How to Be an Awesome House Guest

In this post I talked about being a good host, and likewise I think it’s just as important to practice good house guest etiquette. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re staying with someone else this holiday season.

How to Be a Good House Guest

Remember, you’re not staying in a hotel!

There’s a huge difference between staying in someone’s guest room and staying in a hotel. Don’t conflate the two. Be mindful of the mess and noise you make, and always practice being considerate. Don’t leave a huge mess for your poor host to have to clean-up after you leave.

It’s better to be flexible than demanding.

Never be that guest that makes your host regret agreeing to be a host. Practice flexibility and do not be demanding. While a really great host will likely have extra toiletries, snacks, and a list of travel recommendations, don’t expect it. And I hope we all know by now that if you have a specific brand you prefer, you’ll bring it yourself and not complain if your host doesn’t have it on hand.

Be mindful of house rules and customs.

Always check with your host about their house rules and customs. Are they a shoe-less household? Are they strict with how they sort their trash? Do they prefer toilet lids down or up? Just be mindful! 

Communicate your plans. 

Be very clear when you are arriving and when you are leaving. Give as clear an itinerary as you can. This helps the host plan and prepare for meals.

Communicate your food requirements.

If you have them, share them. It seems like everyone is on some sort of diet or has some sort of food allergy. Guests should make it known in advance what their eating restrictions and food allergies are. In general, I do find that the stricter the diet, the more food you should bring with you so as to not burden your host.

Bring something to share. 

Don’t worry about cooking something. It could be a great hunk of cheese or a good bottle of wine. Or a really fun game you know how to organize. Share some things you like with your hosts and let them get to know you better. Better yet, ask them if they’d like anything from where you’re coming from! Everyone always wants bagels from Brooklyn.

Lend a hand in the kitchen.  

Most hosts will absolutely love it if you help out in the kitchen. I know there are men out there who still think cooking and doing dishes are women’s work. Time to get over it.  Here are some of the tasks you can offer to help with:

• Wash the dishes or help with the dishwasher.
• Volunteer to get coffee going in the morning if you’re first up.
• Take out the trash and recyclables.
• Help wipe down the countertops or floor. 
• Heck, even keeping kids and pets out of the kitchen can be helpful!

Refresh everyone’s drink or offer to be the bartender.

A good rule of thumb – if you get up to get yourself another drink, always ask the table if anyone would like one too.

Don’t be a shower hog.

Anyone who takes over thirty minutes in a bathroom getting ready, especially if it’s the only bathroom in the house, needs to work on speeding things up. You don’t have to do everything. Shower, brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, and wash your face. You can style your hair, do your make-up, and get fully dressed in your room.

Clean-up after yourself.

When you leave, ask if the host would like you to strip the bed and deliver dirty towels to the laundry room. I love when guests do this, but I also know hosts who prefer you leave everything in your room. Never hurts to ask!

Assure your host how much you’re enjoying yourself.

Words of affirmation – most hosts who care will always be a little worried you’re not enjoying yourself in their home. I always tell them how lovely everything is and how great of a host they’re being!

And there you have it – all you need to know on how to be a good house guest no matter the occasion!