank You
Say “thank you” when you arrange the visit, upon your arrival and your departure, and always follow up with a handwritten note. The words “please and “yes, please” are music to every ear. Use them often.
Enjoy Your Travels.
Most of us missed travel time with family and friends the past year. So this year it will be so much sweeter.
Jennifer Daniel is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and may be reached at Jennifer@polishedpeyton.com or visit her website at polishedpeyton.com.
